In addition to his work on canvas, Innis is also a sculptor and writer. He studied journalism at San Diego State University and later worked as political writer and editor in California; he has also lived and worked in France, Turkey, Mexico, South America, and many other locations. He told the story of his own rise to success in the art world in his book How to Become a Famous Artist and Still Paint Pictures, published in 1994. It is both humorous and practical, offering advice on the best types of materials to use, how to structure life so that painting can flourish, and how to get funding and sell paintings without losing artistic integrity.