1PXL_20220514_184048493.MP.jpg

Conor Collins

Technical Artist and imaging specialist

Portland, OR
conor.read.collins@gmail.com
LinkedIn

Summary

At the intersection of technical artistry and machine learning, I've spent 15 years pushing boundaries and building solutions. Most recently I have architected generative systems in Houdini, ComfyUI and Nuke that can produce millions of unique assets, while working closely with machine learning teams to bridge the gap between traditional CG and emerging AI technologies.

Working from Portland, I've developed deep expertise in ComfyUI and procedural design, always driving toward that perfect balance of technical excellence and creative possibility. What excites me most is developing scalable solutions - whether designing systems that generate endless variations or crafting AI tools that transform workflows, I thrive on contributing to groundbreaking research while delivering production-ready solutions.

Skills

  • Marry research and development with technical production to build and deploy at a rapid rate

  • Proficient with Houdini, ComfyUI, Nuke, Unreal, Maya, Substance, Photoshop, and ZBrush

  • Use python and VEX to build custom solutions

  • Built and lead the development of novel Comfyui workflows and custom nodes

  • Deep understanding of every aspect of 3D production

  • Maintain up to date knowledge of generative-AI technology

  • Enjoys streamlining as a practice so that work is continually improving

  • Art directing a wide array of CG and still image work to produce visually appealing results

  • Communicative and responsive to all clients and coworkers, meeting their needs before they ask

  • Strong photographic and fine art background

Experience

Technical Artist | Synthesis AI

September 2021 - Present

  • Extensive R&D work, developing procedural and generative-AI tools integral to future product offerings that can generate millions of unique reusable assets

  • Radically grow in role, creating work that is central to the companies offerings

  • Collaborate heavily with a small CG team to overachieve

  • Architect verticals in Houdini, Nuke, and ComfyUI that are integrated into cloud pipelines

  • Advocate for tech advancement into specific software and areas of research

  • Creation of a wide array of marketing collateral

  • Worked closely with the machine learning team, building tools and products alongside them

Owner / Lead | Outer Gamut

2014 - 2021

  • Hands-on with the retouching, CG, and comping work daily at a workstation

  • Operated, and promoted a solo creative studio that adapted to technology and industry shifts

  • Built custom workflows specific to clients, developed over years to make jobs faster and more reliable

  • Oversaw production and led teams of freelancers to meet aggressive deadlines

  • Attracted clients, developed, and nurtured long-term, productive relationships

  • Worked with amazing people at UGG, Uber, Liberty Mutual, Amazon, Apple

Retoucher | Portus Imaging

2013 - 2014

  • Produced work for large multinational advertising campaigns

  • Composite extremely complex files, manage color across a series of deliverables

  • Created conventions for collaboration and file structures

  • Provided creative solutions on technical aspects of files and procedures

Freelance Artist

September 2004 - 2013

  • Executed freelance services ranging from retoucher to photographer to motion designer

  • Worked for dozens of photographers and industry creatives

Education

BFA Photography
California College of Arts and Crafts, 2004
Graduated with Honors

References

available upon request