As a child growing up in the Lower 9th Ward in New Orleans, Jerome Ford often found that his most gratifying experiences involved designing and creating. With the assistance of his uncle, a welder, he designed and fabricated a Tandem bicycle at the age of 12. The inspiration came from his history teacher who would ride the different bicycles he created to school.

Even as a young child, Ford knew his future would involve design. His high school art teacher, Richard Thomas, introduced him to the business of art and design. Ford and his classmates were commissions to paint murals from several businesses throughout New Orleans with a youth art group "Pieces of Power" created by Thomas. Ford states that Richard Thomas was his biggest influence in his decision to pursue a career in visual arts.

Ford attended Louisiana State University at Baton Rouge for his undergraduate studies where he majored in Studio Art. During his first few semesters, he developed an interest in printmaking. The old techniques used in lithography and intaglio limited his normal approach but helped him grow as an artist. This is what he attributes to his unique style. Ultimately, he received his BFA in painting and drawing, with a minor in printmaking, from L.S.U. Ford also earned a Master’s in Professional Studies from Maryland Institute College of Art with a concentration in the business of Art and Design.

Local and national juried exhibitions have accepted his work, and he has received many honors and awards. Ford taught in the Talented Visual Arts Program with the New Orleans Public School System. Following Hurricane Katrina, Ford moved to his wife's hometown in Opelousas, Louisiana where he continue to teach during the day, most nights he can be found painting at his studio.