Saad is available for hire
Hire SaadSaad Minhas
Verified Expert in Design
Designer
Berlin, Germany
Toptal member since May 7, 2020
Bio
Saad is a seasoned design leader with over 18 years of expertise in marketing design and branding, including 8+ years specializing in UI/UX design, primarily within the SaaS product space. He is known for leading teams to create impactful digital experiences that drive growth and elevate user engagement.
Experience
- Branding - 15 years
- Marketing Design - 15 years
- Brand Guidelines - 15 years
- Branding System - 15 years
- Systems Design - 10 years
- Brand Strategy - 8 years
- Lead Generation - 8 years
- Digital Branding - 8 years
Portfolio
Delivery Platform Product Strategy and Design
Product DesignStrategic DesignMobile UI DesignUX ResearchMobile UX DesignQuantitative Research+ 31 more
Work Experience
Head of Design
2024 - 2026
Thrive State
- Led the complete brand and digital experience direction for Thrive State, a Dubai real estate investment advisory brand entering a highly competitive market with no established brand equity.
- Developed the rebrand strategy, visual identity system, and brand guidelines to create a premium, trustworthy presence for high-value buyers, investors, brokers, and referral partners.
- Designed the UX and UI structure for buyer-facing and investor-facing digital experiences, including property discovery, lead capture, consultation pathways, and investor education journeys.
- Created a conversion-focused lead generation funnel to support buyer and investor acquisition from launch, aligning messaging, interface flow, trust signals, and campaign touch points.
- Built a scalable design system covering typography, color, components, page patterns, campaign assets, and reusable content structures across web, sales, and marketing channels.
- Directed marketing design output across digital campaigns, landing pages, property catalog content, broker-facing material, referral assets, and investor-facing communication.
- Structured the brand messaging system around trust, market authority, Dubai investment clarity, and high-ticket real estate decision-making.
- Helped reposition an internal real estate CRM from an operations tool into a white-label, subscription-ready product opportunity for agencies, brokers, and sales teams.
- Designed AI-ready CRM UX patterns for structured client data, lead summaries, follow-up prompts, property matching workflows, and role-based sales visibility.
- Worked across brand strategy, product UX, UI design, funnel architecture, CRM productization, and design governance to create a commercially aligned digital ecosystem.
Technologies: Rebranding, Conversion, Lead Generation, Branding, Design Leadership, Web App UX, Web App Design, Branding System, Systems Design, Creative Strategy, Project Management, UX Design, Strategic Design, User Journeys, Team Leadership, Design Systems, System Design
Design Director | Creative Strategist
2019 - 2025
Freelance
- Designed a platform-based product strategy for DHL in the context of 2030 urban living.
- Designed a digital solution for the offline customers of Kloeckner.
- Worked on a research and analysis study for solving/recycling the discarded scooters of Lime Scooter.
- Designed a qualitative research study for Deutsche Post to enhance customer experience.
- Art-directed the complete brand experience design for a luxury yacht club in Dubai.
- Discovered complex problems and converted them into easy digital human-centered solutions.
- Oversaw the end-to-end design process from quantitative research to creating personas, journey mapping, storyboards, ideation, prototyping, and user testing.
- Led the end-to-end design process from quantitative research to creating personas, journey mapping, storyboards, ideation, prototyping, and user testing.
- Delivered environmental design and destination brand identity exercise for Dubai Public Parks under Dubai Municipality.
