Stephan grew up in southern California, and had a childhood dream of being a cartoon animator. When he was 21 years old he saw his first Broadway show, ‘Follies’. After this exposure, Stephan had a new goal - he wanted to make an impact on people through his art. He began to study art, fashion and popular culture from the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s and eventually discovered the art of the world famous artist and designer, Erte. He learned as much about the artist - whose career spanned most of the 20th century - as he could before eventually meeting him. Stephan even had the honor of presenting Erte with a lifetime achievement award from the Art Deco Society in 1985. The two kept in contact until Erte’s death in 1990.

Stephan is the Artist-in-Residence at the Art Deco Society of California (ADSC), and has been since it was founded in 1984. Stephan has also designed posters, logos, and stage sets for many Bay Area organizations, in addition to holding exhibits of his own original works. He has also given lectures on Erte and his art at several international art deco meetings and at the Martin Lawrence Gallery.

Stephan's illustrations have also been a part of the ADSC’s Preservation Ball invitations and posters, including the Platinum Ball - 2001, the Preservation Ball - 2002, and the Preservation Ball - 2003.