Illustrated portrait of RayAna Stanek

earlyspark

RayAna Stanek

Sr. Technical Program Manager · Trust & Safety, ML detection and safeguards · AI builder

I'm a mom and gamer on an intentional career break from tech to prioritize my artistic ambitions. I'm originally from Philly, and before my break, I was a technical program manager in online safety and machine learning. My current goal is to figure out how to keep my creative projects going, sustainably, when I return to the workforce. Until then, I'm sharing the story of my break, lessons learned from making art, and the results of my craft.

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Two laser cut wooden lanterns lit from inside, one cut with the Horde crest and one with the Alliance crest.

Grand Reopening October 2026

My store at earlyspark.etsy.com

I've relaunched my online store, which was one of my goals for my career break. You'll find what I've been making with laser cutting, watercoloring, gold foiling, and more. The further we head into the era of AI, the more I value using my own brain to create something to be enjoyed by other human brains. Let's celebrate together: use code RELAUNCH2026 for 10% off until end of 2026. Thanks for supporting my small business.

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Cover of Little Kids Coloring Book: Irvine and Orange County, California. Mint green with navy line art of a hot air balloon, an airplane and a ferris wheel.

Just published September 2026

Little Kids Coloring Book: Irvine & Orange County

Give little ones a coloring book that will remind them of the sights around Irvine, California. 50+ illustrations that locals will recognize, like the Great Park balloon, Huntington Beach Pier, canopied playgrounds, Irvine Spectrum, the Pacific Surfliner, Mission Viejo Library, SNA John Wayne Airport, OC Zoo, Lake Forest Christmas Tree, and construction on the 5. Ages 2 to 6.

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