About
This site is effectively a blog, albeit structured a little uniquely, with some minor curatorial considerations. It's a place for me to translate the fleeting, tangential insights that occur when facilitating real time group and one-on-one discussions in my teaching work. Longer than the topical, increasingly walled-off microposts we encounter on popular platforms, not as polished and generally less conclusive than a finished piece of edited writing; something in-between, that often evolves over time and when read in succession, can reveal something more complex.
Category
In terms of content segmentation, this is effectively the top level domain. It's the easiest way for me to differentiate between two fairly different kinds of written content: my written insights - Notes - short, single-serving, generally text-only insights on discrete topics; and my practical explorations - Projects - likely more media heavy, deeper dives into exploratory processes and methodologies with creative technology.
Topic
This is where we start to get a little more granular. Topics are broad, general sections designed to house longer form series of notes or projects on more specific subject matter. This acts as a first step in filtering down the content available here, enabling me to explore a range of diverse, sometimes conflicting areas within a wider focus area. You can always browse all of the content assigned to individual topics through the Contents table, and the breadcrumb like entries at the top of each post and summary.
Series
Entries in Series are effectively just your standard blog post, with a slightly different take on reading chronology. They focus on very specific themes relative to the broader parent Topic, and have been classed this way so I can write less formally, address new insights, post subsequent entries - over a longer period of time - in an attempt to document the complexities and nuances of a subject matter. Every discrete series can be read chronologically, with a Prev and Next link at the end of each entry, which will cycle through that specific series, ignoring notes from other series.
Tags
This is the final way to filter down content in this site. Tags are entries made at the end of every Note and Project, and should contain even more granular topic categorisation than the above sections, and a simple user experience, allow. All tags can be browsed from their Note and Project entries, or from the Tags page. Each individual tag page will contain all the posts associated with it. I'll do my best to keep these as useful as possible.
All of these individual sections of the site can be subscribed to via RSS, or you can simply subscribe to all Notes and all Projects. Any time you see the RSS link in the upper right of any section, you can subscribe to that section. You can even subscribe to individual Tags if you'd like. Or you can head over to the RSS page where I'll do my best to keep an updated, centrally located list of all of the Category, Topic and Series RSS links on the site.
I'm a perpetually curious visual thinking specialist, facilitator of tailored learning programs and a passionate observer.
Since 2008, I've focused on transforming the way professional, enthusiast and aspiring visual storytellers think, learn and make meaning. In that time I've delivered more than 2000 tailored workshop sessions to over 1000 students, located in 35 different countries. I designed an iterative, modular framework to help creative artworkers learn better. Sharing my specialist insights on the art of creative representation, I've helped learners utilise visual thinking to challenge both themselves and their medium, enhancing their abilities to translate the notional into the concrete.
M. Seth Jones demonstrated the deepest knowledge and understanding of Photoshop and digital image editing that I have yet encountered in a colleague.
Mark Galer
Adobe and Sony Alpha Ambassador
Essential Skills series
co-author
Across both enterprise and higher education, I've designed and facilitated strategic learning outcomes for the likes of BBC Studios, Ogilvy Australia, RMIT University, Adelaide University, Australian Centre for Photography, ABC Australia, Røde Microphones, The Monkeys, The Royals and Carnival Studio. With over 20 years production experience in key visual artworking, photo compositing and high-end beauty and portrait retouching, I have produced key artwork for Disney+, Sony Pictures, Adidas, Toyota, Lionsgate, The Refinery Creative, IFC Films, Audi, Honda and McLaren.
Completely off-topic, entirely non professional fun fact: my beard was once used as a reference for the Spartan helmet design in 300: Rise of an Empire. True story.
Crafting Naturalistic, Photoreal Media with Synthetic Data
With a lengthy and varied career in creative digital media, I have developed a unique artistic approach to both machine learning tools and methodologies. By applying these novel and innovative techniques in unconventional ways, I'm able to generate new insights and solutions, designing experiences that engage users on emotional, cognitive, and aesthetic levels. With a comprehensive understanding of various ML frameworks, tools, and approaches, I combine artistic expression and creative intuition with technological innovation and scientific curiosity to solve complex problems, and explore new frontiers at the intersection of art and machine learning.
Jan 2023 - Present
Consultant
Creative Technologist
(Synthetic Media)
Dataset Building & Curation
- Curating and preprocessing high-quality datasets of human faces or relevant subjects, including artifact removal, data normalization, and diversity-enhancing augmentations.
- Developing detailed dataset captions using techniques like CLIP Interrogation, providing model input prompts that condition on specific features to achieve desired output.
