Ellison was born in Galesburg, Illinois. In his early years, he considered himself a 2D artist. In 2000, he was accepted to Bradley University’s studio program. While at Bradley, he was encouraged by his instructors to concentrate on ceramics. Ellison began his work as a 27-year-old transfer student with three small children. He worked on art commissions, earning enough income to support his family. As a student, he received Best in Show with his ceramic sculpture, Waiting on Trains, and received a bachelor of arts degree in Fine Arts. Ellison created various painted and ceramic public murals and collaborated on public works with other artists. He taught for schools and organizations such as Illini Bluffs Elementary, Urban League, Peoria Art Guild, and the Peoria Museum. He was invited to join a traveling group of visual artists known as Satellite City Transmissions. Ellison has exhibited his work in Peoria, Chicago, and Indiana.
Many of Ellison’s public art murals can be seen in the region, such as Illini Bluffs, Northmoore Elementary, YWCA of Peoria, Galesburg High School, and Bradley University. His work is part of Western Illinois University’s permanent collection where he won the Union Purchase Award for his drawing, Out of this World.