The person behind .jess.

Hi, I'm Jess.

I'm a web designer, tech mentor, and the founder of DotJess. I work with purpose-driven organisations and small businesses who want a digital presence that actually does something.

Based on Wonnarua Country in the Hunter Valley, NSW. I work with clients across Newcastle, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Cooranbong, Far North Queensland, Perth, and internationally. I think in systems: how a site functions, who it's for, and how the person behind it will maintain and grow it over time.

I'm Autistic, and that shapes how I work in ways I consider strengths. I'm precise, I care about clarity and fairness, and I notice the things others miss. When a specific answer is available, that's what you'll get.

Alongside DotJess, I work as Lived Experience Workforce Lead & Systems at Neurokindred, an Autistic-led social enterprise. That role shapes everything I build here, particularly around neuroaffirming design and digital infrastructure for communities that have historically been underserved by tech.

Tech should reduce barriers. That's the thread through everything, from how I write a contact form to how I run a mentoring session.

integrity connection authenticity justice nature create & educate

The stuff that lights me up.

Outside of work (and sometimes during it), these are the things I could talk about for hours. Fair warning.

Ash

This is Ash. Blue cattle dog, permanent shadow, and the reason I can never eat in peace. She loves kids, the bush, and swimming in anything deeper than a puddle.

Bird photography

Nankeen kestrel. I shoot birds with a Nikon P900 and a lot of patience.

Sky gradients

Sky gradients are a whole thing for me. The footer on this site changes colour with the real sky. Obviously I had to.

Raptors

Eastern osprey. I love raptors, and this was the shot of a lifetime.

Beautiful birds

Rainbow lorikeet in the flowering gum. They remind me of my Oma, who called the birds to her every day.

The bush

My local happy place. The bush, the dam, and whatever birds show up.

Autism

I research it, I read everything I can find, I live it. This one is personal and professional and everything in between. I write about it on Camouflage Tie-Dye.

Newcastle Knights

Game day uniform. Every Knights match is from the couch with Ash and the big screen. My wardrobe is Knights merch, tie-dye, and pop culture shirts. That's it.

Jane Eyre

Autistic-coded, strong-willed, independent thinker, likely queer. I own 50+ editions and will talk about her at any opportunity. You've been warned.

Simulation games

Planet Zoo, Planet Coaster 2, Jurassic World Evolution 3, Two Point Hospital. Known rules, clear boundaries, systems in action. My autistic brain loves every second.

Open worlds

Assassin's Creed Black Flag, Red Dead Redemption 2, Palia, Fortnite. Sometimes you just need to disappear into another world for a while.

Fandoms

Spider-Man. Lord of the Rings. Star Wars. I love the fandoms, I love the worlds, and I will happily argue about any of it.