Learn AI in a way that is alive, practical, and deeply human.
I don’t offer pre-recorded tutorials or generic lessons. I guide you live — one-on-one — in a way that adapts to your level, your goals, and your curiosity.
Who I am
I am Aurel Manea, a specialist in Generative AI, a multidisciplinary technical artist, shader and VFX expert, photographer, and videographer from Romania. I stand at the intersection of technical mastery and applied creativity.
Defining Achievements
- Pioneer of Generative AI – I began experimenting with Generative AI as early as 2021, with Disco Diffusion and the beta versions of Stable Diffusion, long before these technologies became popular. I mastered platforms like ComfyUI and LoRA training, and my activity has drawn national and international attention.
- Speaker before the hype – I spoke about Generative AI at conferences such as DevPlay (2022 and 2023), contributing as a beta tester for Midjourney, Stable Diffusion, and DALL·E. I co-founded a Stable Diffusion group with over 70,000 members.
- Viral creative productions – I created viral clips combining AI models for image, voice, music, and text, which generated massive media attention and sparked public debate on the potential of these technologies.
- Technical innovations – I developed the first performant SSAO shader for mobile, a prototype environmental shader adopted internationally, and the first documented handheld long-exposure astrophotography image in history.
- Viral microscopy – I designed a 3D-printed phone adapter for microscopes, and the resulting video went viral, reaching millions of views and being reused by film studios.
- Introducing AI into companies – I organized internal workshops for artists, implementing Generative AI and Stable Diffusion, and integrated AI into every stage of the production pipeline within an international gaming company.
- Curiosity and technological foresight – I am always ready to explore emerging technologies, with the ability to separate signal from noise and quickly identify what truly matters.
What you gain from mentoring
- Live, personalized mentoring – every session is unique and tailored to your needs.
- Hands-on remote setup – I can directly install and configure all the required software on your computer, step by step, while explaining the process so you fully understand it.
- Practical workflows in Generative AI for images, video, and text.
- Advanced technical expertise in using, adapting, and training AI models.
- Critical thinking skills – how to detect bias, manipulation, and logical errors in AI output.
- Creative exploration – use AI as an artistic medium, not just a productivity tool.
Who it’s for
- Creators who want to expand their art with AI.
- Students or enthusiasts of philosophy, cognition, or technology who want to understand the foundations of intelligence.
- Technical artists and developers looking for practical, advanced skills.
- Anyone seeking a direct, honest, and deep learning experience, far from shallow, cookie-cutter courses.
How it works
You bring the questions; I bring the multi-disciplinary, creative, and technical expertise.
Sessions are live (video or audio, your choice).
Remote option available – I can connect to your computer, set up the entire AI environment, and show you how to do it yourself in the future.
Fully tailored content — from structured lessons to free exploration.
sty.
Contact me for details.