Born Gracia Josef Prohaska in Montenegro (former Yugoslovian), he changed his name to Raymond.

Ray Prohaska was an illustrator for over 40 years and had considerable influence as a teacher (Art Students League). He created art for magazines such as Delineator, Woman's Home Companion, Saturday Evening Post, Good Housekeeping, Colliers, McCall's, Redbook, and Ladies Home Journal.

Among his advertising work, his paintings for Whitman's Chocolates during WW2 are notable stand outs. In 1972, he was inducted into the Society of Illustrator's Hall of Fame.