Meet Cheryl Steffen | Illustrator and Surface Pattern Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cheryl Steffen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cheryl, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Looking back, I’ve always embraced risk. I grew up and went to college in Michigan, and the day after graduation, I packed up my car and drove to Southern California to be with my boyfriend. Though that relationship ended after a year, it sparked a new desire in me: to explore the world, even though I didn’t have the funds to do so. I figured the best way to make it happen was to become a flight attendant, so I pulled out the Yellow Pages and sent my resume to five airlines. After a few interviews, I received three job offers and chose the one that flew internationally. Within two months, I had packed my bags, moved to Minneapolis, and was traveling the globe.

Fast forward to several years and many moves later, I found myself married with kids ready to leave the nest. I took another leap and applied to a store I admired, specializing in custom graphic design and unique gifts. Despite having no prior experience, I was hired, quickly promoted to manager and buyer, and took a typography course at the community college. I taught myself graphic design, and when the owner offered to sell the store, I decided to take a different path and open my own design studio and shop. I found the perfect location, signed a lease, and began my next chapter, designing custom invitations for weddings and corporate events and hosting events and selling gifts in my shop.

My latest leap involved closing the store and relocating to Denver, where I returned to painting and discovered the world of surface pattern design and illustration.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
“What I believe sets me apart from others is the diverse range of experiences I’ve had throughout my life. From my early days working as a waitress to my time as a sales representative for a Fortune 500 company, flight attendant and to holding various volunteer positions, and raising two children, I’ve gained a wealth of skills that have shaped who I am today. While I don’t have formal training or a degree in art, I’ve always had a deep passion for learning. I took courses, explored resources, and embraced a trial-and-error approach to develop my artistic skills. Whenever I face something new, I have the confidence to tackle it, knowing I can figure it out — even if it takes a few attempts to get there. I sincerely doubt I’ll ever fully retire because the joy of learning new things keeps me energized and inspired.”

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my friend were visiting during early summer, I’d plan a week filled with a variety of experiences. To start, I’d take them to the Farmers Market on Pearl Street, where we could wander through the vibrant stalls, We’d spend a leisurely morning there, soaking in the lively atmosphere before grabbing coffee at one of the cozy cafés nearby.

Later in the week, we’d head out for a concert at Red Rocks.

One afternoon, we’d visit the Botanic Garden, stopping for lunch at the outdoor resturant.

Mid-week, I’d take them on a relaxing walk around Cheesman Park, and the Cherry Creek neighborhoods. For dinner, I’d book a reservation at Sol in downtown Cherry Creek. They have the best Skinny Spicy Margaritas.

Towards the end of the week, we’d venture out to Boulder for a day trip. We’d start by exploring the charming downtown area, then make our way to Two Hands Paperie, an independent stationery shop with an eclectic selection of books, art supplies, and unique gifts, followed by lunch at one of the many cute cafes on Pearl Street.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
“My mother was an incredibly creative and artistic soul, always finding new ways to express herself through painting, crafting, and even the smallest everyday tasks. Her passion for art was contagious, and she constantly encouraged me to explore my own creative abilities, whether it was through drawing, crafting, or simply experimenting with colors and textures. She believed in the power of imagination and always made sure I knew that there were no limits to what I could create, fostering a sense of confidence and artistic curiosity in me from a very young age.”

Website: https://www.cherylsteffenstudio.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylsteffenstudio/