Gary Venn is a freelance artist whose illustration work involves doing commissions for magazines, publishers and advertising, as well as the occasional exhibition with fellow Waikato artists. Clients have included Jamie Oliver magazine, Eurostar Metropolitan Magazine, and Wall Street Journal. Gary is represented globally by Lemonade Illustration Agency. 

As a freelancer, Gary uses habits and techniques explored at Media Arts on a regular basis. “The skills that I started developing while studying at Wintec are now very much a part of my everyday approach to my work - how to approach a brief, basic drawing skills, composition, and refinement.” He also enjoyed the creative, collaborative energy of the study environment. “My favourite part of Media Arts was being able to bang around ideas and to be exposed to what other people were working on, and to see projects taking shape.” 

Gary has been quietly stacking up accolades for his work since graduating, including a merit award in the 3×3 ProShow Illustration Awards. 

“I have been pleased just to be able to work in the field that I have a passion for and then make a go of it.” 

In the future he aims to do more in publishing, particularly illustrated books.