Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cathy SEll. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Cathy, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

My Graphic Design career came to me as a happy little accident. I was a triathlete and my coach started an event company that managed local running and triathlon races. I was asked to do the logo, print and medal designs for these races. I have always loved art, but at that time was more of a pencil to paper girl. We had to pay someone to vector my scribbles. So I started playing around with the software to do that part in-house. And that is when the bug bit me!

After that I dove head first into finding and absorbing everything I could about graphic design. Many hours and about a year and a half, I had a few more friends outside of the event company ask me to help with their little projects-and PinkSheep Designs was born.

Eventhough I felt I had a good base, I always wondered what more I could learn if I went to school for design. But the times of the classes was not conducive to my full time gig (dental hygiene) so I put that on the sidelines. Then a crazy worldwide pandemic hit and they had to push all the classes online. That was my time to strike! I pounded out all the classes I knew there was NO CHANCE they would ever offer online. And when classes returned to in person: I only had two classes left, and those were actually online pre-covid. So I made COVID work in my favor! TAKE THAT!

Cathy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Right out of high school a friend and I moved to California. I had dreams of attending art school. However the cost was astronomical! I always have to preface this story with “This was pre-Google time” and I had done NO research. A girl and a dream. Well when that did not pan out,, we moved back to Minnesota. I picked dental hygiene as a “real job” and made a great living and it served me well for 20 years. But once I started doing the design work for the events company, I knew I just had to take a run at this. The name PinkSheep came from many parts of my life I have felt like a black sheep. But I wanted to turn that into something positive and have it seen a badge- don’t be afraid to stand out! I specialize in logo design and branding. I have also done lots of unique T-shirt designs and murals.
Some of my works I am so proud of are: My sister and brother-in-laws rebranding for their business. Mostly because they trusted me with their baby and supported my venture. I also have loved working with a local culinary genius (Food Union) on some super rad designs for a newspaper, box wrap and other design elements. I also made my first beer label this year-that was great and free beer!
What makes PinkSheep stand out is my roughed up yet unique view point on the designs briefs that I am given and not afraid to use a little humor in the right situations. I always come to the table as an equal, keeping my client involved through all steps of the process.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The mission of my journey is to honor my right-side brain. I feel I have let the left side rule for far too long. My day gig (dental hygiene) is very repetitious. Thank goodness there are many different patients attached to the teeth to keep it interesting. But in my mid 30’s I was ready for a change and a challenge. Also to have my two daughters see me be a forever student and keep the curiosity going has been a real treat. They did homework side by side with my during the lockdown and they were always jealous of my homework!

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Not so much a physical resource, but just having the balls to get out and network within the design community. I think with art careers there is something so vulnerable and especially as a self taught “old lady” man that was tough to put myself out there. But once I did and my work started being seen around town it opened the door. Not only to talk about myself and my work, but also to build my confidence that I am a player in the game! So I would tell the stater me to get out there and don’t be afraid to stick your neck out-someone just might put a medal around it!

Contact Info:

• Website: pinskheepdesigns.com
• Instagram: pinksheepdesigns11
• Facebook: pinksheepdesigns

Image Credits
Cheeky Monkey Studio (headshot)