My sessions are funny, entertaining, interactive and inspiring.

(They’re educational too, but don’t tell the kids that).

I love encouraging students to make their own stories and to enjoy the creative process.

I work with students from grades 1-12, and adults too.

*** NB I’m also available for online sessions. ***

I can do online sessions via Zoom, Skype, Google Meet – whatever service you’re comfortable with. These sessions work much the same as if I were there in person: I can still give a presentation, I can still answer questions and I can still lead the students in a drawing activity. The advantage is I can beam straight into your classroom, no matter where in Australia or the world you are.

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I can run sessions about …

– MY EARLY JOURNEY: the books I made when I was a child (this is a school favourite!)
– SPONTANEOUS STORIES: illustrated tales based on audience suggestions
– THE CREATIVE PROCESS: how I go about writing/illustrating a picture book/graphic novel
– THE MAKING OF one or more of my books
– VISUAL LITERACY for picture books
– VISUAL LITERACY for graphic novels/comics
– combinations of the above

I run workshops on …

– how to draw cartoons
– creating comics
– how to write/illustrate picture books
– how to write/illustrate comics/graphic novels
– secrets of character design
– how to make clay character maquettes
-digital illustration techniques
– combinations of the above
– making a collaborative picture book in a day (requires 5 school contact hours, 12-20 students max)

I also do …

– artist residencies
– literature festivals
– collaborative community art projects
– professional development sessions for teachers, artists and aspiring illustrators

If you’re after a different sort of talk or workshop, please get in touch.

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Testimonials

“Thank you so much for coming to our school yesterday … everyone said that it was the best author visit that we have had. One child in particular who is considered at risk but has a passion for drawing, came straight back to class and couldn’t put his pencil down.” – teacher, Dianella Primary College

“Thank you again for an amazing morning. We all had the best time and we are so honoured to have  you present at our school. The staff and students are in awe of your incredible work of art, we are definitely framing this. We can’t thank you enough for your amazing presentation.”
– teacher, Good Shepherd Catholic School

“I’ve received so much wonderful feedback from both staff and students, and I wanted to let you know how much we truly enjoyed having you at our school. Your talent as a writer and illustrator is evident, but what stood out most was your ability to engage the crowd and share your craft in such an accessible and inspiring way—it was genuinely impressive!”
– teacher, Melville Primary School

“How much can we squeeze into two days? 6 performance-style presentations, drawing lessons for 700, 100 signed books, a guest spot on our very first student-run podcast, lots and lots of deep belly laughs and some words of wisdom amongst the bodily-functions humour …. “Let the bad things go”. Thank you James Foley for flying over our vast country to meet us and regale us with your stories –  from your youth and your published works. Our laugh lines and stomach muscles are a little more defined because of you.” 
– all the teachers and kids of Lane Cove Public School, NSW – Aug 2025.

“Thanks so much for the past two days. All kids (and teachers) loved the experience. Your enthusiasm, jokes and talent are second to none. I’ve already had lots of teachers showing me pics of their kids in action making their books and attempting your characters!”
– teacher, Winthrop Primary School

“The kids (and teachers) really, really enjoyed your visit. The BEST we have ever had!” – teacher, Collier Primary School

“Best Book Week session I have ever attended.”
– teacher attending Subiaco Library, Children’s Book Week

“James was incredible, inspiring and so much fun! The kids all adored him, I’ve never seen them so engaged, they were hanging off his every word.  They have all been racing to the library to take his books out!”
– Teacher, CBW session at Melville Public Libraries

“James’ sessions were a stand out of this year’s Children’s Book Week and we can’t recommend him highly enough.”
– Caroline Jones, Youth Services Librarian, Kwinana Library

“Thank you for visiting us today and sharing your story. It was inspirational and hilarious!”
– Wesley College (Perth)

“James Foley came to speak to our school today. He was remarkable! It was very special to have him share his experiences with us. We think we will all remember for quite a while being able to draw with him.”
– Amanda, Bella, Charlie and Kate, grade 5

“Dear James, thank you so much for the incursion today, it was absolutely brilliant. The boys were very excited and totally captivated. I have never seen them draw so amazingly!”
– Kristen Gray, Year 1 teacher, Scotch College (Perth)

“James has been amazing. What an incredible talent. I would recommend him to any school.”
– Fiona Rowe, Junior School Librarian, Scotch College (Adelaide)

“Fantastic presentation – James was great and spoke to the children’s level and interest. Our students will definitely be inspired to draw and write stories. Extremely dynamic presenter.”
– teacher attending Cannington Library, Children’s Book Week

“Hi James, I just wanted to drop you a short line to reiterate our thanks for the great time had by my 8 yr old son while attending the recent creating comic books workshop he attended as part of the Awesome Festival. He came away enthused and full of motivation to draw, draw, draw! His constant doodles are now all aimed around trying to create a comic book and piles of paper are building up all over the house.”
– parent