Satchel Studio - Unique and Custom Designed Messenger Bags, San Francisco shoulder bags

SAN FRANCISCO MAGAZINE, December 2008 Carrier evolution Thanks to some funky local designers, messenger bags have become fine art. The Pony Express made utility bags a must-have, but they've come a long way since their days on horseback. You might remember the Manhattan Portage of the 80s or the custom Chrome bags carried by workers for failed dot-com delivery service Kozmo.com. Now San Francisco artists have taken the reins, morphing the courier bag into an inventive, highly personal creation. While the bags are designed for bikers, all kinds of on-the-go urban dwellers use one these days to schlep their stuff. Here are our five favorite companies in this exploding market.


WEB DESIGN INDEX 2008 Satchel Studio has been chosen to appear in the annual Web Design Index! This famous Index gives an accurate overview of the state of the art in web design. Every Index contains 1002 outstanding web pages. Selection for the Web Design Index is based on design quality, innovation, and effectiveness, and the books offer examples of all conceivable forms and styles.		The Pepin Press/Agile Rabbit Editions web design indexes are international best-sellers, with about a quarter of a million copies sold worldwide.


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What People are Saying:		POST YOUR OWN REVIEW BELOW!

	I met Kelty at her booth at the Embarcadero, while visiting SF from Chicago. I took one look at a bag with the matador design and had to have it. It's rare to find a bag for guys that's stylish without being effete. The only problem: Kelty didn't have the matador design on one of larger "libre"-style bags. She actually made one specifically for me and went out of her way to meet me later in the week. Not only do I have a bag that stands out on a rush-hour train full of black mess bags, but it's also weathered a particularly brutal Chicago winter and looks the same as the day I bought it.
		-JOE J.

	Wow! Amazing custom bags! So my boss and his wife just had a baby and I wanted to get them something they could really use, but also something kinda fun. Satchel Studio designed the most AMAZING custom diaper bag! I just emailed my ideas and within a few days Kelty had created exactly what I was looking for. Kelty really listens to her customers' thoughts and suggestions and then uses her incredible talent to create beautiful works of bag-art!
		-PETER A.

	I am so excited to have found Satchel Studio! I am always on the hunt for gifts from San Francisco that are unique but not too touristy. I love the concept and the variety of options. Kelty was incredibly helpful and immediately responsive. Can't wait for my friend's reaction to her City Design bag! Thanks.
		-JEN B.

	Anyone who's anyone (and that's everyone, FYI) should have a customized Satchel Studio bag. I give tours of the Gold Rush era downtown for City Guides and I had one custom made from old maps, lithographs, letters and paintings. It gets so many compliments and I am cooking up what to put on my next bag. I am looking forward to surprising some of my friends who are teachers with customized book bags based on their curriculum. The possibilities are endless really. Satchels are a little like crack. But in a good way.
		-MAUREEN M.

	I love my satchel... From artsy hipsters to meathead athletes and everyone in between, I've gotten nothing but compliments about my custom bag designed by Kelty. I am in law school, so I needed something that could hold my laptop, a bunch of books and other assorted knickknacks. Satchel Studio came through for me. I'm not the most artistic type, so Kelty held my hand through the process... The result was a really great product that is both unique and functional. I encourage anyone who is tired of the same old boring styles to get in contact with Kelty and have her create a work of art for you.
		-GREG C.

	I bought my first Satchel Studio bag when I was planning a big trip to Spain. I needed a bag that could carry all of my stuff on a airplane, but still give me the comfort and flexibility I needed. I started out with the bici messenger, which really carried everything I needed, without being too bulky and uncomfortable. It also was exactly the way I wanted it to look, since I had it custom made with some art of mine. I now own 3 different Satchel Studio bags and I love them all for different reasons! They each have their own purpose for my needs and I'm in the process of purchasing my fourth one. Thanks Satchel Studio for a stylish, yet practical bag!
		-KATRENA S.

