J.A.W. Cooper was born in England but grew up in Kenya, Sweden and Ireland, as well as various other countries for shorter periods of time. With freshwater ecologists for parents, Cooper developed curiosity and a deep respect for nature early in life. Drawing became the perfect hobby for a child who frequently traveled light and was in awe of their mother's scientific illustrations. Animals were young Cooper's primary subject and continue to be a major source of inspiration.

Cooper attended Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles, receiving a BFA in Communication Arts: Illustration. Following graduation, Cooper worked as a fine artist and an editorial illustrator in L.A. before becoming an art director for TV and movie campaigns.

After sixteen years in that city, Cooper moved to Portland, Oregon, where the artist continues to split their time between commercial work, personal work and ventures outside in nature. J.A.W. Cooper's work has been exhibited nationally and internationally and has been included in many publications, including four anthologies of work previously released through Flesk Publications.