inside Ink Factory
Our story
CHICAGO-BASED
ARTIST-OWNED
EST 2011
SMALL-BIZ
WOMEN-OWNED
Back in 2011, a photographer, a graphic designer, and a sculptor saw organizations drowning in complexity—brilliant ideas getting lost in translation, teams spinning their wheels in endless meetings.
So Dusty, Lindsay, and Ryan did what artists do: they drew a better way forward.
Who we are
We make bold marks that lead you from "hmmmm..." to "OH!" We prioritize getting to the core of your content over sweating the small stuff, so that you can focus on the big picture. Our creative genius isn't something you can bottle up and sell–what our factory makes is experiences. We're the creative conduit that allows you to experience the deeply human act of creativity and the power it can unleash.
Meet the TEAM
No, we’re not tattoo artists. We’re really big visual note-taking nerds. The kind of people who get genuinely excited about the perfect marker color and debate the best way to draw a lightbulb.
About me:
Born and raised in the Show Me State (a.k.a. Missouri), I grew up in Winfield before earning my BFA in Sculpture from Truman State University. After several years working in management consulting, I realized the power of bringing others ideas to life through drawing and I co-founded Ink Factory with Lindsay and Ryan (cue the applause!).
I bring people skills, a big-picture mindset, and an entrepreneurial spirit to connecting the dots at Ink Factory. I love talking about our work and it's potential to solve real communication and learning problems. I love spotting patterns, generating ideas, and building meaningful partnerships that move our work forward.
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I’m a creative person at heart. I love doing things with my hands. Sculpting in steel, pottery, tending my garden, cooking, and hosting friends around the table. I love movement, nature, bodies of water, and finding inspiration in the simple, everyday art of living. Also, my family and dog are pretty great 😉
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Born in a small farm town outside of Chicago, Ryan has spent his career turning ideas into vivid, visual stories. Before co-founding Ink Factory, he helped some of the world’s top brands, agencies, and publications bring their campaigns and stories to life through photography and directing. It was during this time he met Lindsay and Dusty in the management consulting world as creative freelancers. A journey that led them to create Ink Factory in 2011.
Today, as Chief Client Advocate at Ink Factory, Ryan helps our clients transform their most important ideas into bold drawings to help them increase understanding, retention, and create real action. Equal parts dreamer and doer, Ryan is known for pushing boundaries with a grin and the phrase “sounds crazy, but…” which (sometimes) means something brilliant is about to happen… or not.
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About Teresa:
Teresa is a born and bred Midwesterner who took a decade-long detour through Memphis, TN before finding her way to Chicago. She earned a BLS in Gender Studies and an MA in Women's Studies from the University of Memphis, where she worked as a project coordinator at the Center for Research on Women and taught at the university. During her Memphis years, she was passionate about promoting education and awareness on issues pertaining to violence against women.
Ready to return to her Midwestern roots and dive into a more creative career, Teresa joined Ink Factory as its very first employee. As Chief of Staff and Operations, she's the Swiss Army knife of the team; solving problems, connecting dots, and helping to keep Ink Factory running smoothly.
Outside of Ink Factory:
Teresa spends her free time with her husband and working on various DIY projects, from arts and crafts to refinishing furniture. She's a lifelong learner who takes classes around Chicago in everything from dancing to voice-over acting to storytelling. She's an organization enthusiast with an unabashed love for office supplies. And in what might be her most controversial opinion (much to the horror of the rest of the Ink Factory team) she doesn't mind a good ballpoint pen!
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Emma grew up in Montana in a family where art was part of the everyday. She began drawing and painting as soon as she could hold a pencil, and never stopped. Emma went on to earn a degree in Textile Design from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she learned to translate ideas into pattern, form, and visual rhythm. Eventually, she found her way to Chicago and to Ink Factory, where those same skills now help her turn complex conversations into clear, human-centered visual notes.
Outside of Ink Factory:
When she’s not taking visual notes, Emma is usually working on pottery, trying new recipes, or hanging out with family and friends.
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What it takes to become an artist at Ink Factory
This isn't just drawing.
Each artist goes through rigorous training to master visual note-taking fundamentals—then become world-class. We’re talking illustration, design, hand lettering, rapid synthesis, creative problem-solving, and deep listening skills that take years to develop.
We draw what matters most.
The result?
When you hire Ink Factory, you’re getting professionally trained artists who handle your Fortune 100 boardroom as confidently as your nonprofit retreat. That’s the difference between hiring a doodler and partnering with visual communication experts.
Curious about joining this team? Keep an eye on our newsletter for rare opportunities.
The Donovan R. Taylor Initiative
Visual Notes for Racial Justice
Launched in 2020, The Donovan R. Taylor Initiative provides free visual note-taking services to organizations advancing racial justice.
Named in memory of our team member Donovan, whose passion for uplifting the community continues to inspire us, this initiative embodies our belief that powerful ideas deserve powerful visuals.
Are you ready to
THINK IN INK?
Visuals make it easier to communicate problem solve, and motivate people to take action.
Let us help you figure out how.
You won’t regret it