2025 Hot New Things: Olivia Owen, Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington
Design Assembly profiles a selection of the top graduates from the best Art and Design Schools in Aotearoa New Zealand. We welcome these talented emerging professionals to our industry, learn about their passions, final projects, developing creative confidence and ambitions for the future.
Today we speak with Olivia Owen who recently graduated from Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Find out more about undergraduate and postgraduate study options in art and design by visiting our Design Schools page.
Tell us a bit about yourself:
I’m an Aucklander turned Wellington local- calling the capital home for five years now. Made the move to university to study a Bachelor of Commerce Majoring in Marketing and a Bachelor in Design Innovation majoring in Communication Design and Media Design.
I’m a natural extrovert with a love for all things communication – whether that’s marketing, design, or just connecting with people. But if there’s one thing that truly defines me, it’s my incurable travel bug. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been hooked on exploring new places. Nothing beats the thrill of a culture shock, tasting weird and wonderful foods, meeting people from all walks of life, and diving headfirst into spontaneous adventures. It’s this passion for fresh experiences that literally lights a fire in my belly and fuels both my personal life and creative work. Sounds super corny but it’s true.
What was the focus of your graduating project?
My graduation project “Vamonos!” pushes the typical way we preserve travel memories through an immersive, journey-based website. Inspired by my recent travels to Mexico City, users are transported to a vibrant Mexican boulevard complete with ambient sounds and colourful, textured illustrations. Interactive elements throughout the scene invite exploration, allowing users to discover personal experiences like salsa dancing and scenic boat rides that defined my personal adventure abroad. The website is available at vamonostravelogue.com.
Why did you choose to study design at Victoria University?
I was drawn to Victoria University of Wellington for its exceptional design facilities and well-established commerce program, which allowed me to pursue both a Bachelor of Marketing and a Bachelor of Design Innovation. While I initially gravitated toward communication design, my passion gradually shifted to media design as well. I found myself captivated by the possibilities beyond traditional print media – I wanted to push creative boundaries and learn to use technology to create truly innovative experiences, things that I normally would have never seen before. Experiences in VR, animation, and comprehensive coding were highlights.
What did you enjoy most about the design programme?
Initially, I felt intimidated by media design, facing self-doubt about venturing beyond my marketing background. Everything changed when I took my first animation course. It opened up a world beyond print media, giving me unique skills that set me apart, and more importantly, ignited a genuine passion. That single first-year course in Adobe After Effects became my gateway into the industry, leading to my first role as an animator at an e-learning company. Now, three years later, I’ve worked my way up to Creative Director – a testament to how embracing challenges outside our comfort zone can transform our career trajectory.
My journey was shaped by an exceptional lecturer, Simon Ray, whose genuine enthusiasm for every student’s work was meaningful. His excitement and supportive guidance created an environment where my creativity flourished. He didn’t know me very well as an individual, I was quite quiet during this class (which is unlike me) however his ability to celebrate each student’s unique vision didn’t just teach us animation – it gave me the confidence to excel. Looking back, his passion and support was instrumental in my success.
What was your biggest challenge while studying?
One of my greatest challenges as a student was balancing creative freedom with assignment requirements while building a meaningful portfolio. While academic briefs provided structure, they sometimes felt constraining – there was an unspoken tension between pushing creative boundaries and meeting traditional university expectations. I sometimes found myself hesitating to take bold risks, concerned about standing out too much or being penalised for deviating from previous approaches. However, this challenge proved to be valuable, teaching me how to refine and focus my ideas while staying true to client needs and target audiences. It was an essential lesson in professional creative practice- finding innovative solutions within defined parameters, something I experience out of university every day.
What inspired you to pick design as a career path?
Design class in high school was my sanctuary. For one period each day, I could immerse myself in creativity – just me, my music, and endless possibilities. What made it even more special was that this work ultimately became my pathway to university. The course’s relaxed structure, offering weekly guidance rather than rigid instruction, created the perfect environment for growth. Without the pressure of constant deadlines or exams, I had a full year to explore, iterate, and develop my project into something I was genuinely proud of.
Despite being naturally outgoing, I came to treasure these moments of quiet focus. Looking back, I realise this class offered more than just design education – it was my creative meditation, a form of self-expression similar to someone who loves journaling. In those peaceful hours of creation, I found a balance between my social nature and my need for artistic solitude. I knew from those years on that I wouldn’t let that time go and so as I pursued my initial commerce degree, I had to choose two degrees to be completely satisfied.
Who is your favourite designer/artist/creative?
Here’s the thing – I know most designers have their go-to creative, but I’ve never really worked that way. I soak up inspiration from everywhere and everything, never getting stuck on just one influence. That said, if you’re twisting my arm to pick an artist, I’d go with Claude Monet. That choice comes straight from my childhood – my mom was absolutely in love with his Water Lilies series. When I finally got to see them in real life, I didn’t leave one of his paintings for an hour.
What piece in your portfolio are you most proud of?
Among my portfolio pieces, Vamonos! stands out as my proudest achievement. Much like my cherished high school design experience, this project gave me the freedom and time to truly explore my creative vision. It marks a significant evolution in my design journey – seamlessly blending my passion for travel, digital illustration and branding into an interactive web experience.
The project represents a pivotal turning point in my design thinking. By moving beyond traditional static designs into interactive web development, I discovered a new way to bring my creative vision to life. While the journey to completion was challenging, the end result perfectly captures what I’ve always strived for: creating immersive experiences that genuinely engage viewers. Vamonos! isn’t just a portfolio piece – it’s a testament to my growth as a designer and my ability to craft meaningful digital interactions.
What’s next for you?
My career aspirations are deeply tied to my social nature – I thrive in collaborative environments and am eager to bring that energy to a creative team. With my dual background in marketing and design, I’m pumped to explore opportunities where these skills intersect. While traditional marketing roles appeal to me, I’m also looking into web design after discovering my passion for creating immersive digital experiences.
As I search for my next role, I’m taking the entrepreneurial leap and launching my own passive web design business. It’s the perfect way to showcase my creativity, build meaningful connections, and continue growing my skills. I believe there’s something special about crafting digital experiences that merge beauty with function, and I’m excited to make my mark in this space!
Where can we see more of your work?
Email me at oliviaowennz@hotmail.com