- Constructing data preprocessing pipelines using Python and libraries like NumPy, Pandas, and OpenCV, incorporating techniques like data cleaning, augmentation, and normalization to prepare high-quality datasets for training.
Model Training & Fine-Tuning
- Selecting suitable generative models or diffusion models, customising architectures, and training them on prepared datasets, including fine-tuning pre-trained models for specific use cases.
- Training custom SD 1.X/2.X/XL & Flux checkpoints, LoRAs and embeddings to enhance model performance in generating photorealistic faces or natural-sounding voices, accurately mimicking real-world data.
Inference & Generation
- Leveraging technqiues such as sampling strategies, conditioning methods, noise schedules and multi-modal inputs, alongside advanced technologies like CLIP/ViT-L/ViT-H, inpainting, segmentation masks, Multi-ControlNet, IP-Adapter and style transfer for granular latent space control, enhancing output at the inference stage to generate high-fidelity synthetic media .
- Designing and implementing efficient synthetic media generation pipelines, integrating various generative models, tools, and techniques into cohesive workflows. Collaborating with VFX or film production teams to develop custom solutions as needed. Developing rapid prototypes, testing in various scenarios, gathering feedback, and iterating on models or pipelines for continuous improvement.
- Developing custom utilities and helper functions in Python, streamlining workflows by creating data loading/saving tools, metrics calculation, and model evaluation functions to enhance efficiency. Rapidly prototyping new ideas and techniques, creating proof-of-concept code or experimenting with various algorithms and architectures.
Model Evaluation & Deployment
- Evaluating and validating model performance through ongoing assessment of generated outputs, refining models via hyperparameter adjustments, regularization techniques or incorporating extra data for continuous improvement. Optimising model performance by fine-tuning, adjusting training parameters, and utilising GPU processing for efficient training and high-quality output.
- Maintaining a critical perspective on results, consistently prioritising high-quality outputs while retaining depictive, detective and identity adherence.
Critical & Aesthetic Analysis
- Remaining informed on advancements in cutting-edge and emerging generative models and machine learning tools and techniques, applying up-to-date knowledge and methodologies and experimenting with them to discover novel applications in synthetic media production.
- Reflecting on ethical implications of synthetic media projects, considering potential biases or unintended consequences, and integrating ethical considerations into project development strategies. Maintaining awareness of legal guidelines and regulations concerning synthetic media usage in film productions, ensuring all projects comply with laws and industry best practices for rights management, consent, and attribution.
May 2024 - August 2024
Metaphysic
VFX Trainer & Blended Learning Designer (Synthetic Media)
Facilitation and Learning Design expert, developing and delivering tailored training programs to creative teams on synthetic media tools in visual effects production for film.
Collaborating with VFX supervisors, synthetic media leads and experts, I helped identify training needs, design learning frameworks, develop strategies for improvement and facilitate 30+ hours of synthetic data artworking training.
Used advanced pedagogical design practises to design a systematic framework to facilitate learning agility and intellectual autonomy to query established conclusions from unique perspectives, in order to reveal undiscovered lines of inquiry while delivering strategic learning outcomes in synthetic data artworking.
Duties included designing and developing comprehensive training programs, creating engaging learning materials, delivering video training sessions, collaborating with department heads, maintaining comprehensive documentation, and curating resource repositories.
April 2023 - December 2023
Metaphysic
Synthetic Media Specialist & Stable Diffusion Artworker
Synthetic Media and Stable Diffusion expert specialising in creating hyperrealistic images, audio, and speech through generative models. Proficient in training and optimising deep learning/machine learning models for enhanced visual fidelity in stills and video footage.
Developed pipelines for data curation and refinement, improving realism and aesthetics while maintaining temporal coherence during inference.
Collaborated closely with data, model, and creative teams for seamless integration into existing pipelines and development of new workflows. Utilised professional experience in facial, portrait, and beauty retouching to elevate generated artwork fidelity.
Managed multiple models concurrently for efficient processes and high-quality outputs that adhered to depictive, detective, and identity standards while maintaining a critical perspective on results. Expertise in Python and PyTorch for workflow and pipeline implementation and integration.
2002 - 2022
Freelance
Creative Artworker, Key Art Finisher & Retoucher
Clients include: Disney+, Sony Pictures, Adidas, Toyota, Lionsgate, The Refinery Creative, IFC Films, Audi, Rolex Mentor & Arts Initiative, Schwarzkopf, Honda, McLaren, Guess, Akcelo, Gemba Group, ASOS, TRP Agency, DSF, Carnival Studio, Curzon Film, Tourism Australia, Transmission Films, Velvet Pictures, Elle Magazine, GQ Australia, Goulburn Valley, Masterfoods, Wrangler, EVO Hair, Ceremonia, Mash Design, asap Skin Products, Emily Abay, Rachel Freire, Nathan Gallagher, Lara Jade, Hannah Khymych, Andrew Babarczy, Nat Lanyon, Adrian Mesko, Zac Stone, Amber Toms.
