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.
07/12/2026
Had a great time today at Japan Fest 2026 ・ジャパンフェスシカゴ! More festivities taking place tomorrow, check it out if you can 🇯🇵☀️
06/18/2026
Last night we celebrated the first-ever Japanese Heritage Night at Wrigley Field, where Pono had the privilege of designing the commemorative ticket jersey.
As Japanese-American designers from Chicago, this project was especially meaningful. Sharing the evening with friends, teammates, and our community—and seeing fans throughout the stadium wearing the jersey—was a moment we'll never forget.
Thank you to the cubs for trusting us with a small part of such a special night. We're honored to have contributed to this inaugural celebration. 🇯🇵⚾️🏟️
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
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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