Lauren Okura

Graphic Designer / Creative Director / Volunteer

Chicago, IL, USA
I look to use design for good.

Work Experience

Critical Mass

Art Director

September 2008 - May 2014 Illinois, United States

Tribe Agency

Senior Creative

July 2006 - September 2008 Chicago, Illinois, United States

Behindthechair.com

Creative Manager/Senior Lead Designer

December 2003 - June 2006 Roselle, Illinois, United States

Braintree

Design Director / Diversity & Inclusion Group Lead

May 2014 - March 2021 Illinois, United States

Pono Design Studio

Design, Creative Director, Co-Founder

I co-founded Pono, a design studio creating and elevating visual brands and identities. We are an experienced team of creative directors, designers, writers, animators, and project managers with years of solid experience working together at ad agencies, startups, and tech companies. We think strategically and operate as a true extension of your creative and marketing teams to support your business.

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The meaning of Pono:
Pono is a Hawaiian word and generally translates to “righteousness,” but it’s more than a word—it’s a way of life. To “live pono” is to live with balance and to consciously and morally do right by yourself, by others, and by the world. You can learn more here about why and how we chose "Pono" for the name of our studio: www.pono.design/about-pono-design-studio
October 2019 - Present Illinois, United States

Education

The Illinois Institute Of Art - Schaumburg

Bachelor of Fine Arts, Visual Communications

Schaumburg, Illinois, United States

Northern Illinois University

Illinois, United States

Awards

Annual Design Awards

Best Website Design

2012

Nylon Magazine And Cover Girl

Winner of Cover Girl's design contest

2010

Blue Moon Brewing Company

Finalist for the Blue Moon Art Project

Skills

Advertising, Brand Identity, Digital Design, Illustrator, Indesign, Photoshop, Print Design, Promotional, Small Business Design, Visual Identity, Wedding/event Design,

Designer & Founder Of Designed Out Of Love

I created Designed Out Of Love as an initiative to raise awareness and to fundraise for organizations who are fighting to stop the abuse of children. https://designedoutoflove.com/