Providing end-to-end finished key artworking, creative retouching, digital illustration and photographic compositing for static and digital OOH campaigns and streaming and theatrical key art media.
2008 - 2022
Freelance
Imaging Technologies Facilitator & Learning Designer
Clients include: Ogilvy Australia, BBC Studios, The Monkeys, The Royals, ABC Australia, Carnival Studio, Røde Microphones, MYER, Shetouch, Studio One20, Hips & Curves, Larsen&Talbert, Madara Cosmetics, asap Skin Products, Jan Wischermann, and Snapcomm Fotográfico.
Used advanced program and course level pedagogical design practises to deliver strategic learning outcomes, developing and delivering over 2000 tailored blended imaging technologies sessions to more than 1000 students from 35 different countries.
Applying expert finished art knowledge and creative retouching skills to design and deliver face-to-face and remote lectures, seminars and instructional materials in line with the strategic direction of organisations production goals.
2019 - 20
University of Adelaide
Digital Photomedia Lecturer and Facilitator
Developed and facilitated the 78 hour, 13 week core Photography and Digital Imaging program to Bachelor of Photography students.
Designed and created blended, technology-enhanced learning materials, and facilitated student learning through the development of resources and the delivery of face-to-face and online learning sessions to ensure effective learning outcomes.
Approached educational design from a program and course level perspective in line with the strategic direction of the University's teaching and learning goals.
Assessed student work, graded achievement criteria and provided feedback on results.
2010 - 11, 2015
RMIT University
Digital Photomedia Lecturer and Facilitator
Designed and facilitated the 78 hour, 26 week core Imaging Technologies program to more than 100 Bachelor of Photography students.
Applied pedagogical expertise to program, course and activity educational design to initiate and develop a new online component of the course.
Maintained knowledge and examples of current online and blended pedagogies used across the University, including successes and failures and evaluations of usage.
Provided advice to academics on learning technology resource development projects, including managing expectations about project scope, timelines and potential outcomes.
2013 - 14
Australian Centre for Photography
Digital Photomedia Facilitator
Created and delivered a series of 48 hour, 16 week workshops and seminars on advanced photographic post-processing and post-visualisation.
2014
Photography Studies College
Digital Photomedia Learning Designer
Designed a 39-hour, 13 week core Tier 3 and Tier 5 subject guide for the Bachelor of Photography program.
2012 - 13
City Desktop Training
Creative Artworking Lecturer and Facilitator
Delivered intensive, hands-on workshops on advanced, intermediate and foundation photographic post-processing and post-visualisation.
2010 - 11
Fearless Media
Creative Artworking Lecturer and Facilitator
Provided advanced, intermediate and foundation Adobe Creative Cloud suite application techniques to corporate clients.
BBC Studios
Video Training & Workshops
47 videos / 32 hours / 8 workshops
BBC Studios broadcasts 11 international channels, including BBC AMERICA and BBC Canada. Their creative team oversees the production art of numerous global media properties. Their work is seen across multiple platforms by millions of people. I designed and facilitated a 32 hour video training program for their production artists to ensure the highest standard of finished output.
RMIT University
Facilitation & Assessment
32 tutorials / 96 hours / 28 webinars / 7 assessments
Founded in 1887 and ranked 16th in the world for art and design, RMIT is the leading art and design school in the Southern Hemisphere. I designed and facilitated the 78 hour, 26 week core Imaging Technologies program across two separate cohorts to more than 100 students, including instigating and developing an all new online component of the course.
University of Adelaide
Face-to-face Facilitation and Assessment
39 tutorials / 195 hours / 9 assessments
Established in 1874, the University of Adelaide is the third-oldest university in Australia, and is a member of the Group of Eight, comprised of Australia's leading research-intensive universities. Across three separate cohorts, I designed and facilitated 195 hours of face-to-face workshops and tutorials, to ensure successful learning outcomes for first and second year students of the Bachelor of Photography program.
Ogilvy Australia
Standalone Workshops and Webinars
6 sessions / 8 hours / 1 ebook
Ogilvy Worldwide is one of the largest marketing communications networks in the world, currently employing over 10,000 people across 450 international offices and 120 countries. Founded in 1977, Ogilvy Australia's clients include IBM, Coca-Cola, KFC and American Express. I was hired to design and and facilitate eight hours of training to senior Creative Directors.
