Creating Character

The Call of the Wild

When I was a kid, my mom taught me how to draw at our kitchen table. I remember the thrill of winning my first fire prevention poster contest—my prize wasn’t just three silver dollars, but the realization that art could tell a story. That early encouragement, paired with afternoons spent exploring the woods, planted the seeds for what would become Venturian, a place where imagination and the wild outdoors meet.

Meet the Cast: Creatures & Characters
Venturian is home to a lively cast of characters, each inspired by the untamed beauty of nature. Let me introduce you to a few of my favorites from our new collection:

Super Eagle
A tribute to Venturian's original logo

Arctic Racing Gnarwhal
Putting the "gnar" in "gnarwhal". 

Road Runner
Mostly not on a road.

Each character is more than a drawing—they’re a celebration of the wilder side of life, inviting you to see the outdoors through a lens of wonder.

Behind the Scenes: From Sketchbook to Artifact
My creative process always starts with a sketchbook and a walk outside. The lines and textures of the natural world find their way into my hand-drawn illustrations, blending contemporary and folk art styles. From learning silkscreen in high school to studying graphic design at the College of Visual Arts, every step has shaped how I bring these creatures to life—transforming sketches into art and artifacts you can hold.

Celebrating the Wilder Side
At Venturian Art and Artifacts, our mission is to celebrate the outdoors and inspire you to embrace your own wild side. I’d love to hear about your favorite outdoor adventures or the creatures that spark your imagination—share your stories in the comments below!

See "Eagle Island" on our Lake Breeze Hoodie

An Invitation to Explore
These characters now appear on our latest collection of art and artifacts, designed for those who want to bring a bit of Venturian's spirit into their daily lives. If you’re curious, I invite you to explore the new line and discover which character calls to you.

As always, thanks for reading The Dispatch. Until the next time…

Stay wild,

Jason