Technologies: Adobe Photoshop, Figma, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Visual Design, Brand Books, Identity Design, Calligraphy, Presentation Design, Marketing Materials, Solution Design, Digital Branding, Rebranding, InDesign CC, Blockchain & Cryptocurrency, Printing, Mobile Design, Web Design, Brand Strategy, WordPress, Webflow, Strategy, Customer Experience, Web, Print, Adobe CC, SaaS, Creative Direction, Digital Marketing, Design Leadership, User Personas, Software as a Service (SaaS), Templates, Digital Design, User Flows, eCommerce UI, eCommerce UX, Landing Pages, UI Audits, UX Audits, UIKit, Package Design, Web UX Design, Design Documentation, Agile CRM, Website Design, Web Platforms, Product Strategy, Framer, Adobe Creative Suite, PowerPoint Design, Branding System, Systems Design, Creative Strategy, UX Design, Strategic Design, User Journeys, Design Systems, System Design
Mockup Designer
2024 - 2024
TigerEye
- Developed a comprehensive visual style, including new UI components for marketing use, image selection, and graphics, to ensure consistent branding across all marketing materials.
- Enhanced product showcases for marketing website, optimizing images for web, social media, and pitch decks to improve user experience.
- Created eye-catching social media graphics to increase brand visibility and engagement on platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.
- Humanized the brand through visual storytelling, incorporating human elements into the visual style to foster a connection with target users.
- Elevated the overall visual appeal of the product visuals, making it more memorable and distinctive, and contributed to increased brand awareness and recognition.
Technologies: Graphic Design, Mockups, Visual Design, Marketing Design, SaaS Product Marketing
Graphic Designer
2024 - 2024
MVP Tech G.T.LLC
- Developed intuitive design layouts to facilitate easy navigation and ensure clear, logical presentation of information.
- Selected and directed the use of high-quality images, icons, and infographics to visually enhance the brochure and effectively convey complex information.
- Ensured all design elements adhered to MVP Tech's brand guidelines, maintaining a consistent and professional look throughout the brochure.
- Enhanced the brochure with custom diagrams and charts that complemented the textual content, making the information more accessible and engaging.
- Prepared the final brochure in a print-ready format, ensuring all elements met professional printing standards for a polished and high-quality end product.
Technologies: Illustration, Adobe InDesign, Report Design, Presentation Design, Graphic Design, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Creative Suite, PowerPoint Design
Graphic Designer
2023 - 2023
Solidarity Hall Inc.
- Uplifted branding and visual language to create a timeless visual direction for the client's needs.
- Created a layout system and grid which can be used for any additional graphic use to maintain a cohesive visual identity.
- Delivered an editable digital document that can be used and edited by the client on Google Docs.
Technologies: Adobe InDesign, Document Design, Graphic Design, Report Design, Visual Design, Adobe Illustrator, Marketing Materials, Printing, Data Visualization, Web, Print, Adobe CC, Brochures, Adobe Suite, Software as a Service (SaaS), Adobe Creative Suite, PowerPoint Design
Graphic and Brand Guidelines Designer (via Toptal)
2020 - 2022
ADLINK Technology
- Orchestrated ADLink's rebranding strategy and engineered a modern identity design and visual language for ADLink for global consistency.
- Transformed ADLink's brand aesthetic to boost stakeholder engagement with a focus on modern design elements.
- Defined and updated ADLink's brand guidelines for enhanced consistency across all touchpoints.
- Developed presentation templates in PowerPoint for ADLink's brand storytelling, enhancing their presence.
- Leveraged Adobe Creative Suite—InDesign and Illustrator—for ADLink's multi-colorway designs, ensuring a cohesive visual identity.
- Created digital design assets for ADLink's online platforms, enhancing user experience and engagement.
- Designed event materials for ADLink, ensuring brand consistency in both digital and physical environments.
- Delivered a comprehensive brand book with source files and usable graphic assets, encompassing all components of complete branding guidelines.
Technologies: Branding, Graphic Design, Visual Design, Brand Guidelines, Template Design, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Illustration, Presentations, Brochures, Web Design, Brand Strategy, WordPress, Data Visualization, Customer Experience, Print, Adobe CC, User Personas, Adobe Suite, Software as a Service (SaaS), Templates, Digital Design, User Flows, UI Audits, UIKit, Agile CRM, Website Design, Web Platforms, Quantitative Research, Adobe Creative Suite, PowerPoint Design, Branding System
Design Director
2014 - 2019
Tango Media Innovation
- Headed the agency's flagship accounts: Dubai Municipality, ADNOC Petroleum Group, Dunkin Donuts, Diamond Developers, and some FMCG accounts.
