Graphic Designer Relies on Background in Applied Mathematics

April 21, 2010 

Simon Page is a self-taught graphic designer popular for creating the official posters of The International Year of Astronomy 2009 (IYA 2009)*. In an interview with Grain Edit, Page cites his mathematical background as a prime source of inspiration.

According to the interview, after graduating with a degree in applied mathematics, Page started experimenting with graphic design as a hobby.

His designs for IYA 2009 began as a self-initiated project to promote his talent as an artist. IYA found his designs online and made them their official posters.

The posters also caught the attention of the media. Alexandria Symonds, writing for The New York Times said, "The result is a beautiful exercise in conceptual minimalism, with a clear geometric bent that betrays Page's math-nerd origins."  

When asked how his background in math influences his designs, Page said:

"I find it very satisfying getting mathematically correct proportions when designing something like a logo, for example. But for me the main connection between math and design is pure and simple, it’s geometry. I also believe some of the best designers work with math, in a number of aspects, even though they probably do it completely subconsciously."

Read the full interview here.

*The International Year of Astronomy 2009 was a year-long celebration of astronomy, which took place in 2009 to coincide with the 400th anniversary of the first recorded astronomical observations with a telescope by Galileo Galilei and the publication of Johannes Kepler's Astronomia nova in the 17th century.

Source: Grain Edit (January 3, 2010)