X-cellent Sarah X Dylan

While working on the set of Star Trek over a year ago, I would pass the time by listening to recent pod cast of The Rick Emerson Show - which broadcasts from the city I live - Portland, Oregon. Rick's radio show is a blend of pop culture, entertainment trivia, interviews of by-gone actors and musicians, the world of nerds & geeks, plus much more. Also on Rick's show, is none other than producer Sarah X Dylan. Sarah is considered one of Portland's mainstream icons in the social, music and entertainment scene, plus keeps Rick in check.

However, even with her iconic looks, familiar voice and charismatic nature, Sarah never once thought about having her own brand image.

Well, that's now a thing of the past.

During set redressing on Star Trek, I would also pass the time by sketching logo ideas for various friends . . . one of which was Sarah. When Star Trek wrapped, I ran in to Sarah and mentioned what I had done. When she saw the logo, she not only was thankful, but "the WOW factory" kicked in.

I designed the look to be powerful, yet direct at the same time. However, I didn't want to spell out her full name. I did however want to emphasis the "X" in Sarah's trademark name. My though was, "name me 5 women with an "X" for a middle initial" that is iconic. No one could. To enhance the power of the brand, red and black were chosen since they suited Sarah's personality perfectly.

To help promote the new logo, 50 trinket buttons produced so Sarah could hand them out when needed. Also in the works, her own brand of stickers, and limited edition drink coasters.

X-cellent.

For your creative design needs, there is only one place to call:

Oakley Design Studios • 503.241.3705

The Love of Poster Design

Recently I was asked at a conference"why do you not showcase some of your poster work, rather than filing them after the project is done". Well . . . I have no real answer for that question, other than "here's a few for your viewing pleasure". Enjoy

Did you have fun?
More to come.

Oakley Design Studios
503.241.3705

Oakley Design says "Think AV Is HOT!"

When asked last year to design the new image for Portland's own Think AV, who would have thought that the complete business system, brochure, employee uniforms and van graphics would become one of Oakley Design's hottest success stories.

In the past 3 months, Oakley Design has received numerous requests for a "similar image" from potential clients seeking a redesign. Unfortunately, as all good designers with great work ethics know - "never ever copy a design that was completed in good faith for another client." At Oakley Design, every project designed, sketched, produced and printed - is meant for that client alone. We love telling each client those words, and you'll love it when we say it to you!

Some background on Think AV and their design story

Think AV is a leading Audio Visual company located in the heart of downtown Portland, Oregon. Think AV specializes in the rental, delivery, set-up, and on-site support for AV equipment for a wide range of clients including hotels, convention and meeting planners, feature film, and just about any other kind of meeting or event you can think of that needs AV equipment! For more information: check out Think AV.

During the design process, all 16+ employees were an important part of the corporate logo design. When the first round of comps were shown, one employee recalls - "we were just blown away by the detail that Oakley showed in the presentation. He made it hard to decide which fantastic layout to choose from." It took the staff over a week to begin narrowing down their choices!

After some revisions, we were off to the presses. While the new business system was being printed, the company van graphics were applied with a new look, and matching uniforms were created. Each Think AV employee proudly wears a deep charcoal grey long sleeve dress shirt with a reversed out complementary logo above the breast pocket.

Oakley Design works to make every client look hot! So, don't forget . . . for your creative design needs, there is only one place to call:

Oakley Design Studios • 503.241.3705

Oakley Design Hawaiian Style

Oakley Design has finally gone coconuts (insert bad pun here) for its new line of clothing wear, shoes, posters and products. We present to you, our first two items for the shopping showcase: 1) the Tiki Nights T-Shirt, and 2) the Thatch Print Keds® Kids Sneaker.