- Led the creative and production team. Worked closely with strategy to develop concrete design solutions that aligned with the brief.
- Managed B2B, B2C, and B2G design and communication channels across 360 degrees of design and advertising.
- Led the presentation and briefings for the agency.
- Art directed still photoshoots and video production for TVCs.
- Defined core brand KPIs and maintain overall brand growth position.
- Drove the development and communication of clear design guidelines, patterns, libraries, and assets.
Technologies: InVision Studio, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Visual Design, Brand Books, Identity Design, Presentation Design, Marketing Materials, Print Design, Brand Management, Rebranding, InDesign CC, Icon Design, Typography, Printing, Brand Identity, Brand Strategy, WordPress, Data Visualization, Strategy, Customer Experience, Web, Adobe CC, Enterprise Design, SaaS, Print Media, Brochures, Creative Direction, Print Marketing, Marketing, Signage, Digital Marketing, Agency, Creative Advertising, Signage Design, Marketing Design, Marketing Collateral Development, Print Marketing Design, Design Leadership, Adobe Suite, Software as a Service (SaaS), Diagrams, Templates, Digital Design, Social Media Design, Landing Pages, UI Audits, UX Audits, UIKit, Luxury, Label Design, Magazines, Package Design, Web UX Design, Website Design, Web Platforms, Event Design, Brochure Design, Branding System, Creative Strategy, Project Management, Team Leadership
Art Director
2010 - 2012
EnjazDezine
- Managed the digital and brand design team and coordinated design projects from concept through successful completion by overseeing the entire design process.
- Collaborated with clients to create the vision, conceive designs, and consistently meet deadlines and requirements. Effectively built, motivated, and directed design and production teams.
- Coordinated freelance designers, consultants, and vendors to meet all project requirements. Created and conducted highly persuasive sales and marketing presentations.
- Converted features to benefits to achieve client objectives. Managed all operational, strategic, financial, quote/bid, staffing, and administrative functions.
- Worked for select clients such as malls, Dubai and Abu Dhabi government departments, service providers, TV channels, aviation, restaurants, educational institutions, real estate, international clients, and banking products.
Technologies: Presentation Design, Marketing Materials, Print Design, Rebranding, InDesign CC, Icon Design, Typography, Printing, Brand Identity, Customer Experience, Print, Adobe CC, Print Media, Brochures, Creative Direction, Print Marketing, Marketing, Signage, Digital Marketing, Agency, Creative Advertising, Signage Design, Marketing Design, Marketing Collateral Development, Print Marketing Design, Adobe Suite, Diagrams, Templates, Advertising Design, Social Media Design, Landing Pages, Label Design, Magazines, Package Design, Website Design, Brochure Design, Branding System, Creative Strategy, Team Leadership
Senior Designer Branding
2008 - 2010
Tango Media Innovation
- Developed key company accounts as the senior brand designer and pushed projects forward with the added responsibilities of an art director.
- Collaborated closely with clients and consumer research teams to create groundbreaking creatives and brand designs for companies such as; Tom Ford, Estee Lauder, Subway, Costa Coffee, native real estate master developers, and government authorities.
- Successfully translated subject matter into the concrete design for promotional material and corporate designs.
Technologies: Adobe After Effects, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Visual Design, Brand Books, Identity Design, Marketing Materials, Print Design, InDesign CC, Printing, Brand Identity, Customer Experience, Print, Adobe CC, Enterprise Design, Print Media, Brochures, Print Marketing, Marketing, Signage, Agency, Creative Advertising, Marketing Design, Marketing Collateral Development, Print Marketing Design, Adobe Suite, Diagrams, User Flows, Social Media Design, Luxury, Label Design, Magazines, Package Design, Brochure Design
Freelance Designer
2004 - 2007
Freelance
- Communicated directly with executive creative directors in various agencies.
