About me
Most illustrators will tell you they've been drawing for as long as they can remember. I started my career in primary school, drawing cartoons for the school newspaper. The paper only lasted one issue, probably because my class faked a fire in the school hall using a smoke machine to get our front page story. In year 7, I won third prize in a State-wide 'Make Your Own Storybook' Competition. I later worked on a regular comic strip for my high school paper; political cartoons for a Curtin University paper; and a full-page comic for Notre Dame University's 'Quasimodo' magazine.
But my professional career really began in 2003, when I drew my first covers for Western Australia's weekly 'Quokka' newspaper. By the time I finished in 2010 I'd drawn nearly 300 full-colour cartoons. Topics covered the spectacular and the suburban, the monstrous and the mundane, and usually featured local landmarks and events.
I've worked as a freelancer, creating cartoons and illustrations for publications, promotions, events and corporations. Past clients include Woodside, Caritas Australia and the State Child Development Centre.
My favourite part of the job is presenting workshops at schools and libraries. I'm always amazed at the natural enthusiasm children bring to drawing, especially when they draw just for themselves and don't care if it's 'good enough' or not. I believe we all have this enthusiasm when we are younger, but most of us lose it - maybe someone makes a nasty comment, or maybe we think someone else is better at it, or maybe we think we have to draw things that look 'right' (I still struggle with this last one). I've worked with older audiences too, including educational organisations and corporate groups, and it's fun to see people get back in touch with their creative child.
I'm a member of the Australian Cartoonists' Association, and was the WA Vice-President in 2008. I'm also a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, the Australian Society of Authors, and the Children's Book Council of Australia.
I like working in pen and ink, pencil, charcoal and watercolour. I also use digital tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Corel Painter and a Wacom graphics tablet.
I've just finished working on my second picture book, this time as both writer and illustrator. All going well, it will be out in the second half of 2012.
Thanks for stopping by, and if you have any questions, feel free to email me at james@jamesfoley.com.au.
[pic by Sam Hughes]
Media
June 2011: Vikings triumph in battle of bullies (The West Australian newspaper online)
June 2011: Vikings takeover Tranby Primary School (Western Australian Department of Education e-newsletter)
August 2010: an article in the Northern Guardian, Carnarvon (pdf, 774kb)
January 2009: here's an interview, published in the Quokka newspaper (pdf, 912kb)
Formal info
Location
Perth, Western Australia
Qualifications
2006: Bachelor of Behavioural Science with Distinction, Notre Dame University, Fremantle.
Other Studies
2001-2002: Primary Teaching, Curtin University
2000: Mass Communications, Curtin University (journalism and advertising)
Experience
2007-present: cartoon and illustration workshops in schools, libraries and youth centres - including the Starlight Room at Princess Margaret Children's Hospital, Challenger Tafe, and Swan City Youth Centre Midland.
2008: WA President of the Australian Cartoonists' Association.
2003-2010: produced weekly full-colour cover illustrations for WA's 'Quokka' newspaper.
2003-present: freelance illustrations, graphic design and caricatures for private and corporate clients.
Professional Memberships
2010-present: member of the Children's Book Council of Australia.
2009-present: member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.
2009-present: member of the Australian Society of Authors.
2003-present: member of the Australian Cartoonists' Association.
Publications
coming in 2012: 'In The Lion', written and illustrated by James Foley. Published by Walker Books
2011: 'The Last Viking', written by Norman Jorgensen, illustrated by James Foley. Published by Fremantle Press
2003-2010: full-colour weekly illustrations for Western Australia's Quokka newspaper.
2010: Spot cartoons in 'Social Psychology and Everyday Life'- written by Darrin Hodgetts, Christopher Sonn, Cate Curtis, Linda Nikora and Neil Drew, published by Pan Macmillan.
2008: a ten-page comic, 'Invasion'- written by Callum Critch (aka Heronimus Wang), illustrated by James Foley. Featured in 'Something Weird Quarterly Vol 4', published by Local Act Comics.
Awards
2010: 'The Rigger' Award for Outstanding Contribution to WA Cartooning (Australian Cartoonists' Association).
2009: Shortlisted in the CYA Conference Competition, picture book category.
2007: 'The Rigger' Award for Outstanding Contribution to WA Cartooning (Australian Cartoonists' Association).
Festivals
2008: Rosalie Festival, WA
2010: All Saints Festival, WA
2011: Telling Tales Children's Literature Festival, Balingup, WA
Kimberley Writers' Festival, Kununurra, WA
Big Sky Writers' Festival, Geraldton, WA
HeARTlines Literature Festival, Mundairing, WA
Exhibitions
2009: 'Heroes and Villains', an exhibition of work from members of the Australian Cartoonists' Association Western Australian chapter. Ellenbrook Gallery, Western Australia.
2011: Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators exhibition, featuring work by members of the Western Australian chapter. Rottnest Island Salt Store, WA.