Spherical Concepts, Inc. (SCI) was founded in 1981, by John Szal and Mark Buikema. John Szal continues to serve as the Founder and C.E.O. The process for producing acrylic globes is the same as the process that was used for blowing B52 Bomber covers. The originator of the acrylic globe concept, Robert Farquhar, wanted a better way to teach kids about the geo-political relationships of the world. See-through oceans allowed a "clearer view" of the planet. This also led to the development of astronomy products. The use of clear material allows a true representation of how we actually see the stars overhead, instead of the mirror-reverse image necessary when using opaque materials. Starting with one product and one customer, the Artline product line continued to grow and develop, and now includes over 130 different models.

In 1995, SCI expanded marketing efforts by partnering with the premier reference globe producer in the world, Columbus Globes, for distribution of the Artline product line in Europe. In 1997, the National Geographic Society, selected Spherical Concepts and Columbus Globes to create a three-way partnership to develop a new line of reference globes, and Spherical Concepts was awarded the world-wide license to manufacture and distribute National Geographic Globes. Today, Spherical Concepts proudly offers customers the best of both worlds - the finest contemporary globes and the finest reference globes.