- Delivered graphic and visual design work for clients to help them enrich their brand experience.
- Handled mainly Jumeirah Hospitality Group, Del Monte, Nestle, Rani Juice, and Pearl Dubai for their brand experience design.
Technologies: Adobe After Effects, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Digital Product Design, Marketing Materials, Printing, Brochures, Print Marketing Design, Adobe Suite, Advertising Design, Social Media Design, Brochure Design
Education
2019 - 2020
Master's Degree in Innovation Design Management
University of Applied Sciences Europe - Berlin, Germany
2000 - 2004
Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Communication and Visual Design
PUCAD - Lahore, Pakistan
1997 - 2000
Diploma in Graphic Design
Polytechnic Institute for Printing and Graphic Arts - Lahore, Pakistan
Certifications
FEBRUARY 2020 - PRESENT
Entreprise Design Thinking
IBM
NOVEMBER 2019 - PRESENT
Design Thinking and Digital Skills Training
Von Digi Forge
Skills
Tools
Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, InDesign CC, Adobe CC, InVision Studio, Adobe InDesign, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Creative Suite
Platforms
Adobe Suite, Figma, WordPress, Webflow, Mobile, Web
Industry Expertise
Marketing
Other
Product Design, User Personas, Project Management, Design Leadership, Customer Journey, Team Leadership, Fintech, User Journeys, Packaging, UI Prototyping, Dashboard Design, Empathy Mapping, App Design, Customer Experience, Style Guides, Color Theory, Mood Boards, Graphic Design, Pattern Design, Mobile Apps, Strategy, Image Retouching, Branding, UI Design, UX Design, Digital Branding, Brand Management, Brand Guidelines, Solution Design, Strategic Design, Creative Strategy, Product Strategy, Logotype, Logo Design, Arabic Typography, Typography, Environmental Design, Event Design, Wayfinding, Identity Design, Layout Design, Print Media, Printing, Brochure Design, WordPress Design, Rebranding, Digital Product Design, Usability Testing, Visual Design, Document Design, Art Direction, Digital Innovation, Brand Books, Digital Brand Identity, User Interface (UI), Presentation Design, Marketing Materials, Print Design, 3D Mockups, Blockchain & Cryptocurrency, Illustration, Presentations, Brochures, Mobile Design, Web Design, Brand Design, Data Visualization, Websites, Responsive Web Design (RWD), Landing Page Design, B2B, MVP Design, SaaS Design, B2C, Design Systems, Dashboards, Web App UI, Web App UX, Print, SaaS, Color Palettes, Mockups, Creative Direction, Print Marketing, Signage, Agency, Creative Advertising, Signage Design, Marketing Design, Marketing Collateral Development, Print Marketing Design, Mobile App Design, Prototyping, Desktop App Design, Software as a Service (SaaS), Diagrams, Templates, Digital Design, User Flows, eCommerce UI, eCommerce UX, Advertising Design, Social Media Design, Landing Pages, UI Audits, UX Audits, User Experience (UX), UIKit, Luxury, Label Design, Magazines, Package Design, Web UX Design, Design Documentation, UX Wireframes, Agile CRM, Website Design, Web Platforms, Lead Generation, Branding System, Systems Design, Design Direction, Quantitative Research, User Journey Maps, Wireframing, Design Thinking, Icon Design, Calligraphy, Brand Strategy, B2B2C, Enterprise Design, Digital Marketing, Rapid Prototyping, Finance, Framer, Mobile UI Design, UX Research, Mobile UX Design, UI Branding, User Empathy, iOS App Design, PowerPoint Design, Report Design, Experience Design, App UX, Web UX, Production, Brand Identity, Educational Videos, Cryptocurrency, Crypto, Gamification, Template Design, Web Dashboards, Web UI Design, System Design, SaaS Product Marketing, Conversion, Web App Design
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