As a one-stop-shop, Ink Umbrella delivers top-tier design — from quality and aesthetics to service and expertise — that rivals larger agencies and without the overhead pricing.
As the founder and lead designer of Ink Umbrella, Jane Tomlinson combines creative talent with high-quality strategic solutions to develop comprehensive graphic identities and brand experiences that transcend trends. Her skilled communication and project management capabilities couple with design expertise to produce effective and functional visual solutions.
Jane’s discerning eye for spatial design, innate talent, layered experience and core values are what truly sets Ink Umbrella apart from other independent design studios.
To capture the essence of each clients’ unique vision, I genuinely hear their communication goals and step into the shoes of their target audience before designing with intention. I match my clients’ visual communication goals to boost brands, elevate messaging and bring thoughtful, fresh, engaging, and compelling design concepts to life.
I value partnership and cultivating long-standing client relationships.
I’ve collaborated with individuals, small businesses, associations, non-profit organizations, large companies, and startups from coast to coast to visually communicate messages. I love partnering with clients as an extension of a team or working one-on-one to build cohesive, consistent brand stories that evolve over time and leave a lasting impression.
Details are everything in visual communications and can be the difference between a successful design and one that falls flat. By carefully listening to my clients’ needs, I scrutinize over details and leverage color palette, typography, images, photography, pixel placement and texture to optimize design solutions that transform any idea into a visual reality.
I’m an actual Jane of all trades.
While my passion for design has been refined by two decades of experience, my education and early career days are rooted in communication and project management; a skillset that ultimately makes me a stronger designer and differentiates my skillset from competitors. With a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication and PR from Miami University, my first job out of school was at a Chicago-based event marketing agency. I sharpened my skills in communications, meeting planning, and strategic messaging while meeting tight timelines for demanding clients on bold, large-scale projects. Coupled with an innate strong work ethic, I’ve always maintained client service mentality and offer seamless project management throughout all stages of the design process… from ideation to delivery and beyond, I provide a full suite of design services that are delivered on-time, on-budget and consistently met with acclaim.
When not in my design studio on Chicago’s Northshore, you can find me:
- Taking long walks around Wilmette with my husband & our golden retriever
- Cheering on my three kids from the sideline of what they love (and leading by example by pursuing my own dreams)
- Collecting sea glass and soaking in summer at Wilmette’s Gillson beach
- Party planning (I can’t resist a good theme and custom swag!)
- Supporting my community by volunteering design expertise to several local committees and boards
- Drinking lots of coffee (and maybe the occasional tequila soda at the end of a long day)