my first name is karina. my last name is sagastegui (suh-gass-ta-gee). i didn't get a middle name so i made one up for myself: ordell

i'm a first-generation american — half polish, half spanish.

i’ve been painting, taking pictures and obsessing over art, music, and culture since i was a wee one (thanks to mom and dad!)

i was born and raised in the bay area (the best area).

i went to school in new york city.

but after graduating, i bounced around a lot: i spent some time in la (hated it); then, unexpectedly, found myself in zurich, switzerland (absolutely loved it); then i got sidetracked and chased another dream in london. when things didn’t quite pan out as i had hoped, i spent some time reevaluating my life with family in wroclaw, poland.

eventually, i was called back to the bay;

but then covid hit, and i moved to austin, tx to be with family (but it's only temporary).

some of my dream assignments:

portraits and spreads for musicians, artists, actors, important figures;

touring with and documenting musicians;

anything having to do with gucci, and A$AP rocky;

and a mr. porter cover story,

just  to name a few...