Visual Artist | Calligrapher | Graphic Designer

Shahid Rana is a distinguished Pakistani visual artist celebrated for his expertise in calligraphy, painting, and graphic design. His work reflects a deep engagement with cultural heritage, spiritual philosophy, and visual harmony. Over the span of more than three decades, Shahid has built a respected career grounded in academic excellence, artistic mentorship, and frequent participation in national and international exhibitions.

Education
In 2010, Shahid earned his Master of Fine Arts in Painting from the College of Art & Design, University of the Punjab, where he was awarded a Gold Medal for securing first position with distinction. He also received a second Gold Medal from Bata Pakistan for this achievement. His postgraduate thesis titled “Circus” featured five panels exploring the themes of human anatomy and visual perspective. In 2007, he completed a one-year diploma in Fine Arts (Painting) from the same college. In 2004, he obtained a Master of Computer Science (MCS) degree from Al-Khair University, AJK. Earlier, he completed a one-year diploma in graphic design from ICE College Lahore in 2002, a certificate course in Adobe Photoshop from CCG College Lahore in 1999, and a short-term certificate in advertising from AIOU in 1996.

Professional Experience
Between 1993 and 2005, Shahid trained and worked closely with the renowned scholar, calligrapher, and former Chief Minister of Punjab, Muhammad Haneef Ramay. This mentorship profoundly shaped his artistic identity. From 1991 to 1993, he served as a Senior Graphic Designer at Dot Creative Services in Lahore. In 1995, he established his own creative unit, Artage Communications, through which he managed art and publicity media projects until 2008.

Special Contributions
Following in the footsteps of his mentor, Shahid designed the title pages for numerous books by the esteemed Sufi thinker Hazrat Wasif Ali Wasif (Reh.). He also developed cover designs for the quarterly magazine Wasif Khayal and several other publications of Wasfiat.

Group Exhibitions
Shahid has participated in numerous group exhibitions throughout his career. These include calligraphy shows at Hamail Art Gallery, Lahore (2023), Ejaz Art Gallery, Lahore (2022, 2017, 2015, 2013, 2012, and 2010), an online exhibition at Khizar Gallery, Islamabad (2021), and ArtKaam Gallery, Karachi (2020). In 2018, he showcased his calligraphy at Musawir Art Gallery in Lahore, and in 2013, his work was exhibited at Musawir Art Gallery in Dubai and The Grill Art Café in Lahore. That same year, he took part in a calligraphy show at Art Scene Art Gallery in Karachi.

In 2012, he participated in an old students’ exhibition at Anamolika Gallery, College of Art & Design, PU, and in a painting show at Co-Opera Art Gallery, Lahore. He exhibited abstract work at Dreamweaver, Karachi, in 2002, and held a painting show at Yours Art Gallery, Lahore, in 2001. In 1999, his work appeared in a poster and painting exhibition at NCA Gallery, Lahore, and a painting show at Naqsh Gallery in the Walled City of Lahore. Earlier contributions include poster competitions and exhibitions at Khana-e-Farhang, Lahore (1987), Salic Peace Mela (1993), Dyal Singh College Lahore (1992, where he won second place in calligraphy), and a Quaid-e-Azam portrait competition organized by the JANG Group of Newspapers (1991).