From the Studio to the World Stage: Naomi Pirono Wins 3 Indigo Design Awards

What if a coffee brand asked you to slow down instead of speed up? That question became Hangout Coffee Roasters — and it just won 3 Indigo Design Awards.

Recent Bachelor of Graphic Design graduate Naomi Graviela Pirono presented her work at LaSalle's end-of-term portfolio show. Weeks later, that momentum carried her to a global stage: Gold in Packaging Design, and Silver in both Branding and Logos at the Indigo Design Awards.

For LaSalle, this recognition is part of a longer story. Our Graphic Design students have been earning Indigo Awards year after year — a testament to the calibre of talent and teaching that defines our program.

A Brand Born from a Feeling

Hangout didn't start with a mood board. It started with an observation.

"Hangout began as a reflection on how fast-paced café culture has become, where productivity often takes priority over simply being present," says Naomi. "I wanted to create something more human and approachable — a space that invites people to slow down, connect, and just hang out."

The result is a playful, animal-inspired coffee shop brand rooted in Vancouver's local culture. At its heart is a cast of characters — a sloth, a fox, a turtle, a cat — each with their own personality, dressed in familiar Canadian winter attire. The message is as warm as the brand itself: not everyone is the same, but everyone is welcome, and everyone can find a character they relate to.

The visual identity is entirely handcrafted — from the custom typography that feels as loose and friendly as a handwritten note, to the illustrated characters that spill across kraft paper cups, wooden signage, and bold street posters. Even the tagline, Chill with the Crew, feels like an invitation rather than a slogan. Hangout doesn't ask you to be productive. It asks you to Chill Out, Chit Chat, Laze Out — and stay a while.

Design That Means Something

For Naomi, design has always been about intention and storytelling — and Hangout is the purest expression of that yet.

"More than anything, I hope Hangout serves as a reminder that design has the power to shape how we experience everyday moments," she reflects. "As an international student, I'm proud to see my work recognized on a global stage."

For a recent graduate, three Indigo Awards is no small achievement — and Naomi made it look natural. Congratulations to her, and to her instructor Anne whose mentorship shaped this journey — and to a faculty dedicated to academic excellence, real-world impact, and preparing students not just to graduate, but to compete globally. This is what LaSalle is made of.

Discover our Bachelor of Graphic Design program and see what you could create at LaSalle.