spotlight :: ink umbrella

Earlier this week, Jane Tomlinson of Ink Umbrella in Chicago, contacted me. I popped on over to her gorgeous website and started checking things out. Within minutes, I contacted her to let her know I'd love to ask her a few questions. I hope you enjoy our little Q+A. If you're shopping for invites, add Ink Umbrella to the list of websites to check out.

Pearls Events ::What is the story behind the name Ink Umbrella?
Jane :: Ink Umbrella is a double entendre. While it literally refers to a large scope of design services offered under one umbrella, I hold the other meaning near to my heart. Carrying around my trusty (yet very fashionable) umbrella at a party (it wasn't raining) sparked a conversation with a very cute redhead who later became my husband (and the best reason to design a wedding invitation!).

Pearls Events :: Why + when did you begin your stationery venture?
Jane :: Vying for a sense of accomplishment and a creative outlet from my corporate graphic design job, I began designing wedding and social invitations for friends and colleagues. As the word spread, requests began to pour in for my custom designs and I realized I'd found my niche. It's the perfect balance for my entrepreneurial spirit and passion for design. In 2006 I left my corporate job and Ink Umbrella Design became a full-time reality!

Pearls Events :: What is your favorite project you've worked on to-date?
Jane :: This is a hard question for me because each design I create becomes a passionate project for me. I just love that a wedding invitation can set the tone for the entire event. It lends itself to so much opportunity and I love to see photos from my client's weddings to see how the invitation translates to the rest of the day.

Pearls Events :: What inspires your designs?
Jane :: I am inspired by many simple things in nature and outdoors, unique shapes, textile patterns, colors, luxurious paper, vintage fashion, and pop culture.

Pearls Events :: How does a client work with you if they are not local?
Jane :: In today’s technologically savvy world, it's truly just as easy to work with a client in my backyard as it is a client on the other side of the country. The majority of the design process is shared electronically though PDFs and emails whether local or not so the only difference for out of town clients is that I arrange to send samples and hard copy proofs and schedule phone or email consultations instead of face-to-face meetings.

Pearls Events :: What do you enjoy doing on your days off?
Jane :: Days off??? That's a new concept for me! As a small business, I rarely have a work-free day, however, I do manage to find time for the occasional hiatus every now and then! I love to be outdoors (OK, maybe not right now since we're amidst Chicago's brutal winter...) but in the milder months you can find me on long walks with our golden retriever through Lincoln Park neighborhoods. I also love running, traveling, dinner parties, board games, antiquing, bargain-hunting and spending time with friends and family.

Pearls Events :: What's in your coffee cup?
Jane :: That's easy - always a Venti Skinny Vanilla Latte from Starbucks - my guilty pleasure. It keeps me bright-eyed throughout the day and into my unconventionally long hours burning the midnight oil!