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There are people who go looking for answers, not because they expect it to be easy—but because they know there’s something worth finding. And even if they don’t find what they thought they would, they make the most of it. Because either way, the journey matters.
About Jamie Starling : Creator Alchemist
I’ve started calling myself the Creator Alchemist—because, honestly, that’s what I’ve been doing my whole life. Taking different things—ideas, skills, tools, random parts—and turning them into something that works. Something useful. Something meaningful.
This site is where I bring everything together—technology, model trains, photography, and the things I’ve picked up along the way. It’s not a business card or a resume. It’s just me, putting all the pieces in one place and seeing what comes out of it.
A Bit About Me
I’m Jamie. Most people know me as the guy who can figure stuff out. The one who builds things. Fixes things. Makes things work.
That part’s been true since I was a kid. I was always taking stuff apart to see how it worked. Sometimes I even got it back together. My dad gave me a Radio Shack 200-in-1 electronics kit before I even started school. I had a door alarm rigged up to our front door in no time. He walked in, it went off, and he just stood there, smiling. That was the moment I knew I was onto something.
Another memory that stuck with me—I visited one of my dad’s coworkers back in the late ’70s or early ’80s. The guy had a computer at home. That was rare back then. He let me type on the keyboard, and something just clicked. That glowing screen felt like possibility. I didn’t know what I was going to do with it, but I knew it mattered.
Technology has always been more than a tool for me. It’s a way to create. To solve problems. To build something that didn’t exist before.
Photography, Trains, and the Rest of It
Somewhere along the way, photography came into the picture too. I was maybe three or four when I found some of my sister’s film negatives from a class she was taking. I didn’t understand what I was looking at, but I knew it meant something. That was the seed. These days, photography is how I slow down, pay attention, and notice things that might otherwise get missed.
And then there are trains. I don’t have a fancy reason why I like them—they’ve just always felt right. I’ve been fascinated by them since I was little. Model trains let me bring together everything I love: electronics, problem-solving, and creative design. It’s part hobby, part art form, part ongoing experiment.
You can find more about my model train adventures at : Leaping Cat Model Works.
Putting the Pieces Together
For years, I kept things separate—one site for photography, one for tech, another for model trains. That’s how people saw me too: the photo guy, the tech guy, the guy who gets things done. But none of that showed the full picture.
This site isn’t about showing off. It’s about combining the parts that make me who I am. Building systems. Making things work. Taking creative ideas and turning them into something real. It’s about following what feels right and sharing the process.
Where I Am Now
These days I live in Beaufort, North Carolina, with my wife Julie and our three cats—Beebs, Milo, and Jocko. They mostly supervise. I’m grateful to live somewhere with good people and enough space to keep exploring the things I care about.
If you’re ever in the area and want to grab coffee and talk about creative projects, trains, tech, or whatever else—reach out. I’m always up for a good conversation.
One Last Thing
If there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s that you don’t have to keep everything in its own box. The real power is in putting things together. That’s where the meaning comes from. Not just doing—but understanding why you’re doing it. Making connections. Seeing the bigger picture.
That’s what being a Creator Alchemist means to me.
—Jamie Starling
Principles I Strive to Uphold
Reject the idea of conformity. Embrace the belief that true living comes from staying in motion, welcoming change, and shaping your own values and identity. This kind of person connects, experiments, questions, seeks truth, and explores. It’s not up to this free-spirited individual to justify their actions to the world. Maybe it’s those who cling to the safety of the familiar / the system who should pause and rethink their choices.
Assess your life by the outcomes you achieve, not by the distractions of labels you associate with yourself.
It is only when you accept the fact that you are a “Sheep” that you can start to do anything about it.
About the Images
It all comes down to the images.
Every image you see on here reflects my creative journey. Unless stated otherwise, each photograph is something I’ve crafted myself, shaped by my vision and perspective. Lately, I’ve been exploring the possibilities that AI technology offers, adding another layer to my work. When you see images marked as “Generated,” know that they’re a combination of my creativity and the innovative edge of artificial intelligence. These pieces are part of my journey to express ideas and feelings that have been simmering beneath the surface, ready to emerge and be shared.
Work With Me
I’m available for project work, consulting, and creative collaboration—especially when it involves solving tough problems, building systems that actually work, or bringing creative ideas into the real world.
If you’re looking for someone who can think outside the box but still get things done, that’s where I fit.
I’ve worked across a lot of disciplines—embedded systems, automation, creative tech, infrastructure planning, design thinking, and more. Whether you need a hands-on builder, a technical guide, or just someone to bounce ideas off of, I might be a good fit.
Want to talk? Send me a message and let’s see what we can create.
Need a Creator Alchemist on Your Project?
I’m available for hire—consulting, systems design, embedded tech, creative problem-solving, or anything in between.
If you’ve got a project that needs someone who can think it through and build it out, I’m interested.
👉 Let’s Talk
jamie@jamiestarling.com