Sallie Cochran Spotlight
Sallie Cochran
Written by Nor Osborne, December 2025
You might not know Sallie Cochran, but you have certainly seen her art. A beloved artist throughout Licking County, and represented world wide, her vibrant art lights up the homes of countless residents, her textured paint jumping off the canvas. Her impressionistic style captures sinuous visions of delicate flowers, dynamic animals, and highly stylized women. These creations line the hallways of dozens of successful businesses, notably including the Hilton Hotels, Honda, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and the Columbus Convention Center.
Originally from Youngstown, she jetted off to the east coast at age 13, developing a deep love for art as she attended boarding school in Washington D.C. Sallie continued her education in Boston, studying graphic design at Garland College and The Boston Museum School, all while helping run an art gallery. She continued her studies in New York City, focusing on architectural design, before bringing her creativity to Norcross Greeting Cards, transitioning their graphics towards a more modern and enticing style.
“It was there in New York, I came to understand art as a study of people, I had to know what they liked, what they wanted to buy,” Sallie says.
This manner of thinking, centering the market audience, has given Sallie great success. She has worked with corporate commissions for 30 years, resulting in her designs being featured in Bath and Body Works, The National Wildlife, Partners in Conservation, and the Ameri-Flora show at the Franklin Park.
“Yes, I’m an artist, but I think business is just as important as art,” Sallie explains. “I’m not an artist that paints for the fun of it, it’s important to connect with a business. You have to learn your market, learn people's lifestyle.”
Sallie married and relocated to Columbus. She founded Isabel’s, an architectural and graphic design company, all while producing and selling her own designs and artwork.
Tragedy struck when she was widowed at 32, left with a young daughter and triplets newborns, but Sallie didn't wilt, she soldiered on.
“Theres always something sadder and harder. This is what was dealt to me. I didn’t want to be a victim,” Sallie says. “I had to creatively take myself out of the sadness. Art is what kept me going.”
Through her grief, she began to craft a story. She wrote ‘Brave Star and the Necklace,’ a tale of a young Native American boy grappling with the loss of his mother. Combining native folklore with native history, Sallie writes a gripping narrative of a boy growing through tragedy, claiming his role as chief of his tribe, and leading his people onward. The novel is rooted in empathy, championing respect for others, no matter who they are. Paired with intricate illustrations that burst with color, the novel is captivating and poignant.
“I’m not a teacher. I wrote this for my children to believe that there’s more to life than we see,” Sallie explains.”But leave it to my middle triplet to sneak the book into school and show it to everyone.”
Urged by the overwhelming love and support of the surrounding community, Sallie published the book in 1999. It sold out and won a People’s Choice Award.
Sallie has recently expanded the story, writing two more accompanying novels. The trilogy will soon be back in print with all the original artwork.
Sallie’s work can currently be found at Ball Hill in Newark.
