Victor Hough was born and grew up in Stretford, Greater Manchester. He went to Stretford Grammar School before going on to study art at the Northern College of Art, Manchester.

After studying art, Hough joined Ferranti Ltd as a draughtsman working on drawings and illustrations for the early Ferranti computers. His skill in producing sectional drawings helped the company to illustrate the electrical wiring and equipment contained within the computers. Alongside his job, Hough attended evening classes in engineering at the local technical college.

In 1955, Hough joined a team of technical writers and illustrators under the leadership of Mr Graham at General Electric Company, Trafford Park, formerly Associated Electrical Industries. Hough left the General Electric Company, dissatisfied with the reduction in the standard of work required by the company. Hough joined Henry Simon Ltd, Stockport.

With the impact of Computer Aided Designed on the work of the technical illustrator, Hough left Henry Simon Ltd and moved to North Yorkshire. Here he concentrated on developing and combining his skills of illustrator, artist and ornithologist to produce wildlife pictures.