Gary Venn is a freelance illustrator who lives in New Zealand. He has been drawing pictures since before he can remember. In fact, his first major work (so he is told) was in crayon on the new wallpaper. He creates mixed-media illustrations that combine ink drawings, acrylic or watercolour paints, and collage (including old math books, faded diary pages, and tea-stained serviettes, among other things). However, sometimes a ballpoint pen will do. His work has been featured in magazines, newspapers, greeting cards, posters, and advertising, and he has also taken part in several exhibitions. In 2010, Gary was shortlisted for the Storylines Gavin Bishop Award.