I lean toward an exploration of duality between imagination and reality, using an eclectic collage of references to express the memory of my early visual impressions. My work channels the energy of 90s television commercials, Saturday morning cartoons, superhero mythology, occult imagery, and geometric form. In a world bombarded by images, I want my work to have a unique character that combines the aesthetics of the past with the energy of the present — and through that chaos, to slow down the viewer’s attention just long enough to make them think twice.

Ray Spence

I lean toward an exploration of duality between imagination and reality, using an eclectic collage of references to express the memory of my early visual impressions. My work channels the energy of 90s television commercials, Saturday morning cartoons, superhero mythology, occult imagery, and geometric form. In a world bombarded by images, I want my work to have a unique character that combines the aesthetics of the past with the energy of the present — and through that chaos, to slow down the viewer’s attention just long enough to make them think twice.

Available to hire

I lean toward an exploration of duality between imagination and reality, using an eclectic collage of references to express the memory of my early visual impressions. My work channels the energy of 90s television commercials, Saturday morning cartoons, superhero mythology, occult imagery, and geometric form.

In a world bombarded by images, I want my work to have a unique character that combines the aesthetics of the past with the energy of the present — and through that chaos, to slow down the viewer’s attention just long enough to make them think twice.

See more

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Senior Production Artist & AI R&D Specialist at Huntr ess (via Curricula)
January 1, 2021 - Present
Senior vector illustrator and visual director on “Huntress” — a flagship animated cybersecurity awareness training series used enterprise-wide. Organic development and now dual role as the department’s sole AI R&D Specialist, driving adoption of AI tools across a 10-person illustration team. Built AI-powered production tools including a SAP Story Ad Lib Generator, automated shot breakdown system, and an interactive animator handoff tool with color-coded triage. Reduced shot breakdown time from 60+ minutes to under 2 minutes using LLM-driven automation; reduced storyboard creation from days to ~5 minutes using image generation AI. Designed and documented repeatable AI workflow playbooks (SKILL.md format) for team-wide use in Claude Code. Developed an Animator Feedback Ticketing System and an Automated Asset Organization & Tagging System for Illustrator files. Responsible for scene composition, character design, UI design, prop illustration, and production handoffs to animators i
Texture Artist at TimeSplitters Rewind
January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024
Created game-ready textures for the fan-made remake of the TimeSplitters series, built in Unreal Engine. Captured the look and feel of the original franchise while working within modern real-time rendering constraints.
Production Artist at Curriculum
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021
Member of the illustration and animation creative team for a cybersecurity awareness training platform focused on story-driven employee education. Contributed character illustration, scene work, and production assets for animated training content.
Children's Book Illustrator & Animator at ROOTED in LLC
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021
Illustrated and animated interactive eBooks for grades K–5, combining education with engaging visuals storytelling.
iOS App Illustrator at Texties
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020
Created character illustrations for a short-story reader app spanning genres from sci-fi and horror to romance and comedy.
In-House Designer & Illustrator at The Print Lounge Inc.
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2019
Created logos, branding, and merchandise designs for clients; cleaned and vectorized graphics for production; operated flatbed vinyl cutter and ran the in-house apparel production line.
Senior Production Artist & AI R&D Specialist at Huntr ess (via Curriculum)
January 1, 2021 - Present
Lead senior vector illustrator and visual director on the flagship Huntr ess cybersecurity awareness training series used enterprise-wide. Dual role as the department’s AI R&D Specialist, driving adoption of AI tools across a 10-person illustration team. Built AI-powered production tools including a SAP Story Ad Lib Generator, automated shot breakdown system, and an interactive animator handoff tool with color-coded triage. Reduced production timelines from 60+ minutes to under 2 minutes using LLМ-driven automation; reduced storyboard creation from days to ~5 minutes using image-generation AI. Documented repeatable AI workflows playbooks for team-wide use in Claude code. Developed an Animator Feedback Ticketing System and an Automated Asset Organization & Tagging System for Illustrator files. Responsible for scene composition, character design, UI design, prop illustration, and production handoffs to animators in After Effects. Actively advocated for formal recognition and compensat
Text Artist at TimeSplitters Rewind
January 1, 2024 - Present
Created game-ready textures for the fan-made remake of TimeSplitters, built in Unreal Engine. Captured the look and feel of the original franchise while working within modern real-time rendering constraints.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration (Minor in Animation) at Columbia College Chicago
January 11, 2030 - April 7, 2026
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration at Columbia College Chicago
January 11, 2030 - April 17, 2026

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Software & Internet, Professional Services, Other, Gaming