Wilson is a Melbourne-based artist who has illustrated a number of educational and trade children's books, particularly for Lothian and Penguin.
Born and raised in Brunswick, Victoria, Wilson studied art after leaving school, and then completed two years of National Service. He later studied for a Diploma of Education and worked as a drummer in a rock band. He became a designer and illustrator for The Education Magazine and Pursuit Magazine. He started to freelance as an illustrator in 1981, and illustrated his first picture book, Drenched, soon after. He has been strongly involved with wildlife conservation movements.