About Me

Artist + Product Designer + Design Consultant + Marathoner + Free Diver

Thoughts of a restless mind

Hi, I am Ahmed Ilyas. An artist, a product designer, design consultant, a marathoner and a free diver. I split my time between Toronto, Canada and Karachi, Pakistan, managing the design studio I founded by the name of Hammer & Smith. You can read my Blog and follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube

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Timeless Originality & Simplicity

By Ahmed Ilyas January 27, 2024

Achieving sophisticated simplicity is easier said than done. We, as Pakistanis, have always had this fear of going simple without losing the essence of who, what or where we are from, especially when you come from a land so rich in its culture, traditions and colour. It is an art to find that balance. I think more than anything it is the part of creating something that you truly believe in. If you are true to yourself and believe in your vision, people gravitate towards that energy.

The Story Of An Owl

By Ahmed Ilyas January 27, 2024

Back in 2011, when I was in the process of launching my business, I was trying to build a brand identity and like any startup it was very confusing to make the logo and color scheme of the company. Since initially the focus was on designing products and processes, we didn't give too much attention to the brand and just started working as a brand under my name. Later in the year when we built some customer base and decided to register the company, we decided to build a proper branding strategy.

Writing for much need inspiration

By Ahmed Ilyas April 27, 2023

Every now and then you find yourself in need of inspiration, something to push you to finish the job. Books I feel are one of the best ways to source inspiration from.

Into The Blue

A summer well spent with friends at sea. Compilation of my diving season

Follow my YouTube channel

You can follow my YouTube channel and watch all the video I have made over the years. You can also check my weekly podcast. Dont forget to subscribe to the channel and leave comments.

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Follow Me On Instagram

You can follow me on Instagram and check all my daily posts and stories

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Follow me on Facebook

You can follow me on Facebook but most likely I wont add or get back to you

Connect with me on my Facebook

Though I believe Facebook is dead and no longer provide positive connectivity and productive business results and I am not very active on Facebook but thats I have managed to stay in touch with old friends and contacts

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