Tamlyn Akins grew up in the suburbs of Chicago. She says, "I've known since before I could sign my name that I would be an artist." In 1980 she received her BFA with High Distinction in Drawing from the California College of Arts and Crafts, and in 1983 she moved to Madison, Wisconsin. Since then her work has been exhibited regionally, nationally, and internationally, honored with awards, published on note cards and limited edition reproductions, and purchased for many private, and corporate collections. In 2001 she moved her home and studio out of the city of Madison and into the rolling hills of rural Black Earth, Wisconsin, where she currently resides.