Ventzeslav Vesselinov ( VENZ ) was born in Sofia, Bulgaria, EU.
He studied Illustration, Book Design, and Print Graphics at the National Academy of Fine Arts in Sofia, Bulgaria. After graduating from the Academy with a Master of Fine Arts degree, Venz launched his professional career as an artist. He worked with various publishing houses, press media and art galleries. This collaboration, as well as his position as an art director with the leading Publishing House ‘Profizdat‘ (1986-1990), resulted in over 50 illustrated books and book covers, posters, and numerous newspaper and magazine editorial illustrations.
In 1990 Venz moved to Austria, EU. There he worked as an art director, illustrator and graphic designer for a renowned Graphics Advertising Agency in Upper Austria. His numerous cultural and industry clients included well-known names such as ‘PEZ International‘, among others.
At the end of 1994 Venz immigrated to Canada and settled in St. John‘s, NL. There he co-founded and ran ‘Vis-a-Vis Inc.‘, a graphics design company which had numerous local and mainland contracts. Venz’s knowledge and experience in classical animation took him to Montreal, where in September, 1996 he started working in the animation and film industry, first as a character designer and animator, and later - as a storyboard artist. Venz‘s experience and skills helped him take over many projects, both in classical hand-drawn animation and live action movies.
Since 2004 Venz has been residing in Ottawa, Ontario, where he works as an artist.