DOSSIER STUDIO IS RUN BY ME, SARAH. HERE'S A LITTLE ABOUT MYSELF, HOW I GOT INTO DESIGN AND WHAT INFLUENCES MY WORK...
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.
Sarah Callesen
Founder, Creative Director
FASHION
MODELLING FOR FASHION HOUSES CHANEL, UNGARO, CELINE, SONIA RYKIEL AND VIVIENNE WESTWOOD ARE EXPERIENCES I'LL NEVER FORGET, AND WHERE MY LOVE FOR FASHION, ART DIRECTION AND BRANDING BEGAN.
Designworks & Air New Zealand
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.
FINE ARTS
Outside of design I have an arts practice, the catalyst for this was the need to create more by hand rather than solely on the computer. I recently completed a Master of Fine Arts part-time at Elam, University of Auckland. 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 design’s impact socially and environmentally. Conceptual thinking, an understanding of media, materials and the production process are essential to both disciplines.
MANAGING MY OWN BUSINESS FOR THE PAST 10 YEARS MEANS I CAN RELATE TO OTHER SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS AND MY COMBINED EXPERIENCE IN FASHION, ART AND WORKING ON LARGE BRANDS MAKES DOSSIER A LITTLE DIFFERENT, IN A GOOD WAY.
DOSSIER
I've run my own studio now for 11+ years, which has afforded me flexibility with family life. But small has turned out to be a beautiful thing. Unlike in a large company, I get to work directly with clients throughout the process, managing a project every step of the way. And the relationships we've formed on the journey have turned out to be the best parts of my job (aside from their brands achievements!).
Managing a business means I can relate to other small business owners, especially when it comes to marketing in today's environment. Great branding is essential, I'm ready if you are :)
CLIENTS INCLUDE...
