Samantha Oehley is a 20 year old undergraduate at the Wanganui School of Design in New Zealand. Her interests include the 1960s and 1910s, the Beatles, politics, reading, music and drawing. She has a thing for Priests and Authority figures, and has the habit of always exaggerating things to a more dramatic scale read more_
I am working! I decided to pick up advanced digital photography for my final semester elective. Which is pointless actually. I can’t really use it for my teaching career seeing as film photography (a true art) teachers are what high schools are looking for. But there were no other electives I wanted to take. Here’s some of my work for the first assignment on lighting. You can see the rest here.
The last two were a selection of my polaroid shots [Iona is in the middle]. They weren’t really lighting—although I was experimenting with lighting to create the look of polaroid and old-school photography—but I really wanted to do something like this! So I did.
What do you think?
BUT! … Before you go…
I wrote a manifesto for one of my classes. I’ve designed it for viewing online. Check it out! [Please note— the display is designed for larger screens. Apologies if you are viewing on a laptop or similar-sized screen!]
Read on to the next post about my brothers book…..
The 4 Power’s is finally out in New Zealand and Australia! Depending on its success it may appear in other countries. Who knows? But it deserves the chance for the world to know it. It’s such a great book. But as the author’s sister, I have to argue why it’s such a good book.
So I will!
Please bear in mind that it has been 7 years in the making, and this is the first time I am allowed to say anything about the story to the public. Which is weird!
REASONS WHY THE 4 POWERS DESERVES YOUR ATTENTION
The plot is original—Someone tell me a story of an advanced race of people stuck on a starship with no destination and no idea where they are from, and a boy who manages to travel back in time because of a strange jewel to an age where their race is still on their planet and have elemental powers? No?
The entire story is intriguing—the above comment was about the first book. (No more comment about that!) Nah, I like the world better than Harry Potter (which seems really unoriginal in comparison to be honest. Despite it being such an addictive series itself)
The characters are loveable—all stories should have this quality, and the 4 Powers nails it. You have to be able to want to be the main character, despite their failures and also you have to ‘love to hate’ the bad guy, not just hate him.
The back story is extensive—Michael has actually created this entire race of people, the world, the language and stories behind all the characters. It’s not a piece of fluff. He takes this story very seriously and most of it hasn’t even been shown … yet
It’s addictive—It actually is. I’m 20 years old and despite the level of reading, I love it.
It’s a smart and funny book—if the extensive amount of work behind the creation of the story’s world wasn’t enough for you, and least I can argue that the Robot Toy Superia the Magnificent is a hoot. And I suppose Sir Asutab in brain form too ha ha
The writing—I thought I should throw this in, despite my lack of knowledge on the subject. I think it’s well written. It has twists, unpredictable outcomes and a way of really making you wish you were from that world instead of Earth
Boron Delaxid—there I’ve said it. I love Boron Delaxid. Now the world knows. (Yes this counts as a point. You know it’s great when you have sad fangirls crushing on a ficticious character [the difference however, between me and say, a Twilight fangirl? I love the character platonically]).
I know I shouldn’t have been hinting about a sequel when there is no chance yet of it being published. But I just really want this series to run through (because Michael has barely told me 5% of what happens and I am dying to know!)
Oh yeah, and that thing called Semi-Permanent I went to? Amazing. I haven’t enough photos for a blog update yet, but one day! I particularly want to mention how I was in a STORM THORGERSON photo [called F*** Avatar]. For those who don’t know, Storm is a famous graphic designer known for the album cover design The Darker Side of the Moon (and other Pink Floyd album covers), Muse’s album designs and many more. It was an honourable experience.
Buuut…my bro’s book takes priority now anyway. For those interested in buying a copy but don’t have it at their local book dealer, visit Michael’s website.
I’m very busy getting into my final degree project [sneak peeks will be coming in over the next 10-12 weeks] and sorting out my 21st but this coming weekend is going to be pretty epic for me. Here’s why…
August 20 + 21st Aotea Center, Auckland
Semi-Permanent Design Conference 2010!
August 22nd, Aotea Center, Auckland (same location as above)
My brother’s first book launch at Storylines Festival!
Talk about coincidence. And I only found out this week that the design conference and book launch were on same weekend and same location! Bonus, because I could BE THERE for my brother, instead of being stuck 6 hours drive south, in a town that nobody cares about.
Anyway, it’s all very exciting—Semi Permanent is going to be AMAZING and if any NZ readers are going to be going, let me know! I’m also very very very excited for the release of The 4 Powers of Daren Saner, which is creeping up fast! It’s all still so surreal. I mean, I didn’t write the story, that’s all my brothers creation (although I like to claim that I helped in some small ways) but it’s been such a big part of my life and I’m so happy for him. He’s going to go far (not that he hasn’t already!). :)
My brother’s book, which I have mentioned about on this blog like, no fewer than 100 times, is available for order online. It’s not officially out yet, but you can pre-order it. This is the only option for overseas readers (outside New Zealand and Australia), so heck—why NOT do it.