Tiki Nights T-Shirt
The artwork shown is based from the highly sought after limited-edition block print that Oakley Design created 3 years ago. Once the 100 prints were sold, owner Tim Oakley personally wrapped, sealed and stored away the original block artwork – never to be seen again. Yet that did not stop the endless phone calls to Oakley Design . . . many inquiring if a second reissue print would be produced. Simply put, Tim did not want to devalue the initial run of first prints. However, due to the overwhelming response to the block print, Oakley Design decided to satisfy the many – hence, a wearable tiki block print shirt was created.

The original block was brought out of storage, dusted off, scanned at 2400 dpi & cleaned, and finally a complimentary color was picked to showcase Oakley's trademark Polynesian brown tone. Tim was more than satisfied with what was created. His thoughts: "why did we not do this sooner?"

Now, for a limited time, you may have what others only dreamt of owning. It’s perfect for the artsy one in the family, for that special someone who wishes they were magically back in Hawaii or for any backyard bbq with a Mai Tai & pineapple clip. So don't hesitate, be the first - Order yours today

Suck Em' Up



Thatch Print Keds® Kids Sneaker
This durable children's champion lace-up sneaker comes in all sizes and is accented with soft tan trim, laces, and rubber sole. The Thatch image is from Tim Oakley’s private collection and is inked embedded into the fabric for that clean crisp look.

With this Thatch print, your child will feel like they're on the beach everyday, or at the very least, wishing they were. One of Oakley Design’s personal favorite shoe creations, your child will not only enjoy wearing them, but also be one of the coolest menehune's on the block. No catching this child when they take off in their Keds knowing that the surf is up.

And with the holidays coming around the corner, it’s also the perfect socking stuffer.
Order yours today

Mele Kalikimaka

For your creative design needs, there is only one place to call:

Oakley Design Studios • 503.241.3705

Sparkling New Promotional Pak

It’s that time to download your new Oakley Design Studios Promotional Pak. Once again, it’s packed filled with juicy designs, layouts, award-winning creative work and new fun facts. I know how we all love our fun facts.
You will see - and most likey recognize - feature film posters, mixed with one-of-a kind logos, fun packaging and illustrations.

With clients around this green planet of ours, Oakley Design is one of the most sought after independent design studios around. Just check the Google ratings. Tim was amazed as well.

To download your very own Promotional Pak, check out Oakley Design Studios.

Oh . . . and while you're at it, contact us via email for Volume 8 of our Logo Coloring Book. Once again, they will go quickly. coloringbook{at}oakleydesign.com.

So, don't forget . . . for your creative design needs,
there is only one place to call:

Oakley Design Studios • 503.241.3705

Oakley Design Studios Helps Actress Betty Moyer Win The Gold Statue

No. Not an Oscar®. Or an Emmy®. And not . . . a Golden Globe®. It was a Piccadilly award from London for the creative design of Betty Moyer's Self Promotional Pak that Betty has been sending out to casting agents and producers.

Actress Betty Moyer asked Portland’s Oakley Design Studios® to help with a branding strategy that would help her many film, television and stage credits grab the attention of those selecting actresses for auditions.

Oakley Design helped Betty create a pak to showcase her accolades in a simple and elegant way -- while keeping the overall design cost within Betty's budget.

Oakley Design started by creating Betty her own personal logo. The logo is a mirrored “B” that and a feminine “M.” Working closely with Betty, Tim Oakley created a unique color palette for use throughout this and any future projects.

Betty upgraded her headshots in conjunction with the project, and Oakley Design created a slim line tri-fold incorporating one of Betty's three new headshots. A key element for Betty was that, depending on her audition, she is able to swap out one headshot for another.

Since Betty is constantly acting, her most prominent work is printed within the master tri-fold, with all relevant post-printing acting gigs printed to order on a matching insert card.

Betty's final tri-fold was packaged in its own custom folder and matching business card.

Topping it all off, a DVD of Betty's reel is also included and attached by soft-spot. The entire project took no more than a month to design and produce.

Betty Moyer is an established actress, and makes Portland her home. For more information on Betty Moyer and her work, check out her resume on IMDB.