RISK TAKER: Kue Vue - Graphic Designer & Digital Artist

Tell me 5 things about yourself.

I have a passion for art. I’m a self-employed graphic designer who specializes in digital imaging and photography. I like to learn or try new things because I love challenges. I love to play video games during my spare time. Last but not least, I’m a simple easy-going person that anyone can get along with. 

How did you get into graphics, photoshop etc?

Ever since I was small I loved to draw. Growing up I sort of knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my life (art). I was introduced to Adobe Photoshop 7.0 (yes, that long ago) and I started playing around with the program. After high school, I attend a local community college for D.E.A.T (digital effects & animation technology) because I was interested in video games and 3D animation. My dream was to become a game designer. Half way through the semester, I realized that I was more into still images and working with photoshop. That’s when I knew I wanted to be a graphic designer instead.

What equipment/programs are you working with? 

I use Adobe Photoshop Cs5 when I create rasterized files. As for logos and vector, I use Adobe Illustrator CS5. When I do digital painting or drawing, I use paint tool SAI.

I know that you went to school for Graphic Design but it seems like you enjoy retouching photos more. Which makes you happier?

Actually both make me happy. But if I have to choose, it would be photo retouching because it's fun and relaxing. It’s amazing how you can turn an ordinary picture into something intriguing. I would love to be a photo editor one day.


Your images are so whimsical and fantasy like. What or who influences your style of design?? 

I have a huge imagination. If I see an ordinary picture I could already visualize it into something extreme. My style is influenced by my mood and inner thoughts. I don’t have much life experience such as exploring life outside of school and home. Therefore, I imagine me in another exciting world where everything is possible. That’s where my fantasies and creativity come from. (lol) I know it’s weird.

I also noticed that you're adding photography to your long list of titles. Why photography?

Photography and I go way back! I started playing with photography, as a kid, when there were only film cameras. I would always direct my parents and siblings to pose for me. I love taking pictures so much! Photography will always be a part of me. 



Do you think that it's important to be multi-talented in today's industry? 

Yes, definitely. I think firms these days seek for people with multiple skills. If you decided to start your own business you will have more of an advantage. Being multi-talented, you’d go farther than most and are usually a few steps ahead.

How do you incorporate your cultural background through your work? 

I haven’t done that much but I did design a piece using a photo from Houa Vang Photography based on a Hmong folk tale “Niam Nkauj Zuag Paj” meaning the Princess of the Pond (at least that‘s how I translate it). But I will start incorporating my cultural background to my work soon so be on the lookout!

Is being Hmong more or less of an advantage in your field? 

I don’t think race should matter. I think it’s all about the individual and their work ethic. It should be about how they conduct their lives professionally. Everyone starts out small and eventually works their way up.

What is your advice for aspiring designers?

Aspiring designers should not be afraid. They should not doubt themselves or their work. Be passionate. Don’t be afraid to share your work. Everything is art. Some people may not like your work and others will. Don’t limit yourself and step outside of the box. Always find inspiration to keep you motivated. 


How can we stay in touch with you?


You can stay in touch with me through my website, email, or like my Facebook fan page. I'm always online and can be reached easily.

All images belong to Kue Vue.

Risk Taker: Houa Vang + Photographer/Makeup Guru

1. Please introduce yourself.

Hello everyone! Well in my opinion I'm just the average girl. I don't do drugs or any of that stuff which is why I'm usually always home. It's very boring but I try finding productive things to do with my spare time. I love watching anime, making Youtube videos on free days, photography whenever I feel like it, art when I feel like I'm going to explode (because I'm so full of inspiration), and a lot of other beauty related things. Despite the fact that I'm into all these art related things, my goal in life is to become a nurse because I love helping people. I will also do photography on the side.

2. What is your personal style?

I'm very casual and I like to blend into a crowd. In my photos I try bringing something interesting to the camera because it's boring to see the same image over and over again, in my opinion. Therefore I love outrageous makeup, hair and clothing. A lot of people know me for doing gory and scary pictures, but what they don't know is that I have a reason behind that. Growing up I felt a lot of neglect and had a lot of family problems. I would usually always be alone. Times were hard and I would find myself crying for hours sometimes. I did have some suicidal thoughts at times. So in order for me to express some of my sadness or even hatred I took a lot of scary or gory photos. Even though I take these pictures the funny thing is, I'm scared of the dark, and I hate horror movies (lol). All in all I have a very versatile face, I tend to look different in every picture.

3. Where did your love for photography or make-up emerge from?

Art helped made it easier when transitioning into my makeup and photography because a lot of skills are from having a natural artistic ability. I used to sketch Anime when I was little. Then I went into realistic portraits with charcoal. This helped me with editing images because it allowed me to see the shape and shadows of an object. With this experience it made editing easier because I would be able to manipulate or recreate shadows in the right areas. Art also helped me with makeup because you have to know what colors will best complement each other. You also have to be able to have a set idea in your mind of what you want to create. Having a background in art also helps with blending your makeup.

4. What consists of your photography equipment? And what's the latest gadget you are trying to get your hands on?

My main obsession right now is having the perfect lighting, so speedlights are what I’m exploring. They're very versatile and compact. Also quality is also a must, and the lenses you use matter the most, so I'm trying to get my camera on an L series Canon lens with a low aperture so you'll get a beautiful blurred background.

5. I've noticed your excellent photoshop skills. What makes a photographer, photoshop or capturing the image? What are your views?

My photoshop skills come from having art as a background because it helps you see the shadows and contours of a photo better. When I'm taking a photo I'm everywhere because I want to get the right photo. I'll get down and dirty or climb high places just to take capture the right image. This is also because I have telephoto lenses which makes it harder on me so I'm now trying to invest in prime lenses.

6. Who are you inspired by?

I'm inspired by a lot of Hmong photographers. