Jacky Paynter was born and educated in east London. At the age of 16 she moved to Cornwall with her family. After studying graphic design at Redruth School of Art, she returned to London to embark on her career, eventually becoming an art director in publishing.

In 2019 she completed the Porthmeor Programme at St Ives School of Painting. Her work has been exhibited in Cornwall and Farnham, Surrey.