I’m Ilir, an independent designer and creative strategist based between DFW, Texas, and wherever the work takes me. For over 19 years, I’ve been building visual identities and digital experiences that help brands communicate with clarity, purpose, and distinction.
My background spans brand strategy, identity design, digital product, and art direction — and I’ve worked with everyone from early-stage startups building their first visual language to established companies ready for a meaningful evolution.
I’m not a studio. I’m not a team of twenty. I’m one person who is deeply invested in your project from the first conversation to the final deliverable — and that investment shows in the work.
When I’m not designing, I’m writing about visual culture, exploring European architecture, or finding ways to make my espresso slightly worse while convincing myself it’s an experiment.
01 --
Great design doesn’t just look good — it works. Every visual decision should serve a purpose: communicating value, building trust, or guiding action. Decoration for its own sake is a failure of imagination.
02 --
The hardest thing in design is knowing what to leave out. The brands that endure are almost always the ones that had the discipline to say less, show less, and trust that clarity speaks louder than complexity.
03 --
A beautiful brand with no strategic foundation is expensive decoration. I always start with why — who you’re talking to, what you’re saying, and what you want them to do. The aesthetics follow from there.
2006 - Present
As the founder of ilir DOT Design, I run a focused solo practice working with select clients across brand identity, digital experience, and creative strategy. Intentionally small — to stay deeply involved in every project and deliver work with a personal, hands-on approach.
I offer comprehensive creative services spanning web, digital, social media, print, motion graphics, and packaging. From producing corporate identities, stationery, books, brochures, flyers, and packaging to developing websites, social media artwork, videos, and animations — every project receives my full attention and expertise.
A core part of my work involves consulting with clients on the best approach to their branding and online presence, while actively networking to develop new business opportunities. I build and maintain lasting client relationships through regular check-ins, ongoing website maintenance, and brand progression strategies.
On the technical side, I manage server and domain administration including DNS setup and database configuration, and handle all image preparation and retouching across various applications. I also oversee all accounts, costings, and budgeting to ensure every project is delivered on time and within scope.
2020- 2025
As Head Graphic Designer at PIXOA.de, I led the creative direction across web, digital, print, and social media channels. I oversaw the development of all print and digital content, including websites, email campaigns, social media artwork, videos, and animations, ensuring consistent quality and brand alignment across every deliverable.
My role extended beyond design into client consultancy, where I advised on branding, web presence, and marketing campaign strategy. I was responsible for hiring, training, and managing a team of designers, fostering a collaborative and high-performing creative environment.
I also held full accountability for project approvals, account management, costings, and budgeting, while maintaining strong client relationships and actively building a pipeline of future business and referrals.
2016- 2020
As Lead Graphic Designer at Lumière Films, I was responsible for delivering creative and technical solutions across a wide range of digital and print projects. My role encompassed designing, building, and delivering responsive, scalable web interfaces while managing project costings and budgets from concept through to completion.
I developed digital content including websites, social media artwork, videos, and animations, and handled all aspects of image preparation and retouching for various applications. On the technical side, I administered servers and domains, including DNS setup and database configuration, ensuring reliable and secure hosting environments.
Beyond design and development, I created corporate identities, stationery, literature, and signage for clients, and served as a key point of contact for all digital queries — providing ongoing support, guidance, and training to both colleagues and clients on website administration and maintenance.
2011- 2016
As Creative Manager at Focus Print, I oversaw all print projects from the in-house design and proofing stage through to shipment and delivery, ensuring seamless production workflows and consistently high-quality output. My responsibilities covered print design, print production, book layouts, and book cover design.
I managed a team of 15 designers and print technicians, coordinating workloads and maintaining standards across a busy production environment. I also supported business directors with my digital expertise during client meetings, serving as a trusted advisor on all things design and digital.
In addition to my management duties, I designed corporate identities, stationery, literature, and signage, and prepared and retouched images for a variety of applications. I was a key point of contact for all digital queries, providing information and support to both colleagues and clients.
2006- 2010
As Graphic Design Manager at Carnival, I led the design process for print campaigns including brochures, promotions, and in-cruise materials, ensuring every piece met the highest standards of quality and brand consistency. My role spanned graphic design, print design, and print production across a large-scale operation.
I delivered printed artworks to galleries after comprehensive colour profiling and retouching, and managed vendor relationships to ensure the timely delivery of all design assets. A key part of my responsibilities involved providing training and mentorship to all new department employees across Carnival ports throughout the United States.
I also developed a comprehensive design resource library including templates, style guides, and brand assets, supporting consistent design execution across teams and locations.
Capabilities