Pono Design Studio
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Pono is a graphic design studio founded by Lauren Okura and Paul Maeda.
With over 15 years of in-house and agency experience, their love for creativity and desire to pay it forward drives them to create great work and inspires them to give back.
03/25/2026
Pono was recently given the incredible honor to design the first Japanese Heritage Jersey for the Chicago Cubs.
The jersey design needed to reflect our Japanese heritage, so the idea of connecting Japan and the Chicago Cubs served as our inspiration. The Cubs, founded in 1876, are one of the oldest MLB teams and were active when professional baseball began in Japan in 1936. This gave us the idea to celebrate their two histories.
Inspired by the jerseys the Cubs wore in 1936, we combined the colors, logos, and overall jersey style with Katakana characters that say "Chicago," "Cubs," and "Go! Cubs! Go!," along with the Japanese flag to represent both the Cubs and Japanese baseball. The result is a custom 1936 throwback jersey with a touch of Japanese flair.
A huge heartfelt thank you to the Chicago Cubs for giving us the opportunity to create this jersey!
These special-edition jerseys are available through a Special Ticketed Offer for the Cubs vs Rockies game at Wrigley Field on June 17th, 2026 at 7:05 PM.
More info on the MLB website: www.mlb.com/cubs/tickets/specials/japanese-heritage
12/24/2025
10/31/2025
Proud sponsor 🍀
Sometimes, our job is to refresh a brand rather than build a new one. No matter how dated, existing logos often carry brand equity for a company, including meaning and recognition for their audience. So, when we’re asked to redesign a logo, we always consider the brand’s existing visual story to preserve the positive aspects while enabling the brand to grow, evolve, and flourish.
Thank you to our amazing partners who entrusted us with their logo and brand refreshes: Aprecomm, SG+ Reps, Angela Renee Photography, Yama Physical Therapy Performance & Recovery, foundHR, Heather Booysen Photography, Composed Comp Group, and the Chicago Botanic Garden
If you're in the Chicago area, you may have spotted Five Corners Beverage Co.'s new Salted Lemonade at Foxtrot, Bookclub Chicago, The Whistler, or your favorite neighborhood liquor store. Having launched the brand and their first beverage last year, it's been an incredible journey to support this family-owned Midwest company as they grow!
We're proud to share some highlights of our design work together below!
Be sure to check out their *fresh* website to learn more about this uniquely flavored beverage, where to get it, and more about the company: www.fivecornersbev.com
04/04/2025
Proud to have supported these amazing AAPI stories and the Filament Theatre through designing the “Hannah and Halmoni Save the World” and “Heart Strings” logos! Check them out if you can ❤️
03/12/2025
Excited to share Pono’s partnership with the Filament Theatre in Chicago on their two upcoming family-friendly AAPI plays, Heart Strings and Hannah and Halmoni Save the World! We’re honored to have worked with such an amazing organization that celebrates and amplifies the perspectives and experiences of young people through the performing arts.
Tickets are on sale now for Hannah and Halmoni Save the World! Don’t miss the joy and adventure of Hannah and Halmoni from March 30 - April 27, running in rep with Heart Strings.
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Hannah and Halmoni are superheroes masquerading most days as granddaughter and grandmother. Fighting off the evil flute teacher and saving plants from dehydration the dynamic duo is the perfect pair– until they have to face Mom that is. Some problems require capes and some require conversations, but all problems can find solutions when grandma is there to hold your hand. From 2024 ReImagine Playwright Juliet Kang Huneke, co-created with young people through Filament Theatre’s new work pipeline.
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03/12/2025
Excited to share Pono’s partnership with the Filament Theatre in Chicago on their two upcoming family-friendly AAPI plays, Heart Strings and Hannah and Halmoni Save the World! We’re honored to have worked with such an amazing organization that celebrates and amplifies the perspectives and experiences of young people through the performing arts.
Tickets are on sale now for Heart Strings! Come experience the magic of this story from March 22 - April 19, running in rep with Hannah and Halmoni Save the World!
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Hoku and Mahina are sisters, hanai sisters. Though they are not related by blood, they will always be bound. It is not always easy growing up though, and when Hoku grows frustrated by her younger sister, she wishes her away. When circumstances take Mahina from the home she shares with Hoku, Hoku worries her wish is what sent Mahina away. A storm, some stars, and a guiding string help the sisters find their path as they grow up, and learn fully what it is to be family.
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03/07/2025
Bienfang Paper ad, 1971
10/23/2024
At Pono, we are truly grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with individuals dedicated to enhancing positivity and mental health in people's lives. We are pleased to announce Kristin Ali’s new telehealth practice, You Matter Therapy Services, offering psychotherapy treatment to clients in Illinois and Florida. We thank Kristin for partnering with us on her visual identity and website, and wish her the very best in her new venture!
www.youmattertherapyservices.com
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Pono Design Studio
Think of Pono as your organization's design partner—instead of building an internal design team or hiring an agency, work with talented and experienced designers who are flexible with your needs. With this partnership, you can expect beautifully designed visuals that communicate value, ensue engagement, and gain recognition for your brand.
What makes Pono unique is its founders and core designers, Lauren Okura and Paul Maeda. Each with over 15 years of agency and in-house experience and working together since 2012, their long-time complementary working relationship has made them an extremely efficient, versatile, and effective team enabling them to create second to none design work.
In addition to servicing clients, Pono donates its design services to non-profit organizations working to inspire positive change to make the world a better place.
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