We’re thrilled to introduce to you Damian, the founder of Atoms to Astronauts. Damian’s mission is simple yet inspiring: to create scientifically accurate, beautifully designed notebooks and planners that celebrate iconic scientists and landmark discoveries.
Damian shares his journey from chemistry teacher to entrepreneur, the creative process behind his notebooks, and how he hopes to inspire the next generation of scientists with every page.
What inspired you to start Atoms to Astronauts? Can you take us back to that moment during lockdown when you designed your first notebook?
During lockdown I wanted a science themed notebook and couldn’t find any that I liked. Everything I found looked like it hadn’t been made by a scientist - incorrect formula, physics mixed with Chemistry etc. So I decided to make one myself, asked for feedback on reddit and people started asking whether they could buy one. It all started from there.
As a chemistry teacher, how has your background in education influenced your approach to designing stationery for science lovers?
Anyone who loves science knows how irritating it can be if something isn’t scientifically accurate. We’re a funny bunch like that. So I make sure that I consult with experts in the field for each design to ensure that everything is relevant and includes the important works of that field.
Your notebook covers feature iconic scientists and scientific texts. How do you choose which scientists or papers to include, and what's your design process like?
I talk to experts in that field and research landmark publications and the most prominent scientists in the field for each design. Then I’ll seek out their work and either license their texts/images/equations or, as most of our designs use early 20th century texts, use public domain images.
You emphasise high quality and UK manufacturing. Why was it important for you to make everything in the UK, and how do you ensure sustainability in your materials?
We make sure that everything is made using sustainable materials such as paper from sustainably grown forests. And it’s really important for us to use UK based manufacturers and suppliers to help our local and wider communities. We know we’re helping their employees and their families which is important to us. As are our customers when they make a purchase from us.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in turning a simple lockdown project into a thriving business?
Generally speaking there are never enough hours in the day and always an endless list of things to do. It’s also always a challenge to know what to take a risk on and what to play it safe with. The pressure of being self employed means you can never switch off.
You’ve built a community of science enthusiasts around your notebooks. What kind of feedback from customers has moved you the most, or surprised you?
So many people give these as gifts to their loved ones and they’ll often get in touch to let me know how well they’ve been received. That's always great to hear.
Do you have a personal favourite design (or scientist cover) from the Atoms to Astronauts range? Why does it resonate with you?
The Space Exploration - I spent day after day over Christmas in 2022 struggling with it and finally after many hours it fell into place. It’s now by far our bestseller
If you could have dinner with any scientist (past or present), who would it be and why?
Past - Richard Feynman - he was second to Einstein in 20th century physics and known for being a great communicator and fantastic dinner guest. Present - Jennifer Doudna. She was partly responsible for inventing CRISPR which is quietly revolutionising medical science.. I’d love to hear where she thinks it will go next.
What’s next for Atoms to Astronauts? Are there new product lines or themes you’re excited to develop?
New mugs, possibly candles and expanding new designs such as Psychology, Veterinary Science and more
Your bio mentions inspiring people “as you build your own scientific legacy.” What does that legacy mean to you?
I can’t say I’ll leave behind any scientific legacy however I hope that our customers who work in the sciences can see the work of Einstein, Newton, Curie etc on the cover and be inspired to keep going with the important work they’re doing. Who knows, maybe the next Darwin is writing in one of our notebooks now and can build their legacy..
As someone who turned a passion project into a business, what advice would you give to other creatives or teachers who dream of launching their own side hustle?
If you’re someone who will happily reads business books, listen to business podcasts, watch Dragon’s Den and has an above average win rate in your family games of Monopoly, go for it! There are resources for free online to teach yourself everything you need to know. You only live once.
Has your experience teaching ever informed a particular notebook theme or design?
Our planners use an adapted version of a teacher planner I designed years ago. The format got me through uni and teaching during the last decade and I thought it was worth sharing. Thankfully our customers are finding it useful too.
Quick rapid-fire: favourite element, most underrated scientist, and one piece of stationery you can't live without?
Hydrogen - every atom of hydrogen in the universe has existed since the Big Bang and it is the building block of all elements. I think both of those are cool facts.
Scientist - Michael Faraday - discovered how to harness electricity and helped usher in the modern world. Did so without a classical education and used his brilliance to overcome the social prejudices of his time.
Stationery - Uniball gel pens
If Atoms to Astronauts had a mascot, what would it be and why?
The atom symbol on our logo. With googly eyes.
What’s the most “you” thing someone would find on your desk right now?
My Space mug. I’m never far from a cup of tea.
If you could redesign one everyday object using scientific inspiration, what would it be?
I would design my mug to keep my tea at the optimum temperature
Which scientific discovery do you wish you could have witnessed in person?
Being present when Watson and Crick burst into the Eagle pub in Oxford announcing they’d discovered “the secret of life” (the structure of DNA) would have been great to witness.
What’s your go-to soundtrack while designing?
You can’t go wrong with a Hans Zimmer soundtrack or Radiohead album
Damian’s story shows that a spark of curiosity and a love for science can turn into something much bigger - a brand that inspires, educates, and celebrates scientific achievement. From high-quality UK-made notebooks to innovative new designs on the horizon, Atoms to Astronauts is more than stationery - it’s a way to connect with the incredible legacy of science while building your own.
Whether you’re a student, teacher, or science enthusiast, Damian’s notebooks are the perfect companion to your studies, experiments, or personal projects. Explore the collection today and join the growing community of science lovers who are embracing creativity, accuracy, and inspiration in every page.
