15 years of experience as an artist working in media production, specializing in artificial intelligence graphics development and machine learning. Expertise in creating custom image generation models and optimizing AI algorithms for graphics rendering and manipulation. Proficient in integrating AI technologies into graphic design workflows and conducting experiments for AI graphics technologies. Advanced skills in media and signal processing, with a strong background in AI/ML for film, animation production, and visual computing applications.
Selected Skillset:
- Create custom image generation models and large language models.
- Develop and optimize AI algorithms for graphics generation, rendering, and manipulation.
- Customize AI tools including auto model trainers, auto prompt testers, pixel space mapping, and pixel space probes.
- Utilize ImageDiffusion, LLMs, and computer vision for image, text generation, and object detection.
- Implement, manage, and automate digitization and data management services.
- Integrate AI technologies into graphic design workflows.
- Conduct experiments, analyze results, and iterate on AI graphics technologies.
- Develop, test, and maintain AI models and software systems.
- Implement AI/ML techniques for film, animation production, and visual computing applications.
- Optimize algorithms for performance, scalability, and efficiency.
- Improve efficiency, scalability, and stability of AI systems.
- Provide AI consulting services for market analysis, historical research, cultural assessment, and technical support.
Selected AI Production Work
- Jon Raffman / Kanye West
- Alex Lee Moyer / HBO (AI Consulting)
- Chicago Public Schools (AI Graphics & Outreach)
- School of The Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) - (AI Graphics & Outreach)
- Memecoin Dev & AI graphics for private equity firm (ongoing)
Technical Proficiencies
- AI/ML, Automation, Scripting, Command Line Operations: Python Libraries PyTorch, Hugging Face, OpenCV, Tinygrad, Numpy, Scipy, Matplotlib, Pandas, Seaborn, OS, Subprocess, Shutil
- Machine Learning: Object Detection, NLP, LLM, Generative AI, Transformer and Diffusion Neural Networks, Text and Image Generation, Stable Diffusion, GANs
- Automation & Scripting: Bash/ZSH, JSON, Model Optimization, Hyperparameter Tuning, Cross-Validation, Feature Engineering, Data Preprocessing, Model Evaluation Metrics, AI Research and Implementation
- Cloud & Distributed Systems: Cloud Compute GCP, AWS S3, RunPods, Google Colab, Distributed Systems Management, Network Troubleshooting, Server Maintenance, gRPC, Scalable Cloud Infrastructure, Grafana Dashboards
- Digital Art & Design: Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Bridge, Illustrator, Capture One), Product Photography, Photo Editing, Retouching, Compositing, Color Adjustment, Photo Studio Setup & Equipment, Digital Asset Librarian/DAT
- Video: FFMPEG, Premiere, CapCut, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Black Magic Products, Image Processing (Image Pro), Projection Systems, LED/Video Wall/Christie's Microtiles, Frame Rates, Resolutions, Filetypes, Connectors & Interfaces, Teleconferencing/Telepresence/Webcasting, Zoom, Cam-Op
- Audio: Analog & Digital Synthesis, Signal Processing, Audio Software (Audition, ProTools, Logic, PD/MAX), Live Sound (Dante, Mixers, Microphones), DAC/ADC, Audio Connectors (XLR, Speakon, Optical, SPDIF), Compressed & Lossless File Formats, Sample Rate and Bit Depth
- AI Image, Video, Text, and Audio Generation: ComfyUI, Automatic1111, Ollama, Custom Node Building, Web Development (JavaScript, HTML, CSS), Image and Video Manipulation (FFmpeg, FFprobe), Digital Art Creation
- Systems Administration & Security: AI GPU and Server Setup Management and Troubleshooting, Linux Systems, System Configs Management, Software Maintenance, OS/Hardware Troubleshooting, Security, User and System Privileges Management, Linux System Administration and Maintenance
Past Positions / Clients
- Nike, Microsoft, Hyatt, Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, Marilyn & Karl Thoma Foundation, UW Design Gallery, Berkshire Hathaway, JP Morgan Chase, Blackstone, United States Geological Survey (USGS), Chicago Public Schools, Crate and Barrel, Snapfish/Shutterfly, RH, Spertus Institute
Professional Experience
AI Graphics Artist/Model Training Coordinator
Putty-AI | Portland, OR | 2021 - Current
- Developed and managed generative AI tools to create text, images, and animations for clients, ensuring high-quality output and efficient workflow. Trained, evaluated, and optimized custom generative AI models, including data collection, labeling, and hyperparameter testing.
