Ryan Main
Canberra
Summary
I am a passionate and detail-oriented Image Curator with extensive experience in image management, digitization, and archival preservation. Proven ability to enhance and maintain digital collections, ensuring accuracy, accessibility, and high-quality standards. Skilled in working with diverse media formats, including digital images, film slides, and illustrations, while maintaining a strong commitment to data integrity and archival best practices.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Curator, Image Collection
Australian National Botanical Gardens
12.2024 - Current
- Added over 1,000 plant images and 200 historic staff images to the Australian Plant Image Index (APII)
- Analyzed and enhanced metadata, including dates, locations, and taxonomic names, for donated material
- Worked with digital-born images, illustrations, and film slides, documenting Australia’s landscape and species over decades
- Curated and restored a photographer's life collection spanning 60+ years, correcting imperfections such as scratches and colour fading for public access
- Managed image requests for APII, including correspondence with clients, determining image use cases, file formats, and licensing
- Scanned and added metadata for 240+ orchid illustrations to the illustration database
Assistant Curator, Digitization
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization
01.2022 - 07.2024
- Photographed and digitized collections from Australian National Insect Collection (ANIC), Australian National Wildlife Collection (ANWC), and Australian National Herbarium
- Led the imaging project for 100,000+ Diptera microscope slides, contributing to the Type Specimens database
- Assisted in setting up and calibrating new camera systems for improved imaging
- Played a key role in the ANWC egg collection project, ensuring image accuracy and database integrity
- Independently set up the Orchid Card Imaging project, creating a standardized workflow and training staff
- Processed and prepared 4,000+ images for web use within a single morning, significantly streamlining workflow efficiency
Museum Specialist, Digitization
Picturae
04.2022 - 01.2023
- Part of a 3-person team that imaged 700,000 herbarium sheets in one year
- Developed knowledge of accession numbers, herbarium workflows, and specimen handling
- Ensured accurate imaging while maintaining the original order of specimens
Customer Service Attendant
IKEA Canberra
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Worked in a fast-paced, independent environment, adapting to various customer service roles
- Implemented and trained staff on new systems, including online orders, phone service, and Point of sales operations
- Handled sensitive customer information and conflict resolution cases
- Assisted in returns processing and compliance with Australian Consumer Law
- Consistently met KPI targets, introducing innovative goals and working with management on strategy
Education
No Degree - Visual Art
Canberra Institute of Technology
Canberra, ACT12-2017
Skills
- Photography
- Historic Image Restoration
- Illustration
- Life Drawing
- Image Editing
- Adobe Photoshop
- Lightroom
- Digitization Software
- Database Updates
Timeline
Curator, Image Collection
Australian National Botanical Gardens
12.2024 - Current
Museum Specialist, Digitization
Picturae
04.2022 - 01.2023
Assistant Curator, Digitization
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization
01.2022 - 07.2024
Customer Service Attendant
IKEA Canberra
01.2019 - 01.2022
No Degree - Visual Art
Canberra Institute of Technology
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