I’m an outgoing creative with a love for typography, bold color, and design that feels fresh, whimsical, and connected. My journey kicked off at Colorado State University, where I bounced between the painting studio and the design lab. Along the way, I studied under such greats as John Sorbie, Phil Risback and Dave Yüst, who sparked my fascination with the architecture of the page, the nuances of the serif, the strength of color and space, and showed me just how powerful thoughtful design can be. From Ink-Stained Fingers to High-Tech Pixels I got my start in pre-press houses, learning the behind-the-scenes craft—presses, photo processing, halftones, paper stocks—all the technical magic that brings ideas to life. It was fast-paced, detail-driven, and completely addictive. Then came the digital shift: I bought a Mac, dove in headfirst, and never looked back. As a freelancer, I’ve been running a remote-first studio since before it was cool! Over the years, I’ve partnered with organizations ranging from the National Reining Horse Association to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Whether I’m shaping a 400-page scientific reference book or tackling sustainable packaging, I’m happiest when the work is complex, meaningful, and beautifully composed. Beyond the Grid When I’m not deep in type, color, and composition, I’m probably out with my horse, chasing a new trail and a fresh perspective. Let’s build something beautiful together.…

Sandy Cochran

I’m an outgoing creative with a love for typography, bold color, and design that feels fresh, whimsical, and connected. My journey kicked off at Colorado State University, where I bounced between the painting studio and the design lab. Along the way, I studied under such greats as John Sorbie, Phil Risback and Dave Yüst, who sparked my fascination with the architecture of the page, the nuances of the serif, the strength of color and space, and showed me just how powerful thoughtful design can be. From Ink-Stained Fingers to High-Tech Pixels I got my start in pre-press houses, learning the behind-the-scenes craft—presses, photo processing, halftones, paper stocks—all the technical magic that brings ideas to life. It was fast-paced, detail-driven, and completely addictive. Then came the digital shift: I bought a Mac, dove in headfirst, and never looked back. As a freelancer, I’ve been running a remote-first studio since before it was cool! Over the years, I’ve partnered with organizations ranging from the National Reining Horse Association to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Whether I’m shaping a 400-page scientific reference book or tackling sustainable packaging, I’m happiest when the work is complex, meaningful, and beautifully composed. Beyond the Grid When I’m not deep in type, color, and composition, I’m probably out with my horse, chasing a new trail and a fresh perspective. Let’s build something beautiful together.…

Available to hire

I’m an outgoing creative with a love for typography, bold color, and design that feels fresh, whimsical, and connected.

My journey kicked off at Colorado State University, where I bounced between the painting studio and the design lab.
Along the way, I studied under such greats as John Sorbie, Phil Risback and Dave Yüst, who sparked my fascination with the architecture of the page, the nuances of the serif, the strength of color and space, and showed me just how powerful thoughtful design can be.
From Ink-Stained Fingers to High-Tech Pixels
I got my start in pre-press houses, learning the behind-the-scenes craft—presses, photo processing, halftones, paper stocks—all the technical magic that brings ideas to life. It was fast-paced, detail-driven, and completely addictive. Then came the digital shift: I bought a Mac, dove in headfirst, and never looked back.
As a freelancer, I’ve been running a remote-first studio since before it was cool! Over the years, I’ve partnered with organizations ranging from the National Reining Horse Association to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Whether I’m shaping a 400-page scientific reference book or tackling sustainable packaging, I’m happiest when the work is complex, meaningful, and beautifully composed.

Beyond the Grid
When I’m not deep in type, color, and composition, I’m probably out with my horse, chasing a new trail and a fresh perspective.
Let’s build something beautiful together.

