Tea Ilic is a multidisciplinary designer and art director based in Lincoln, Nebraska. Tea’s design philosophy is rooted in adaptability, empathy and clarity. She believes great design doesn’t just look good, it tells a story, solves a problem and makes a connection. Whether it’s branding, layout, digital content or creative direction, Tea brings both heart and strategy to every project.
Born in Hamburg, Germany, Tea immigrated to the United States in 1999 after her family fled war-torn Yugoslavia. Growing up between cultures deeply influenced her artistic lens, fueling a lifelong love for visual expression. That passion led her to the Arts & Focus Program in Lincoln, where she began formally developing her skills and creative voice.
Tea continued her education at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, earning a BFA in Graphic Design. While at UNL, she interned with exceptional faculty members and immersed herself in both studio and real-world projects that set the foundation for her versatile, multidisciplinary approach. Her portfolio includes work with local mom-and-pop shops as well as industry giants like Facebook, Google and UWM, along with a variety of regional clients in Omaha and Lincoln.
Outside the studio, Tea finds joy in travel, painting, cooking, gaming with her boyfriend and friends, hiking Nebraska trails and doting on her beloved cats. She continues to travel regularly to visit family in Europe, carrying her heritage with pride and perspective.
“Design lets me bridge emotion, identity, and purpose, and that’s what keeps me inspired every day,” Tea said.