Aartomaa started his studies at the Institute of Marketing in Helsinki, at the same time as attending graphic art evening classes at the Institute of Art and Design (Ateneum). Started his career as a commercial artist in major advertising agencies in Finland. He has run his own freelance studio since 1963. Taught graphic design at Lahti Design Polytechnic 1972–86. In 1972 he also started as lecturer at the University of Art and Design, where he became a professor in 1986. He was nominated one of the 100 leading graphic designers of the world 1983–93 by IDEA/Japan, 1993. He has been a member or head of international and national juries for poster biennials and competitions in Warsaw, Aosta, Moscow, Rzezów and Lahti, and was co-founder of Lahti Poster Biennial, 1975. Collaboration with interior architect Yrjö Kukkapuro since 1989 in design of graphics for chairs. ‘Tattooed Chair’ exhibitions together with Yrjö Kukkapuro, most recently in Lisbon, 2006.