Norling worked on a mural in the U.S. Post Office in Prosser, WA; this was one of his first in a U.S. Government building. Norling served in the armed forces during World War I. Following the war, he worked in the Art Department of the Seattle Times, and, subsequently, for the Frederick-Nelson Department Store, and the Western Engraving Comapny. Norling worked in Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA, during the Depression with an interior designer for approximately seven years.

Degree in math and physics, Whitman College, Walla Walla, WA; coursework, Chicago Academy of Fine Arts, Chicago, IL, before 1919; coursework, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL, before 1919.

Norling's residence was in the 98118 zip code of Seattle, WA, where he died at the age of 81.