There is a sample chapter available to read (check out www.MichaelOehley.com). You’ll be able to see what it’s like—kinda?
I’m so excited. Michael’s saved me one of the first edition copies, but frankly I want a few more copies. One is never enough.
PS: I’ve got the printed copy of the first draft manuscript of the sequel. My little secret. Michael hasn’t even thought of asking for it back. Don’t think I’ll give it to him. Heh heh heh
My twenty-first birthday party is rapidly approaching!
And the planning couldn’t be going any worse at the moment.
I do not intend this blog entry to be a rant, although the stress is mounting. With my Dad superbusy back in Hamilton, my Mum overseas, and The Twin being anything but helpful or diligent, all the planning is resting on my shoulders. And this week, seven weeks prior to the event and subsequent to the invites being sent out, I am told that my venue hosts double booked, and having not paid and handing in my contract yet (I have been out of town for 4 weeks) the other people get the venue. Luckily I found a new one—more expensive but at least more trustworthy than the original. What a pain. And this is not the first headache I’ve been getting from this whole party.
This is not my wedding, just a 21st. My friends know how tough it’s going for me and for what reasons. It’s not nice to share why on this blog. I can’t call it off now either. Besides, I want to do this. I just wish it was more perfect. More me. If I had it my way, it’d be the most happy and pretty event ever. Unfortunately when a creative, but naive and girly weakling (as I like to call myself) has an arrogant and academic, booze-loving boy for a twin….
Anyway, I would however, like some ideas from people out there for decorating a hall. It’s green and black theme on a budget. Any cool ideas? Particularly for wall decorating!
Have to go now—Semester B is getting warmed up and this being my graduating year it’s going to be a big one. Not a fine time to have a 21st that is making me suicidal. (Just kidding.. bad sense of humour, I know)
This is rather late… I’m bordering Monday. But the beauty of living in New Zealand is that you’re ahead in time against the world so you are blessed with extra time. But, still a bad habit!
It’s been a while since I’ve done Portraiture Sunday. This week is focusing on the beauty of Ballet. A dance style I only wish I could do. So elegant and beautiful (and hard and painful too, but we’ll ignore that for the sake of keeping this post pretty). Photos, again, with thanks to We Heart It <3 (please let me know if one of these images is yours and I’ll happily credit you!)
Dance is the hidden language of the soul of the body—Martha Graham
So inspirational. Do you dance? What style? What do you love about it?
I should have posted this aaages ago. When I first saw these images (via Mugglenet) I was so excited I started squealing out loud. Actually.
These book cover designs were designed for the Harry Potter movies. What got me so excited was how, instead of going for the cliched brown/tattered/boring text, they thought about the design and made it look amazing. Perhaps wizards can be designers too? I must say—in the days before computers, magic WOULD come in handy.
Advanced Potion Making This is VERY 50s. For a school text book, it’s rather fitting. Having one of those as a student would make me FEEL like I’ve stepped into a 50s boarding school story.
A History of Magic One of the most famous books in the Harry Potter series comes to life with a beautiful art deco design and detail. I wouldn’t have thought of using white for a magical book, but I suppose this works?
The Secrets of the Darkest Art This one is so beautiful. Whoever designed it should get an award. The texture! The moody colour! The patterns of the form AND typography!
The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbedore This made me laugh so so much. Look how elaborate the design is! It totally captures Rita Skeeter. With the foiling and crocodile-skin embossing, I sure wouldn’t mind having a copy myself—just for the jacket!
The Harry Potter films do design justice. The fantastic old school playbill-style newspaper designs—similar to the Azkaban Wanted posters… If only I could have had the chance to play a role in the designing of props in this movie! How much FUN would that have been? Forget costume design, PROP design should be the new design focus in cinema!
Can’t wait for the movie! I’ll probably be seeing it in America, actually!
My friend, who has just completed her Honours, has allowed me to showcase her project (which I had the honour of being involved in) here. I think it’s really fantastic—and hope that her idea soon becomes a reality for more people around the globe. We need more companies thinking like her!
So, Anna’s thesis abstract:
In today’s society we are bombarded with T-shirt designs (walking billboards) that have no other purpose than to look cool. This implementation is based on the voice of New Zealand’s 14-25 year olds; everything from the design style, the T-shirt messages, right through to the colour/neck shape of the T-shirt.
FTSOO means ‘For the Sake of Others’. The clothing label places importance on PEOPLE, GIVING, JUSTICE, and HOPE. This will be launched within the next year or two.
And her work, in short:
Promo Poster
Zine: Created to be a update/promo item for FTSOO; covering what fair trade is, what the label is about etc.
