Mark Simonson Studio

Mark Simonson Studio is an independent type foundry based in St. Paul, Minnesota, founded by designer Mark Simonson. The studio is best known for creating Proxima Nova, which became one of the most widely used fonts on the web and in app design.

About Mark Simonson

Mark Simonson has been designing typefaces since the early 1990s. His work combines geometric precision with subtle humanist touches, creating fonts that are both modern and approachable. Before focusing on type design, Simonson worked as a graphic designer and illustrator.

The Proxima Nova Story

Proxima Nova evolved from Proxima Sans, originally released in 1994. The "Nova" version, released in 2005, dramatically expanded the family with new weights, widths, and styles. It quickly became a favorite among web designers and tech companies for its versatility and excellent screen rendering.

Notable Typefaces

Mark Simonson Studio's portfolio includes:

• Proxima Nova - A geometric sans-serif that bridges classic and contemporary styles
• Anonymous Pro - A monospace font designed for source code with distinct letterforms
• Coquette - A decorative script with Art Nouveau influences
• Bookmania - A warm, friendly serif inspired by 1970s type design

Design Philosophy

Simonson's fonts are characterized by their versatility and attention to detail. Each typeface balances geometric structure with optical refinements that ensure excellent readability across different sizes and contexts. The studio's commitment to quality over quantity has earned a devoted following among designers.