ABOUT ME

Work with Me

About Me

I teach from 36 years of actually doing the work, starting out at just 15. My professional creative career gives me over 25 years of industry experience.

I’m a multi‑skilled creative and photographer based in Wollongong, working with clients across the Illawarra, Shoalhaven, Southern Highlands and Sydney. I’m also one of fewer than 20 women in Australia who hold a CASA‑accredited Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operator Certificate. I’ve worked in advertising, television, editorial and design.

Growing up in housing commission and struggling at school made me a resilient and adaptable adult. Much later I learned that ADHD was behind a lot of those struggles, and understanding that helped me see how I learn best - and how to help others like me. I built my education on the job, not in a classroom, because that’s how I learn.

My dad was an artist and ran a small camera shop in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. He showed me that creativity matters, that skills matter, and that execution matters more than credentials - especially in creative fields.

How I can help you

If you’re a creative navigating a current or new career path, I help you move faster toward promotion or starting your own thing. You learn what uni doesn’t teach and avoid the roadblocks and detours I took - a process I call The Shift.

If you’re an entrepreneur or business owner, I share real insights into what actually works. You learn the reality of starting and growing a business, not just the theory. If you’re launching a drone business, I help you navigate the compliance hurdles and CASA pathways so you don’t waste time and money figuring it out alone.

I also capture commercial photography and professional aerial imagery through my company Professional Drone Imagery Pty Ltd.

I don’t run textbook coaching sessions. You get real‑world application, honest feedback, and someone who will challenge you, because that’s where growth happens. I take you from learning to doing.

If you’re curious about working together - or just want to talk through your next move - I’m always up for a conversation.

Let’s talk

FINALIST IMB Illawarra Business Awards – Outstanding New Business 2025

FINALIST Small Business Hub FLARE Awards – Next Gen Leader 2025

WORK WITH ME

What My Customers Say

  • "I can honestly say after 40 years of doing these things your interpretation of the brief and the execution is the best I have seen."

    - Christopher Baynes, Publisher, DoComeMonday, DCM Group

  • "If you want an honest opinion and lots of help to help you understand what you really want and need. Heathers the way to go. You don't even know what you want till you speak to her. Lovely to talk to and amazing work ethics. Very professional yet honest and fun!"

    - Ish, The Candle Cart

  • "Working with Heather James was a breathe of fresh air in a tight deadline situation to develop a brand and print material within a 2 week period. Heather's professionalism and attitude was remarkable given the pressure we were all on to deliver."

    - Zaidee Jackson, National Business Development Manager, Ball & Doggett

  • "The professionalism and expertise shown by Heather has been second to none. Heather was able to take my vision which was explained over a 5 minute phone call, and deliver designs that were beyond my wildest imagination. Heather was able to channel all of her years in design to deliver a design which exceeded the brief...she went above and beyond to ensure that I was more than content with the design. And all within an extremely tight timeline, and on budget!"

    - Adam De Mercurio, Lick of Smoke

  • "Heather is such a professional designer who listens to what you are asking for & produces the most beautiful work."

    - Sonja Ljavroska, Clinical Naturopath

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