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Skills

Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Principal / Creative Director at Sandy Cochran Graphic Design
January 1, 1994 - Present
Manage and coordinate graphic design projects from concept through completion. Work closely with clients to create vision, conceive designs, and consistently meet deadlines and production requirements. Effectively coordinate clients, editors, contributors, consultants and vendors to meet all project requirements. Manage all operational, strategic, financial, quote/bid, staffing and administrative functions. • Successfully complete client projects within time and budget allotment. • Provide proposal layout and design for corporate contracts under extremely tight deadlines. • Coordinate communication between clients, suppliers and vendors across continents and time zones to address issues and maintain project schedules. • Establish trusting, long-lasting relationships with designers, vendors and clients.
Creative Director & NPD Director at Learning Advantage
January 1, 2021 - Present
Direct complete product and packaging design initiatives, from initial ideation to high-level design iteration, execution, and brand alignment. Manage complex artwork updates and the full lifecycle for a diverse portfolio of children’s educational products, toys, games, and arts-and-crafts supplies, driving success of new craft kits, magnet sets, sticker lines, game design, and packaging refresh. Conceptualize and execute brand experiences, including 3D design, spatial planning, and trade show booth visuals for buyers.
New Product Development Director at Learning Advantage
January 1, 2021 - Present
Spearheaded new product ideation from concept through final completion, overseeing the entire product lifecycle using cross-platform software for international product management. Created custom, children-focused illustrations and structural designs for physical products, ensuring materials met educational standards, international compliance measures, and market demands.
Contract Graphic Designer at Learning Advantage
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2021
Provided high-quality, on-demand graphic design and production services, including initial designs for Amazon A+ e-commerce content. Demonstrated strategic value and structural design capabilities, resulting in a direct promotion to in-house leadership.
Production Designer (Contract) at National Reining Horse Association (NRHA)
January 1, 2020 - Present
Execute high-stakes, deadline-driven publication design for critical annual materials, including the NRHA Annual Handbook (rulebook), Pattern Book, and the Markel Futurity Sale Catalog. Manage overnight, rapid-turnaround deadlines to produce and deliver the Futurity and Derby Drawsheets for live events.
Art Director, The REINER Magazine at National Reining Horse Association (NRHA)
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2021
Served as Art Director for NRHA’s official monthly print and digital magazine, directing cohesive visual standards and editorial layouts. Conceptualized and produced dynamic in-house advertisements, social media posts, event displays and banners to promote flagship NRHA events, sales, and organizational initiatives.
Principal / Art Director at Sandy Cochran Graphic Design
January 1, 1994 - Present
Operate a full-service creative direction and product development studio. Lead brand strategy, illustration, layout, and large-scale print production for diverse clients. Manage all operational, financial, and administrative functions and sustain decade-long contracts. Notable projects include The Supply Cache catalog (1998—Present); CSU Legends of Ranching sale catalogs (2014—2020); Rocky Mountain Quarter Horse Magazine (2012—2019); Western Horseman (2008—2017); Loft Enterprises & Lucky Three Productions (2001—2013).
Catalog Designer at The Supply Cache
January 1, 1998 - Present
Design and coordinate annual and semi-annual catalog production (130-page master catalog); oversee product photography, copywriting, and cross-platform media, ensuring color accuracy and timely delivery.
Catalog Designer at Colorado State University Equine Sciences
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2020
Collaborated with CSU students to design, produce, and print the 140–160-page Legends of Ranching Sale catalog, plus supporting posters, mailers, and digital assets; provided hands-on learning in publication production.
Magazine Designer at Rocky Mountain Quarter Horse Magazine
January 1, 2012 - January 1, 2019
Designed and coordinated monthly production for the magazine; produced online media and brochures.
Publication Designer at Western Horseman
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2017
Coordinated with editors, authors, and photographers to produce 10+ photo-illustrated books and led the technical conversion of legacy files from QuarkXPress to InDesign to meet modern press standards.
Designer / Producer at Loft Enterprises & Lucky Three Productions
January 1, 2001 - January 1, 2013
Designed, produced, and printed photo-illustrated books, children’s books, and e-magazines; oversaw photo restoration, layout flow, and color matching for print and digital media.
Contract Production Designer at National Reining Horse Association
January 1, 2020 - Present
High-stakes, deadline-driven publication design for critical annual materials; managed overnight, rapid-turnaround deadlines to deliver Futurity and Derby Drawsheets for live events.
Art Director, The REINER Magazine at National Reining Horse Association
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2021
Art Director for NRHA’s official monthly print and digital magazine; maintained visual standards, directed editorial layouts; created dynamic internal advertisements, social media assets, and event displays.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts at Colorado State University
September 1, 1986 - May 1, 1990
Graphic Design and Painting
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Graphic Design at Colorado State University
January 11, 2030 - April 27, 2026
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Painting at Colorado State University
January 11, 2030 - April 27, 2026
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Graphic Design at Colorado State University
January 11, 2030 - April 27, 2026
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Painting at Colorado State University
January 11, 2030 - April 27, 2026

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Professional Services, Agriculture & Mining, Real Estate & Construction, Consumer Goods, Life Sciences, Manufacturing, Media & Entertainment, Education, Wholesale & Distribution, Retail

Skills

Experience Level