Check Out Gabriela Venegas’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriela Venegas.

Hi Gabriela, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve always considered myself an artist since I was a child. I spent highschool being the “art kid” and then went straight to art college right after. During college, I really leaned heavily into digital art. Before that, I was only painting and drawing traditionally, and I had a very different style and mindset than I do now. I really fell in love with digital painting and still enjoy it. Now that I’m out of school, I’m getting some background paint freelance work on indie productions, but nothing major.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road. I feel it’s a rollercoaster. College was pretty streamlined, and I met so many lovely and skilled people, and I learned a lot, but my school wasn’t going to teach me everything, and I had to take a couple of classes and mentorships from industry professionals to learn more of what I wanted to learn. I’m still not 100% there either. I know I can improve more, but I know that feeling will never go away. I am very fortunate to have a family that supports me and encourages me to continue to be an artist despite these trying times and difficulty in the job market. I’m currently working at a rock climbing gym and as an afterschool art teacher for children, while I continue to make work on the side and continue to try to break into the industry. I think a lot of struggles that happen when you are an artist can be mental, constantly comparing yourself to others who are more successful, social media, and even just battling with your own limits, can take a toll on you. At the end of the day, the trick really is to remind yourself why you love art and why you continue.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a background painter, illustrator, and visual development artist. I love to paint pretty scenes and breathe life into sets and props that I design. I try to have whimsical color and stylization in my work. I love painting sunny and warm scenes and cute characters in them. However, I also really enjoy incorporating darker themes and more creepy visuals in my work, with the same whimsical vibe. I was heavily influenced by films like Coraline, Paranorman, and The Corpse Bride as a child. I still am so inspired by animated films every day and by the artists who work on them. I have slowly been creeping my way closer to my goal by doing things like background paint for Studio Adore, collaborative art with Studio Apeship, and now working on the Orbis art book for Streets of Zine. I have lots of plans and personal projects I’m working on at the moment, from tabling at conventions, making brushes, and more visdev pieces.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
The people in my life matter the most to me. I am forever grateful for the person I am today and all the people whom I have met along the way who have shaped me into who I am. Everyone who has had a positive impact on my life is the reason why I continue going. The people you love, and the life experiences you make, are what shape your art. My family and friends are what matter most to me because they have done nothing but guide and support me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://gabrielavenegas.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabycvenegas/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriela-venegas-6355a8227/
• Twitter: https://x.com/GabyCVenegas

Image Credits
First image of me was taken by Jeffrey Hsieh