2000

In the beginning

Bernie and Tara graduate with Bachelor of Design degrees (in Visual Communication) from the University of Alberta (U of A) in Edmonton, Alberta.

Bernie briefly works at a local advertising agency, but moves on to the more welcoming culture of a small studio.

Tara continues to work at the same studio where she completed her student practicum. She transitions from a production position to full-time junior designer. Later that year she leaves this role to start freelancing and starts to learn (the hard way) how to run a creative business.

Plumbheavy Design in incorporated.

2001

Like school, but different

The learning curve is steep and the hustle is real. Tara’s freelance work is steadily growing. Bernie continues at his day job, but works on Plumbheavy projects with Tara in the evenings.

2002 – 2003

Still young

Bernie leaves his day job to dedicate more time and energy to Plumbheavy. 

Design work contracted to Plumbheavy is enough to sustain one salary, but not quite enough for two. Tara and Bernie both accept sessional teaching positions at the U of A, taking over instruction of a design fundamentals course in the department of Art & Design. Together, they rewrite course content and provide technical instruction on Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to first year undergrads. 

2004 – 2005

Leap of faith

The hustle continues as Tara and Bernie work to build a reputation for Plumbheavy. Their network is growing and client base continues to expand. 

They lease studio space in a charming historic building in downtown Edmonton. 

They hire their first full-time employee — one of their top students — in the role of production designer.

2006

Acting like adults

A senior designer is added to the roster and there are now a total of four salaries on the payroll.

The client list continues to grow.

2007 – 2010

Mindset of growth

The net is cast wide as they aim for the broadest range of experience possible. Subcontracting writers, photographers, illustrators and developers allows them to expand their range of services offered. They position themselves to take on projects with a broader scope and larger budgets than ever before. 

In addition to Tara and Bernie, there are between two and three full-time designers on staff during this time, plus a part-time project manager.

With continued growth the need for larger studio space is required. They negotiate a lease on a 1,200 sq. ft. space and renovate to suit their needs.

2011

Taking time

Tara takes a six month leave to refuel her creativity and restore some energy.

Bernie manages the studio, client relationships, and staff.

2012 – 2016

Holding steady

Relationships that have been nurtured over the last decade become the core business stream of Plumbheavy. They become trusted partners for those looking to outsource aspects of their communications and brand management on an ongoing basis.

With a reduced client roster project management responsibilities —managing suppliers, budgets, and client expectations — are once again shared between Tara and Bernie.

2016 – 2017

Pioneering the remote workspace

The business focus shifts from growth to sustainability and a healthy work/life balance is prioritized. Systems are put in place to decentralize the workspace, and the lease on studio is not renewed. A culture of autonomy is fostered as everyone transitions to working remotely.

Staff enjoy the benefits and the freedom to self manage. Bernie works from home, and Tara moves from Edmonton to Vancouver Island.

2019

Back to basics

The last full-time designer moves on to a corporate position. Tara and Bernie choose not to replace them. 

2020 - 2021

All grown up

Two decades later, Tara and Bernie have experienced several business cycles, stock market crashes, oil booms, transitions in government and shifts in policy. There was even a pandemic thrown in there. They are mostly older, somewhat wiser, but as passionate as ever about the value of visual storytelling in this ever changing and unpredictable world.