Wilson-Ramsey developed an interest in art at an early age. Lavishly illustrated children’s books, such as those of by Garth Williams and Tasha Tudor, inspired her to draw for hours on end. Raised in a family that included several successful artists and architects, Yevonn Wilson-Ramsey was gently encouraged to develop her talent; her parents provided her with plenty of art supplies, but generally left her to create her own style.

Wilson-Ramsey did her first professional work as a botanical illustrator while enrolled as a Landscape Design major at Texas Tech University. Her botany professor noted her artistic talent during a class project and asked her to illustrate a publication on color patterns in chrysanthemums. This positive experience lead her to spend several years illustrating college textbooks for Mosby Publishing Company. In this capacity, she refined her ability to enhance and clarify scientific writing through art.