Tim Trapolin grew up in a family that believed in travel and education. He studied fine arts at Springhill College and architecture at Tulane University before graduating with a bachelor of fine arts degree from Tulane.

Trapolin did post-graduate studies at the Royal College of Art in London. The richness of New Orleans, with its cultural diversity, and life-long learning through world travel, have influenced his art . His love of people has infused his portraits with special insight.

Murals and illustration design are other aspects of Trapolin's multifaceted work.