Inside Parabolic

Our founding philosophy

The weight of beauty in design rests on purpose.

Our founders, Sam and Aiko, founded Parabolic Studio in 2015 on a powerful idea: top-tier design must balance aesthetic beauty with function.

Our inspiration was the parabolic arch, a form celebrated for its timeless beauty and functions to bear immense weight. We saw the potential for a new kind of studio: one that could create work that was not only visually striking but also eeply grounded in purpose. This idea became our blueprint for creating exceptional visual experiences.

Today, Parabolic Studio continues to be guided by that principle. We use a strategic, intentional approach to ensure every design choice has a purpose, creating designs that don't just look great but are built to last. Just as a parabola reflects waves to a single point, our entire process converges on one thing: a meaningful, unforgettable experience. We create living, dynamic design that moves people and inspires a lasting resonance.

Parabolic Studio isn't just a name. It's the guiding principle for how we create, think, and design.

Our culture

We’ve created an environment where everyone feels comfortable and open, but we can have a laugh along the way

We created an environment where people feel safe to speak up, share work in progress, and ask hard questions. Comfort and openness are not perks here. They are the way we run projects, from kickoff to final delivery, so ideas can surface early and get sharper together.

Everyone on the team is heard. Clients are treated as partners, not spectators. Designers, strategists, and producers sit at one table, listen first, and choose clarity over noise. That habit builds trust, shortens loops, and keeps momentum without the stress that usually drags work down.

We take the work seriously without taking ourselves too seriously. A quick laugh resets the room and keeps energy high. That balance invites better critique, steadier focus, and a culture where people want to bring their best thinking every single day.

The result is visible in the work. Decisions feel intentional, teams stay aligned, and timelines move with less friction. Clients leave with design that is strong and a process they enjoyed, which is why they return and recommend us to people they trust.

Our values

Parabolic Studio was built on principles that guide every decision

From how we design to how we collaborate

01

Precision

We care about details that most overlook. Precision is how we show respect for our craft and our clients. Every decision, file, and pixel reflects our commitment to excellence.

02

Curiosity

We ask questions before making assumptions. Curiosity keeps our ideas fresh, our methods evolving, and our work grounded in understanding rather than ego.

03

Depth of Thought

We do not design quickly to please. We think deeply to understand. Every project begins with questions, not answers, because meaning is built on insight.

04

Collective Excellence

We elevate each other. Critique is welcomed, not avoided, and ideas are refined through shared ownership. Collaboration here is not compromise, it is how we achieve distinction.

Look Inside Our Minds

Our leaders

Sam Shen

Co-founder

Sam leads the strategic vision of the studio, grounding every project in clarity and purpose. With nine years of experience at leading global marketing agencies, he has guided accounts for some of the world’s most recognizable brands. That background gave him a strong understanding of how to align creative ambition with business outcomes. As co-founder, he ensures that the studio’s ideas are not only visually compelling but also strategically positioned to create lasting impact.

It was the mix of Sam’s strategic discipline and Aiko’s creative vision that shaped the founding principles of Parabolic Studio. Their partnership remains at the core of the studio, each balancing the other and building a foundation where strategy and creativity move together. This dynamic continues to define the character of the studio today.

Outside of the studio, Sam is often practicing archery or traveling to experience new cultures and perspectives. Both pursuits keep him grounded while expanding the way he approaches strategy and design.

Our leaders

Aiko Tanaka

Co-founder

Aiko sets the creative direction of the studio with a rare balance of precision and intuition. Over the past decade, her work in Tokyo, New York, and Vancouver has shaped a design approach that is both disciplined and exploratory. As co-founder, she defines the visual language of the studio, ensuring every project carries a clear sense of intention and refinement.

Her years in Tokyo instilled a deep respect for craft and clarity, while her international experience broadened her perspective on how design can communicate across cultures. That foundation informs the systems she builds, from brand identities to comprehensive visual frameworks.

Outside of the studio, Aiko is usually sketching in her notebook, trying new recipes, or browsing bookstores for design inspiration. These simple routines give her fresh perspectives and keep her creativity connected to everyday life.
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Referrals

48%

Nearly half of our new work comes from past clients who trust us enough to recommend us to others. Their word is our strongest proof of impact.

Projects

250+

From intimate brand identities to full-scale digital experiences, we’ve brought hundreds of projects to life with craft and precision.

Retention

93%

Our team stays because they believe in the vision. Stability fuels creativity, and that shows in the work we deliver.

Awards

3

Recognition from the industry affirms what drives us every day: thoughtful design that leaves a lasting mark.

What people say about us

From start to finish, Sam was a pleasure to work with.

He was patient yet efficient, open to our ideas and also shared his helpful insights on SEO.

Even when we weren’t exactly sure what we wanted and changed our minds several times, he patiently guided us to good solutions.

Valerie Weidemann

VP People & Culture, CAUSEWORX Inc.

Parabolic Studio brought a level of clarity to our brand that we didn’t realize we were missing.

Their ability to seamlessly blend strategy and design completely transformed how we present ourselves.

Clayton Hensley

CEO, GlowBrew

They took the time to understand our business, our values, and our goals, then turned that insight into a brand that truly reflects who we are.

The new look and messaging have not only elevated our presence but also brought in clients who align perfectly with our vision.

Margaret
Dawson

CMO, Stratox Lux

We started from scratch, and Parabolic made the whole process effortless.

They built us a site that looks incredible, functions perfectly, and truly represents our brand. We couldn’t be happier.