Inside Zine: Shows new range of T-shirt designs
The promo video:
To see further, and more detailed versions of her illustrations and photographs, visit her portfolio at Behance!
My mid year holidays are half way through, and yet I find that I have nothing very significant to share with you… unless you count watching Pride and Prejudice (1995) as significant. Which you could, it’s AMAZING… Colin Firth or Matthew McFadyen as Mr. Darcy? I’d choose brooding Matthew, but no woman on earth can not love Colin, so they’re equal.
Anyway, perhaps my trip to Auckland the other day with my bestie, Shahana, was worthwhile to share? I spent a lot of money for a poor student, but I got some great finds! Let me share with you a snippet of our trip:
We decided we’d have an overnight trip – booked a cheap hotel (not the highlight, but yet it’s still somewhat exciting at our age to be staying in a hotel) to insure more time for splurging.
Number one priority in Auckland? TOPSHOP.
Going there was a bit of a disappointment. Don’t get me wrong, the clothes are great and the interior design was lovely (of course, I would notice) but the range was rather small and we were unfortunate enough to miss the new arrivals (weekly, straight from London) that afternoon. Nevertheless, I bagged myself a cute cropped tee, with abstract angles and a rough texture for NZ$70:
I almost bought an $25 belt too – I should have got it, it was dirt cheap for topshop!
My other finds included:
A knit dress (reminded me of Sergeant Pepper’s) from a small boutique I cannot remember the name of (NZ$65 – probably a rip off, but it was discounted from 85). May I add it looks HOT when worn.
A cropped blazer and rip off Chanel-esque shirt from Valleygirl (I never like that store, but this particular shop had some good finds) (NZ$45 in total!)
Plus some cute underwear and jewellery from other particular chain stores. No photos of the underwear goodies, but here’s some of the jewellery – I’m especially loving the puff lace earrings:
Shahana and I planned to go out to the town, but didn’t really get there. Auckland’s road system and parking is shocking, so once we managed to get an overnight park we simply walked everywhere. We went up to the Sky Tower (didn’t go up it, way too expensive for us. I’ve gone up before but never at night—one day!) but had a looksee and walked over town before heading to the harbour. It was beautiful at night time!
The pair of us agreed that we had to do one naughty thing that night. I decided I was going to write Shahana’s number on a sugar sachet (it said something along the lines of – “call me sweet” on it – I couldn’t resist) and give it to some hot stranger. Then she agreed to do the same for me (unfortunately). Fortunately(?) we didn’t see anyone worthy for the rest of the night (we’re picky, but even in Auckland it was a strange occurance not to bump into at least one hottie*). So while I was relieved, both of us were crestfallen not to have been able to do our lil naughty task. And perhaps, meet the love of our lives.
*—I lie, there were a few men I had my eye on but they were a lot older. Shahana did not approve.
Auckland is great, but too expensive for us at the moment. When we can afford it, we’re going to go back and actually live Auckland properly. And by properly, I mean stay in at LEAST a four star hotel, sightsee, go up the Sky tower and have dessert on the rotating level, and shop till we drop without worrying about our bank balances.
For now, no more shopping till December. I’m saving up for NY! (U-S-A! U-S-A!)
PS: My brother received the very first copy of his book. It looks beautiful printed out. Can’t wait for my own!
Hey everyone. I haven’t been slacking—I promise! Just been neck deep in assignments for the end of the semester. Not all of them I can show you right now, but here’s a few I’ve added to my portfolio (apologies for the small format):
Firstly, my type poster. The second half of semester one required us to design a typeface (at least just the uppercase or lowercase). I chose to be quite formal: Having noticed a lack of (non slab) serif typefaces with monowidth strokes, I decided to create my own. I also added embellishments to the serifs that could be seen at display sizes. The whole typeface was based on Gill Sans, (despite my project on it last time) with a few minor changes (including changing the humanist strokes to monowidth—what a pain!). Considering we had 8 weeks to plan, sketch, create the typeface THEN make the poster, I did an okay job. It is called Jane Grey after Lady Jane Grey, who was Queen for nine days.
The book jacket was part of my illustration class, in which we were to design a new cover for a particular fictional novel. I chose Daddy-long-legs by Jean Webster, illustrating and designing it in a modernised vintage style.
I didn’t manage to scan in four ink illustrations I did for illustration class—I will try do that sometime next semester, and I haven’t put up my abstract stop motion yet—I’ll put that up sometime too.
Otherwise, I am on holiday for four weeks before heading into my final semester! These 3 years have gone by so slowly but so quickly too. Hope everyone’s having a good winter or summer!
Samantha Oehley is a 20 year old undergraduate at the Wanganui School of Design in New Zealand. Her interests include the 1960s and 1910s, the Beatles, politics, reading, music and drawing. She has a thing for Priests and Authority figures, and has the habit of always exaggerating things to a more dramatic scale 
