Born and raised in the countryside near Opelousas, La, Ted always had an interest in drawing and amateur photography. After graduating from college in 1977 Ted worked in different fields, including social work, sales, construction and he completed a 20 year career in education, teaching Middle School Science and High School Art, retiring in 2012.

Ted and his wife, Ava, raised 3 daughters and have 7 grandchildren and a West Highland Terrier named Finlay.