My name is Heather Worley and I work as an artist in Orlando, Florida. My passion for art came at a very young age when it was the only thing I was able to do to keep myself entertained while being cooped up inside at home. I am originally from Decatur, Alabama. I was in and out of the hospital quite often as a child especially during my elementary school years. I developed a lot of allergies and had asthma growing up which caused me to have to stay inside often. My love for Disney came when I was about 5 years old watching Robin Hood continuously. That movie truly inspired my love for animation. I knew as a child that I wanted to draw for Disney one day. I drew every chance I got by drawing pictures for my family and friends. I continued to take art classes in my hometown to continue to improve each day.
I received a Bachelors in Art at Auburn University. During most summers at Auburn, I was an intern with the Walt Disney World College Program. I was fully aware of Disney Feature Animation being in Florida. I couldn't wait to start that journey into the Feature Animation building one day. Unfortunately a year after I graduated college, the doors to Feature Animation Florida closed for good. Therefore, I never got the chance to get in to that building as an animator. With the help of my current managers at the time, I was able to transition from college program to a full time job working at Disney Hollywood Studios in Foods doing General Teller/Coordinator roles. I continued to work hard all those years. And about 4 years later, I heard about a great opportunity to draw for Disney teaching the guests how to draw our beloved Disney characters ranging from Mickey Mouse to Big Hero 6. With support and encouragement from my family back home and my part time employers, Mark Simon and Jeanne Simon, I decided to apply for that artist role at Disney. I heard back a week later and joined the Artist team there in January of 2008 until the attraction closed in July of 2015.
In May of 2009 I had an AHA moment, I was like "AHA!!" I get to share my deep passion for Animation with the guests at Disney every day. Why can't I bring what I do at Disney to kids that need a little extra cheer? So I approached my management at the time asking for an opportunity to volunteer at the local Advent Health for Children(formerly known as the Florida Hospital for Children). I wanted to show the kids in pediatrics how to draw their favorite character. I never really had an opportunity to draw with an artist while I was a child in the hospital. I knew that I wanted to give something back to the hospitals that took good care of me when I was young. When you can walk into the room with a sick, unhappy child and spend time with them for just a few minutes, you'll notice that child has completely forgotten all their hospital worries.
Rapunzel from Disney's Tangled has become another one of my all time favorite characters next to Robin Hood. Rapunzel is indeed an artist, but the feeling she felt when she was finally free from her room/tower to experience life without any worries. That's who I became when I finally stepped out of my comfort zone and began to experience the world around me. Since I was sick when I was little, I grew up a very shy kid and I never wanted to talk to anyone. While working around the right people in the entertainment industry and following my true passion to the fullest, I began to discover who I am inside. Yes I'm sure Reflection from Disney's Mulan is now playing in your head now. Finally, I could use my creativity to my fullest potential without losing sight of the person my parents raised me to be.
I was honored during the inaugural year with the Walt Disney Legacy Award in July of 2011 and was given the first ever Alumni Service Award by the Decatur City School system in May of 2015. I am very humbled by these honors. I believe it wouldn't have been possible without the art I do from my heart every day whether at Disney or in every day life. On an off time I have, I love doing freelance projects ranging from Children's Book Illustrations to creating Story Panels for training sessions. I love to tell my stories through my art. I continue to learn every day about great art, new software... I never stop learning! I look forward to having y'all continue to join me on my journey. I'm currently working on getting my own story out into the world. I'm still not giving up on that goal of working on an animation production. As Rapunzel said, "Venture outside of your comfort zone. The rewards are worth it"
I received a Bachelors in Art at Auburn University. During most summers at Auburn, I was an intern with the Walt Disney World College Program. I was fully aware of Disney Feature Animation being in Florida. I couldn't wait to start that journey into the Feature Animation building one day. Unfortunately a year after I graduated college, the doors to Feature Animation Florida closed for good. Therefore, I never got the chance to get in to that building as an animator. With the help of my current managers at the time, I was able to transition from college program to a full time job working at Disney Hollywood Studios in Foods doing General Teller/Coordinator roles. I continued to work hard all those years. And about 4 years later, I heard about a great opportunity to draw for Disney teaching the guests how to draw our beloved Disney characters ranging from Mickey Mouse to Big Hero 6. With support and encouragement from my family back home and my part time employers, Mark Simon and Jeanne Simon, I decided to apply for that artist role at Disney. I heard back a week later and joined the Artist team there in January of 2008 until the attraction closed in July of 2015.
In May of 2009 I had an AHA moment, I was like "AHA!!" I get to share my deep passion for Animation with the guests at Disney every day. Why can't I bring what I do at Disney to kids that need a little extra cheer? So I approached my management at the time asking for an opportunity to volunteer at the local Advent Health for Children(formerly known as the Florida Hospital for Children). I wanted to show the kids in pediatrics how to draw their favorite character. I never really had an opportunity to draw with an artist while I was a child in the hospital. I knew that I wanted to give something back to the hospitals that took good care of me when I was young. When you can walk into the room with a sick, unhappy child and spend time with them for just a few minutes, you'll notice that child has completely forgotten all their hospital worries.
Rapunzel from Disney's Tangled has become another one of my all time favorite characters next to Robin Hood. Rapunzel is indeed an artist, but the feeling she felt when she was finally free from her room/tower to experience life without any worries. That's who I became when I finally stepped out of my comfort zone and began to experience the world around me. Since I was sick when I was little, I grew up a very shy kid and I never wanted to talk to anyone. While working around the right people in the entertainment industry and following my true passion to the fullest, I began to discover who I am inside. Yes I'm sure Reflection from Disney's Mulan is now playing in your head now. Finally, I could use my creativity to my fullest potential without losing sight of the person my parents raised me to be.
I was honored during the inaugural year with the Walt Disney Legacy Award in July of 2011 and was given the first ever Alumni Service Award by the Decatur City School system in May of 2015. I am very humbled by these honors. I believe it wouldn't have been possible without the art I do from my heart every day whether at Disney or in every day life. On an off time I have, I love doing freelance projects ranging from Children's Book Illustrations to creating Story Panels for training sessions. I love to tell my stories through my art. I continue to learn every day about great art, new software... I never stop learning! I look forward to having y'all continue to join me on my journey. I'm currently working on getting my own story out into the world. I'm still not giving up on that goal of working on an animation production. As Rapunzel said, "Venture outside of your comfort zone. The rewards are worth it"