The making of Olaga Samoa: Samoan Lifestyle Journal

Olaga Samoa: Samoan Lifestyle was an entirely handwritten project. Yes. No fancy fonts/typefaces (oh except for the little subtitles under the grace prayer and songs). I created the whole project with sharpie textas, artliners & ink and brush. 

The making of the journal consisted of lots of drafts & revisions on loose sheets of A4 paper. In some instances, I wrote words or phrases once and decided not to fix or revise - purely because I wanted to convey a frank and honest depiction of my perfectly imperfect experiences of everyday Samoan life

Finished product: A Black hardcover cloth book. Black and white illustrations. Ribbon marker and elastic band enclosure. 252 pages. Silver Foil title on front and spine.

More than just a journal...

It's a Samoan journal, and I made it especially for the wild dreamer with ambition! I truly believe in the power of words and writing down what you envision for your life. In 2015, I wrote down in a journal (that my mum bought me from Kmart lol) my vision for koko & Ki, and I'm living my dream today and am loving every bit of the journey.

What's inside? A snapshot of my experiences and memories of growing up as a Samoan child. My understanding of the Samoan lifestyle is living a life of service to your parents, family and the church.

INSIDE: A lined Journal sprinkled with:
Random collection of everyday Samoan sayings
Malie Pule : The Samoan Grace Song
Moe moe Pepe: Samoan Lullaby
Lists: Feau (Chore) List/Shopping List
How to pronounce the Alphabet Chart (the Koko & Ki way)
Illustrations of food

You can read more about the concept/inspo here

Setting up shop

So last night I decided to design a little thank-you postcard to go with the book for future online orders. I know when I receive gifts, I love to read a little hand-written note. I just want the experience of receiving Olaga Samoa to be bliss! Do you like it? Who knows, the postcard design might change come late June. We are hoping to launch and open the online store by the end of this month! Stay tuned

Want the journal sooner?

We are going to be at the Samoan Independence Day celebrations at Liverpool, Sydney NSW on Monday the 12th of June. We will be setting up our very first Koko & Ki POP-UP Shop

Come say hi! and ask us about the journal or what we are making next, or just hang out with us :)

WHERE: SAMOAN INDEPENDENCE DAY LIVERPOOL NSW
90 Memorial Drive

Don't miss out! We only have a small batch as we are testing the market! Otherwise, you'll have to wait until they are available online hopefully by the end of this month or early July. See more pics here

So what's next?

Planning the next journal or maybe planner? & doing the flower thing to fund the Koko & Ki stationery line. You can read more about why/what we do here & see more our floral design work here

Enjoy! :)