An Alabama native, Trawick studied literature at the University of Chicago and the University of Dijon in France before receiving his Ph.D. from Harvard University. He taught English at Cleveland State University until he retired in 1998. Throughout his life, painting and drawing have been serious avocations, and he continues his work with help from the art faculty at Cleveland State University.

His prints and watercolors have been shown in various galleries. Through his work, Trawick tries to include a subjective element and portray an emotional impact, and his prints often contain fanciful or humorous ideas.