Frie Soomers

Graphic designer

Frie Soomers (°1949) is most recognisable design for the Antwerp festival Jazz Middelheim in 1974. Soomers’ idiosyncratic logo, which uses musical notes to form the initials of Jazz Middelheim, grew to be an icon.

She has been educated in Antwerp by Lucien De Roeck and Hélène Van Coppenolle. Later she has also been taken on the role of teacher to educate young graphic designers at Sint Lucas Antwerp.

Soomers has a keen passion for music and, more specifically, Jazz. This has led her to be the main inspiration source in her practice. She was asked for assignments mainly for cultural events and concerts such as Rubbensjaar 1977, Antverpiano 91, and Spel Zonder Grenzen.

Her design often combines clear, illustrative shapes with sans-serif fonts. She is likeable because of her joy of colour.