We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tanya Venter a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Tanya, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you wish you had started sooner?

At an early age I know that I had a creative advantage and knew that I can make beautiful things. I just didn’t lean into that creativity and believed I didn’t have it unfortunately. Thought I needed a reason or homework to create work and I didn’t have the creativity to create something for myself. If I had figured out sooner that I do have the ability to do all that and more I would have started way sooner!! Moving to another city gave me the boost I needed to actually start something and give it more time and energy than I would have. Gainesville is a very close and creative town and I love every aspect that! It made me find my niche and I don’t know if I had started sooner, maybe it would have been something else entirely. Maybe learning more about actually what it takes to be an artist would have benefited me early on. Don’t where I’d be if I started earlier but I am grateful to be where I am today and for those around me and their support!

Tanya, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Have you ever watched a movie and wished you could experience it for the first time all over again? I’ve always been fascinated by the lasting impact of Studio Ghibli films and their breathtaking colors, beautiful storytelling, and the way they can make us feel so much without saying a word. Creating Studio Ghibli-inspired artwork allows me to revisit those feelings and share them with others. Through my paintings, I hope to capture a little piece of that wonder, helping fellow fans reconnect with the stories, emotions, and memories that made them fall in love with these films in the first place.

Studio Ghibli also opened the door to something unexpected: a deeper appreciation for the natural world. As I searched for more whimsy in everyday life, I found it in the creatures all around us. From colorful insects to fascinating Florida wildlife, I became captivated by the beauty of animals that are often overlooked.
Each piece begins with curiosity. I spend time learning about the animals I paint, studying their unique features, behaviors, and stories. Through watercolor, I create detailed portraits that celebrate their beauty and help others see them in a new light. Whether it’s a beloved Ghibli scene or a curious little creature, my goal is the same—to inspire wonder, spark memories, and create meaningful connections through art.
Building these two collections has become one of the things I’m most proud of. They may seem different at first, but both are rooted in the same idea: finding magic in the world around us and sharing it with others through storytelling and art.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Supporting local creative communities allow artists to thrive when they have opportunities to collaborate, share knowledge, and build relationships with other creatives. Buying directly from artists whenever possible, whether it’s artwork, prints, music, books, or handmade goods, direct support allows creators to continue making the work people enjoy.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding part of being an artist is connecting with people who share the same interests and sense of wonder that I do. Art has a unique way of bringing people together, and I love hearing the stories behind the pieces that resonate with them.
Some of my favorite moments come from reading reviews and messages from collectors. Often, someone is drawn to a particular animal because it reminds them of a childhood memory, a beloved place, or a meaningful experience. Through my artwork, they get a chance to revisit that moment and see it through fresh eyes.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://artsytanyav.etsy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artsy.tanyav/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tanya.venter.90813
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/artsytanyav/