Hi, I’m James

About me

Hi, I’m James — some people call me Jammy. I’m an artist and illustrator based in Newcastle, Australia, where I grew up surrounded by the small wonders of nature. Bugs in the garden, leaves turning in the wind, little ecosystems under rocks — these tiny details have always captured my attention, and they continue to shape the art I create.

Art has always been a constant in my life. As a kid, I’d fill page after page with drawings, not always anatomically correct (my first stick figure was famously torso-less), but always full of expression. It was never just about technique — it was about seeing the world through my own lens and turning it into something meaningful.

Growing up, life wasn’t always easy. I spent my childhood between two households, navigating challenges with mental health and identity. I struggled with insomnia, isolation, and the pressure to keep it all together — all while discovering who I was. I came out as transgender in high school and began medically transitioning in my early 20s. That journey was far from simple, especially without a clear place to belong. But it shaped me into someone resilient, empathetic, and deeply attuned to the small details — in life, and in art.

I was raised by a hardworking single mother who I admire deeply. She juggled everything to give me stability and support, and even when she didn’t fully understand what I was going through, I always knew she loved me. She gave me the space to be creative, and that freedom meant everything. When I couldn’t sleep — and there were many nights like that — I’d sit up drawing for hours. Art became my way of making sense of things, a place where I could feel calm and in control.

Everything changed when I met my partner. They are kind, curious, and wildly creative — someone who sees the world with soft eyes and an open heart. They welcomed me as I am, with no conditions. Through them, I met people who treated me like I belonged without question. Their family made room for me at the table — not as a guest, but as one of their own. That love, that acceptance, gave me something I hadn’t felt in a long time: the freedom to be me.

They were the first person who truly encouraged me to pursue art as more than a side hobby — to believe that the things I create are worth sharing. That I’m worth backing. Their belief in me is why I’m here today, building a life as an artist with purpose.

One day, I hope to support my family with my art — to give back some of the love, care, and belief they’ve given me. Until then, I’ll keep drawing, keep exploring, and keep sharing the things that make the world feel a little more connected.

Thank you for coming on this journey with me, it means a lot that you’re here with me.