The Royals
Screencast and Video Training
16 screencasts / 24 hours / 6 walkthroughs
The Royals are an agency fuelled by passion and curiosity, propelled by thinkers and tinkerers, creatives and coders, hustlers and hackers. Their clients include Mercedes-Benz, the National Gallery of Victoria, Spotify and Coopers Brewery. I was called on to design and facilitate 24 hours of pre-recorded and real-time video and screencast training for their finished art team.
The Monkeys
Screencast and Webinar Training
8 screencasts / 18 hours / 12 walkthroughs
Founded in 2006, The Monkeys is a creative agency based in Sydney, Australia, working at the intersection of advertising, entertainment and technology. I was brought on to design and facilitate an 18 hour real time, screencast walkthrough training program for a dozen designers, artists and senior creative directors.
ABC Australia
Screencast and Video Training
56 videos / 26 hours / 8 walkthroughs
ABC Australia is Australia's international television service, delivering a mix of programs including news and current affairs, sport, comedies, drama, documentaries, education and award-winning children's programs. Their key art is seen by millions in 40 countries across the Asia-Pacific region. I designed and facilitated 26 hours of video training to help their senior graphic design team achieve higher standards of finished artwork.
Carnival Studio
Screencast and Video Training
51 videos / 32 hours / 12 walkthroughs
Established in 2002, Carnival Studio is a boutique graphic design company specialising in developing key art, branding and immersive marketing campaigns for film, television and home entertainment clients. I designed and facilitated 32 hours of screencast and video training for their senior creative director, focusing on advanced retouching workflows to address the unique production goals of theatrical and streaming key art.
Røde Microphones
Screencast and Video Training
18 videos / 12 hours / 8 screencasts
Founded in 1967, Røde is a world leading audio technology company that designs and manufactures audio and recording hardware and software across consumer, prosumer and professional markets. I was hired to design and facilitate 12 hours of real time screencast and video training for their graphic design team.
Studio One20
Standalone Workshops
3 workshops / 24 hours / 3 ebooks
One20 is a content production company that specialises in the execution of photography, video, design, and print production services. Based in Melbourne and Sydney, One20 produces work for some of Australia's most loved brands such as AAMI, Bonds, BMW, Coke, KFC and Myer. I designed and facilitated 24 hours of training workshops to its production team.
Australian Centre for Photography
Face-to-face Facilitation
16 tutorials / 48 hours / 6 ebooks
Founded in 1973, the ACP is the leading Australian organisation dedicated to photography and new media. I designed and facilitated a series of 48 hour, 16 week workshops for their staff and students.
Photography Studies College
Program Design
13 tutorials / 39 hours / 3 assessments
Established in 1973, PSC is a multi award winning tertiary photography college located in Melbourne. I designed a 39 hour, 13 week core Tier 5 subject guide for the Bachelor of Photography program.
asap Skin Products
Screencast and Video Training
28 videos / 16 hours / 8 walkthroughs
asap is Australia's number one cosmeceutical skin care range. I designed and facilitated 16 hours of training to their design and production team.
Madara Cosmetics
Video Training and Workshops
12 videos / 16 hours / 8 workshops
MADARA is a Latvian manufacturer of organic skin care products. I designed and facilitated 16 hours of training for their art directors.
Larsen&Talbert
Video Training and Workshops
12 videos / 12 hours / 6 workshops
Larsen&Talbert is the husband and wife photographic team of Michael Larsen and Tracy Talbert. Their unique brand of celebrity portraiture and lifestyle photography has featured in magazines such as Esquire, InStyle, Entertainment Weekly, Playboy, USA Weekend, USA Today, Good Housekeeping and People. Their commercial clients include Bravo, Hallmark Channel, Fox Broadcasting, Disney, Turner Broadcasting, NBC Universal, Warner Brothers Television, Paramount+ and HGTV. I designed and facilitated 12 hours of workshops to their production team.
Jan Wischermann
Video Training and Workshops
28 videos / 36 hours / 18 workshops
Based in Düsseldorf, Jan Wischermann offers professional high-end retouching and is a post-production specialist, specialising in creative image processing of beauty, fashion and commercial productions. Across two distinct courses, separated by multiple years, I designed and facilitated 36 hours of training to Jan covering high-end beauty and portrait retouching, editorial aesthetics, lighting, colour grading and post-processing. Additionally, I designed multiple unique colour analysis and grading workflows for him to use in his work.