What I'm all about
Making good design affordable
Hi I'm Sarah Callesen, Founder and Creative Director at Dossier. I have 20+ years experience in the New Zealand design industry, working with brands of all sizes, across all sectors. At Dossier I apply what I've learnt to help small-to-medium sized businesses get big agency results, without big agency fees. I can do this because I've kept the studio small, working directly with clients throughout the process, I bring in other specialists as and when required.
Results driven
There's no point creating a great looking brand if it doesn't engage and achieve customer conversion. 20+ years in the branding business means I know how to get you there. Our conversations will extend to the bigger picture, how your brand can grow sustainably beyond your logo or website project. Ready to transform your business? Let's chat.
Making the process easy
The most common feedback I receive from clients is how easy I make the process, this comes with experience, good communication...and a little fun. Working directly together without a middle person means complete transparency, nothing gets lost in translation. My years of experience means I've streamlined the project journey, meeting timelines, budget and eliminating stress – which you don't need anymore of as a business owner.
A LIL' BACKGROUND
Designworks & Air New Zealand
I've worked for many New Zealand design companies but the most influential was Designworks, Auckland. Clients included DB Breweries, Spark, Auckland Airport, Britomart, NZTE, Comvita and many more iconic NZ brands. My biggest projects were both for Air New Zealand: the domestic terminal check-in wayfinding and branding; and their long haul aircraft fit-out, including the infamous chandelier and bookshelf toilet wallpapers, and bespoke dinnerware (product design). These large scale projects involved working with multiple contractors: interior architects, signage manufacturers, product manufacturers and the Air New Zealand innovation team.
A LIL' BACKGROUND
Fine Arts
I returned to university a few years ago and completed a Master of Fine Arts part-time. My practice involves drawing, printmaking and sound, I've had several exhibitions including the Auckland and Sydney Art Fairs. Learning about contemporary art has enriched my design practice, through critical theory I’ve gained greater understanding of designs impact socially and environmentally. Conceptual thinking, an understanding of media, materials and the production process are essential to both disciplines.
OUR LOVELY CLIENTS
Clients are wide-ranging, offering products and services across all sectors, from food & beverages (FMCG), retail (fashion, homeware, jewellery), fitness & wellness, hospitality, accommodation, finance, engineering, and medical. Most are NZ based but we also work for international brands.
Meet Sarah Callesen
Creative Director & Founder
Fun fact: my first career was actually in modelling, working between Auckland, Paris and Tokyo. I worked for fashion houses Chanel, Ungaro, Celine, Sonia Rykiel and Vivienne Westwood – experiences I'll never forget and where my love for fashion and branding began. It was here I also knew I wanted to be art directing on the other side of the camera! I returned to Aotearoa to study a Bachelor of Design.
I've worked for many New Zealand design companies but the most influential was Designworks, Auckland. Clients included DB Breweries, Spark, Auckland Airport, Britomart, NZTE, Comvita and many more iconic NZ brands. My biggest projects were both for Air New Zealand: the domestic terminal check-in wayfinding and branding; and their long haul aircraft fit-out, including the infamous chandelier and bookshelf toilet wallpapers, and bespoke dinnerware (product design).
These large scale projects involved working with multiple contractors: interior architects, signage manufacturers, product manufacturers and the Air New Zealand innovation team.