- Collaborated with artists, designers, and clients to tailor AI models and scripts to meet specific creative needs and troubleshoot technical issues.
Machine Learning Operations Support / QA Technician
Leela.ai | Boston, MA | 2021 – Current
- Developed and built datasets for AI model training using Python, FFMPEG, and scripting for object detection models. Managed data navigation, migration, and dataset manipulation via GCP S3 Buckets and command-line operations, employing Python and Bash for data organization.
- Labeled, tagged, and scored image and video data using metadata/markup for datasets with image labeling software and JSON. Processed video and frame (image) data using FFMPEG/FFPROBE.
AV/IT Tech / Digital Media Technician
Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago | Chicago, IL | 2017 – 2019
- Media production technician, digital and media art specialist/technician, specializing in LED, video, projections, new media, and digital graphics. Produced, handled, and installed digital assets (images, video, audio) from archival media and electronic art.
- Installed video, sound, and new media artworks in the gallery for openings and private viewings, serving as an AV install/media production assistant.
Digital Media Technician / AV Install
Thoma Foundation | Chicago, IL | 2016 – 2019
- Performed setup, installation, troubleshooting, repair, diagnostics, testing, and forensics on digital artwork, media artwork, audio, video, digital installations, video walls, immersive environments, virtual installations, and immersive media. Handled artworks by artists including Jenny Holzer, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, Nam June Paik, Hito Steyerl, Cory Arcangel, and Christian Marclay.
- Installed video, sound, and new media artwork for openings and private viewings, managed crate storage and painting racks, and performed light conservation on painting frames and electronic works.
AV Technician / A2, V2 & Cam Op
AV Services – Chase Tower / JP Morgan Chase and NPR | Chicago, IL | 2014 - 2016
- Set up and struck audio, video, lighting, large venue projectors, projection, video, LED, video wall, and scenic displays for internal meetings, general sessions, and theater events using Crestron Integrated systems. Served as A1, A2, and camera operator.
- Provided IT technical support for production and events, managing and maintaining IT and corporate client resources, and contributed to projection and graphics development.
Video Media Assistant / Media Production for Live Events
Sound Investment AV | Chicago, IL | 2010 - 2014
- Managed video production for events, including projectors, large venue projectors, and projection mapping. Set up and struck AV equipment for large-scale corporate events, including video monitors, computers, and cabling. Handled graphics production for events, media development, and content creation.
- Interfaced regularly with clients, vendors, and team members to ensure proper completion of jobs. Managed inventory and performed setup of LED walls, lighting, and video equipment.
AV Exhibition Technician
SAIC l Resources & Facilities Management | Chicago, IL | 2009 - 2014
- Provided technical support and installation assistance for SAIC’s BFA and MFA student exhibitions and events. Custom made media for artists - events, shows, and art fairs, utilizing LED walls, projectors, screens, and Christie's modular blocks.
- Troubleshoot, set up, and installed new media art and digital media, including audio and video signal processing. Served as a graphics assistant for various projects.
Education
- BA in Visual Critical Studies & BFA with focus on Digital Media, SAIC - Chicago | 2014
- Associates in Electrical Engineering / Computer Science, MATC - Madison, WI | 2007
Internships & Fellowships
- Adler Planetarium | Chicago, IL | 2009 (Internship)
- Assisted with media production for sky shows in the planetarium dome using the star projector, contributing to the creation and projection of celestial object visuals.
- UW Design Gallery | Madison, WI | 2011 (Fellowship / Residency)
- Assisted an artist with media production, projection, and visualization for their exhibit in the CAVE (Cave Automatic Virtual Environment).
- Playform.io | Remote | 2020 (Internship)
- Image Generation and AI Assistant: Worked with image generation, image diffusion, GANs, DALL-E, and MidJourney. Assisted in data labeling, building datasets, and learned about training AI models.