It’s been said that people trust the things they know. Every time a potential customer sees your brand, it needs to tell a story—one that excites, informs and engages them. The stronger, more consistent your story, the stronger the connection. And the more likely someone will choose you and your products. People trust the things they know. We help you to make sure they know and great photography, capturing the essence of your brand plays a big part in that.

How it works.

Typically, most of our client base doesn’t have a great “library” of corporate photography when we begin working with them. Whether they are providing services or products, professional photography will play a play huge role in promoting these things. At Saga Design, we work with a variety of photographers, carefully selected based on our client material priorities and subject matter. We have access to some of the best commercial, portrait and event photographers in the region and we relish the task of creating an image library that can be used in a wide variety of materials, both printed and electronic.

We hire the photographer, provide direction and input during the shoot and then present your “best” imagery options for your final selection process. It’s a time consuming but rewarding process and some of our best work has been a collaborative effort between Saga, the photographer and you, the client. The shoots may happen at a client location or may be completed at a photography studio. Either way, most creative groups would agree that good photography sells more products, more services, more of everything that makes your business successful. Take a look around you… look hard at those premium brands you consume every day. They know what works and great photography sells more stuff.

At Saga Design, we help you successfully tell your brand’s story. We combine a creative approach with the analysis, strategy, great design and technological expertise to help create and consistently promote that story. We are a collection of passionate people who think and work with you to face the challenges of today’s marketplace—and get desired results. And how do we do that? Check out our life stories below.

Kari Halbur
Owner
After beginning her career in the software sales/development industry with Apple computer and a local software development firm, Kari Halbur founded an independent advertising agency, Red Door Creative, in 1995. With more than 25 years of experience drawn from extensive market exposure across a range of industries and state-of- the-art technology, Kari successfully manages projects ranging from major communications programs to one-time branding campaigns—with firms ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies. She brings results-proven expertise to successfully address each client’s unique needs, with both the energy and expertise to meet marketing objectives, timelines and budgets. Kari’s industry-specific experience spans nonprofits, government, healthcare, commercial property acquisition, development and management, banking/financial services, software development, travel/hospitality and retail. Her latest endeavor includes Saga Design Group, a unique communication services firm that delivers strategic planning and branding expertise to emerging and high-growth businesses. Her clients range from early-stage startups to growth-stage entrepreneurial businesses. Her consultants have all served in key management and design roles across many industries. In her spare time, Kari enjoys biking, skiing, cooking, spending time her family and traveling. She has served on numerous boards and continues to provide design sponsorship to large nonprofit groups in the Mankato region, including the Red Cross and Feeding our Communities Partners/BackPack Food Program and the YMCA.

Sierra Kamatchus
Designer
Sierra Kamatchus is an independent designer specializing in graphic design, illustration, marketing communications and type design. While carefully tuning into each client’s unique situation and needs, she develops impactful work product via a combination of strategic guidance and creative concepts. Sierra’s professional experience spans large marketing campaigns, visual brand identity systems, advertisements, brochures, displays, infographics, invitations, newsletters, signage and websites for a variety of small- to medium-range companies, as well as startups, in the following industries: banking/financial services, commercial property acquisition, professional services, healthcare, nonprofit organizations and retail. Following her 2013 graduation from the University of Minnesota Duluth with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in graphic design, Sierra completed an internship program at a financial cooperative for agricultural and rural clients. She subsequently joined a local advertising agency as a designer. Sierra is based in Mankato, Minnesota. In her spare time, she enjoys the outdoors, traveling and spending time with her family and friends. She is also an active member of AIGA (the largest professional association of designers) and volunteers for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.