MARYSVILLE – Fernando Venegas knew he had natural talent as an artist when he was a kid when he was able to draw Power Rangers, “my childhood favorite.”

He improved his craft in Marysville-Pilchuck High School’s art classes, where he learned to draw “Roger Rabbit and Bugs Bunny.”

Now 21, after finishing the M-P transition program, Venegas is freelancing editorial cartoons for The Marysville Globe-The Arlington Times. He has had five drawings published: Memorial Day, Father’s Day, the Marysville Strawberry Festival, Fourth of July fireworks and the Arlington Fly-In.

“I love having a local cartoonist who can draw only for us – on whatever topic we want,” Managing Editor Steve Powell said.

Kate Mallahan, an employee consultant with Washington Vocational Services, helped Venegas land the position. She works with the M-P school-to-work program.

Venegas, who is autistic, told her he wants to make a living doing something creative. In getting to know him, she learned his strengths and weaknesses as an employee.

“The Globe is a great outlet for his talent and has helped his confidence,” she said.

And while some who have recently left high school may still be struggling to find jobs, Venegas actually has found two. He also works the morning hours cleaning MOD Pizza before it opens. His hours already have been increased, and plans are to increase his responsibilities there, too.

Mallahan said she wishes more businesses would hire people with disabilities.

“So many have no opportunities and just stay home,” she said.

Venegas loves all types of entertainment: animation, movies, music, TV and videos. A lot of his inspiration comes from those interests.

“I like Japanese movies like ‘Godzilla,’ with his mighty roar,” Venegas said.

Other favorites include: Yoda, The Muppets and Java the Hut. He also likes Mexican and Latino music and TV.

Mallahan said he’s not just a fan of those things. He knows the producers, directors, actors and even the voices of cartoon characters.

Venegas has other interests and skills. He knows how to storyboard and do comic strips. He also can do characatures of people. He wants to write stories for movies and even appear in them. He already posts Youtube videos online. And he may take computer animation at a community college.

He is really into the Japanese cartoon style called “anime.”

“It’s like real life, the future,” he said.

Venegas keeps having a recurring dream that could be a part of his cartoon future. He calls it “Toad-a-head.”

“It’s a dream about a big toad wearing pajamas and bunny slippers,” he said.