All great graphic designers should be like Sarah York and Tasia Giannakopoulos: perfectionists. The two artists, 23 and 25 years old respectively, zoom in on their work—intent on the minute details of their designs.

In 2004, the gals graduated with diplomas in visual communications and design from Grant MacEwan College, where they had met and quickly became friends. While each worked to complete their mandatory practicums at a graphic design firm, they took on freelance projects.

“We said, ‘We’re getting the work… let’s make something of it,’” recalls York.

What resulted from their connection was Phlo Design, located in modern office space above Red Strap Market. The company started with a solid list of clients being referred by their practicum hosts and from the contract work through their former employers. And York acknowledges that support.

“We had a lot of help along the way.”

Phlo Design performs contract work to small and large companies alike. The fledgling firm has designed, illustrated, and printed their way into companies as big as Shell Chemicals and as small as privately owned hair salons.

York and Giannakopoulos design with a wholistic look at a clients’ image. They address the company’s logo, the paper, the presentation format, and the best overall image. They prefer illustrations for logos and imaging rather than photography which, they believe, is less individual. And, they suggest alternatives—often with dramatically different results.

The women recognize that the market in Edmonton has a lot of graphic companies competing for clients, but that it also offers a lot of opportunities for a firm with a fresh approach.

“Sarah and I have our own niche and we don’t feel threatened by other companies,” explains Giannakopoulos. “We just go with the phlo.”

The partners see the value of making time to enjoy relaxing hobbies like camping, gardening, pottery and yoga. But, these extra-milers are willing to put in the time needed to make their company and their own artistic skills grow. They work as many hours as needed to finish a project, even working evening and weekends to meet their deadlines.