Stephen Sidelinger earned a BFA from Syracuse University and a Master of Science degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology. He teaches design at Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles.

Sidelinger served as architectural colorist and designer for the Beverly Hills Civic Center, the University of Oregon Science Complex, the Church of the Nativity, and the Smithsonian South Quadrangle for Shipley Bullfinch. He is a member of the American Color Council, The William Morris Society, and the alliance of Contemporary Book Artists. He is also the author of a handbook on color in design, Color Manual.