Teresa Elliott was born in Weatherford, Texas. As a young adult she sketched portraits building a foundation for a career in the fine arts.
In 1976 while attending The University of Kansas she worked as a forensic sketch artist for the Lawrence Kansas Police Department.
After receiving her Bachelor of Fine Arts, Elliott returned to her native Texas where she spent 25 years as a leading freelance illustrator in Dallas. Word of her talents spread quickly after her figurative art appeared in projects for Neiman Marcus.