Role of the Railroad Inspires Lanark’s 150th Logo Winner

Tommie Healy, winner of the Lanark Chamber of Commerce Sesquicentennial logo contest, is a local resident for the past five years.

“While designing the logo for Lanark’s 150th celebration, I tried keeping in mind the important role of the railway and the life it gave to our fine City 150 years ago,” said Healy.

Tom originates from central Illinois, and has been active as an artist his entire life. He is a graduate of ISU, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Art Communication and certification in Art Education. He furthered his education in graphic design at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, IL.

Career moves have led Tom from working at top advertising agencies in Chicago, where for ten years he designed point-of-purchase products for Midas Muffler shops, Pizza Hut and Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants. He art directed several television commercials for Pepsi and Taco Bell while working in Los Angeles, CA. In a 1995 contest his artwork contribution was selected “Making a better tomorrow…today” for the “Welcome to Wenona” sign at the entrance of the city.

Before moving to Lanark, Tom was Creative Director and head of the art department at Warwick Publishing Company, located in St. Charles, IL. He and his team of artists not only created a complete line of greeting cards and photo greeting cards for Target, Ritz Camera and Wal-Mart, but also candy packaging that could be found at Marshall Fields, Michaels Arts & Crafts, and many suburban bulk food stores.

On the local scene here at home in Lanark, Tom has contributed to the art needs of the Lanark Public Library.

“Design work has been harder to find the past couple of years with the slow economy, but I am continually looking for new art projects,” Healy said. “My partner Jay and I chose Lanark as our new home because we like the character of the downtown buildings and the amenities of a local grocery store, gas and Brother’s restaurant.”

When not working on his Mac in his home office, Tom can be found keeping busy renovating their century old home and adding color to the backyard garden.

“We love our decision moving to Lanark. Many times we’ve said, we only wish that the Lanark train depot was still present today . . . that would be pretty cool!”