	Love my bag! I received this bag as a gift from a friend in SF. I live in NYC and get complimented all the time. It's different, and hip. I use my bag for everything from my daily purse to the gym to groceries. Versatile and durable, I would definitely buy again for myself and others.
		-NIHAD E.

	So yes, Michi-chan (my gorgeous MacBook Pro) and I have been having fun for a while now, but we wanted to do more outdoorsy things. More trips together into the city, long afternoons at a cafe or park bench, writing, reading, and painting together... but I wasn't about to unleash her unless she had the proper protection. That's where Kelty and Satchel Studio come in. I first spied her store at a booth during the Capsule Design Festival last year and was instantly smitten by how well-made, varied, and beautiful her works were. Satchels, Handbags, totes, messenger bags, etc... all were represented here, and Kelty's extraordinary designs all lovingly hand-pressed onto the front panels. She told me she also allowed custom submissions (or requests) as well for a small charge extra. So I can get a lovely, reasonably priced bag to fit my 17" MBP, ArtPad and then some, plus I can put my own design on the front? Sexo. Kelty was a huge help as she sent me Photoshop size-templates for my bag. She even offered to meet me at a BART station for pickup just so I wouldn't have to pay for shipping! That kind of customer service commands fanatic loyalty. If you're in the market for a new hand, messenger, tote, or shoulder bag, you would be doing yourself a disservice not to check out Satchel Studio online. I've only had my bag for less than 8 hours and I've already received dozens of compliments from strangers and co-workers alike! Envy is a beautiful thing....err... when it's directed at me.
		-PATRICK M.

	OMG these bags are THE BOMB! Kelty is an amazing designer and the bags are just really unique and original. She has a bunch that are "stock" designs but you can get a bag designed with your own stuff on it that you specify. You can see lots of custom designs on her website...my bag came out AWESOME! I had her use some photos that I scanned for her to use and she added some things I told her I liked- she's a Photoshop wiz with these bags! What's cool about this company is that it's small and the owner is cool, so you know you're supporting a local business and getting a bag with lots of love put into it's design. return to top
		-DIANE S.

	I had been looking at satchel studio for awhile, since I moved to the city about two years ago, but I had never purchased anything from them. Finally, I saved up enough money to get the purse design with the green/orange/red gypsy design. Not only did I not have to pay for shipping because I picked it up at the Ferry building, she had it ready for me in a matter of a couple days. I get compliments all the time from all different types of people and I am an active promoter for all of satchel studio's projects. In conclusion, I love, love, love my bag and I plan to buy more from Kelty in the future. I love the fun designs and awesome (organic) bag choices she offers, wouldn't shop anywhere else!
		-ALLISON F.

	Everyone needs a satchel! I received a custom-made satchel studio bag for my b-day and have put it to good use ever since! my satchel has pictures of north beach (my fave neighborhood, sorry to russian hill where i currently live!!) and other views of the city. it doubles as a beach bag and a farmer's market tote. mine is a medium-sized tote, but i have seen satchels in other silhouettes as well. kelty, the designer, has such a personal touch. the other bags that i have seen of hers are great too - all different and so unique! i have received several compliments too since i have been using mine... people love the satchels!!
		-CAROLINE B.

	My next gift to myself....will definitely be one of these great graphic messenger bags from San Francisco artist Satchel Studio. Ugh..but which one. There is literally at least a dozen that I really like. You can choose from messenger or shoulder style bags and pick from one of their own brightly colored, adventurous designs or send them one of your own. Want to buy a friend a really cool gift but not sure which design to pick, purchase one of their stress free gift-cards instead.
		-PRETTY CRAFTY THING

	All I can say is WOW. These bags are for anyone who is tired of beige and brown LV purses and wants to stand out and be a little different. I originally saw these at the Ferry Building Craft Fair, but because you can order online, I took my time pouring over the beautiful designs to choose something perfect for myself. She also does custom designs and is coming out with new art by the week! Check this out because they will make great holiday gifts! Hurray for indie designers doing something different!
		-CORDELIA S.

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