Clive Jacobson was born in South Africa and graduated from the Johannesburg College of Art. In 1984 Clive moved to New York, where he continued his career as a graphic designer, winning most of the awards the industry offers. In 2006 Clive began painting in oils and acrylics, fusing a combination of portraiture and landscape from life and photography. Clive has taught graphic design courses at NYU and Creative Art Works in New York. In 2011, Clive's first book together with fellow artist Robin Joy was sold at MOMA New York. In May 2020 Clive's paintings were selected for the ADArt Show at the Oculus, World Trade Center, New York