Sage by Design
First taking root in 2017, Sage by Design is a collective branding atelier led by award-winning designer Megan McCarthy.
We believe humanity has more goodness to offer than ever before—and that the branding process should support your mission, not stand in its way.
That’s why, as your direct partner, Megan personally leads a carefully selected team of creatives and specialists through a seamless branding process to make your mission clear.
From brand direction and visual identity to websites and marketing, our approach is intentional and intimate.
Grounded in a strategy tailored to your goals, we ensure every element of your brand connects clearly and cohesively—telling your authentic story with purpose and polish.
We manage the full brand build so you can stay focused on what you do best: advancing your mission with confidence.
So say goodbye to DIY: no more cobbling together freelancers or navigating work outside your zone of genius. We do it all, so you don’t have to.
WHO YOU’LL PARTNER WITH
Megan McCarthy
YOUR STRATEGIC PARTNER
Megan has always been a creative and visually oriented soul. As a design and psychology student at university, she was drawn not only to visual expression but also to understanding the human spirit—what motivates us, how we connect, and how we bring ideas to life.
She spent the first decade of her career designing across award-winning agencies, Fortune 500 corporations, and world-renowned nonprofits. In 2016, a health crisis shifted her perspective, and the six-month recovery process instilled new values that continue to guide her work today: ease and delight, intention and authenticity.
With her health restored, Megan embarked on a two-year solo journey through Southeast Asia. What began as a casual freelance project evolved into a thriving design practice—one that aligns with her renewed values while helping other businesses grow from the same place of intention.
Today, Megan blends her creative expertise with a grounded, intuitive approach to branding. At Sage by Design, she personally leads top creatives and trusted marketing partners to create brand experiences that are not only beautiful, but deeply rooted in purpose—branding that inspires trust, sparks connection, and grows with intention.
MEET THE SAGE BY DESIGN COLLECTIVE
Christie Wood
WEB DEVELOPMENT
With more than 20 years of experience, Christie is the most solution-focused web developer on planet earth. Working in the industry for over 25 years, she has impressive depth and breadth of front- and back-end development experience. Christie simply does what other developers can’t—create seemingly impossible solutions while making it look simple to the rest of us. That’s because she’s always learning by pushing her limits and having a strong curiosity about the web.
Rachael Studebaker
STRATEGIC DESIGN & VISUAL STORYTELLING
Rachael is a seasoned designer, artist, and storyteller. She’s a master of translating business strategy into cohesive brand narratives by combining hand-drawn illustration, graphic design, and the occasional found object in nature. Rachael believes great branding doesn't just elevate individual businesses—it strengthens entire communities. When she's not designing, you'll find Rachael exploring the outdoors, baking in her kitchen, or hanging with her friends, finding inspiration from the world around her.
Kelly Villmer
MESSAGING
Kelly is a naturally talented writer, and her background in digital marketing gives her magnetic powers. Valuing authenticity and joy above all else, she drills to the heart of your mission to shape your messaging with 100% sincerity, 0% BS. As an avid improv player and emerging stand-up comic, Kelly keeps us grounded with her good nature and humor—making the branding process more delightful than you expect.
Got skills, passion, and a love for collaboration?
We love creating opportunities for independent creatives & consultants to bring their expertise to our heart-centered client projects.
If you’re an independent designer, developer, illustrator, copywriter, digital marketer, ads specialist, or social media manager, send us some details about the kind of projects you’d love to collaborate on.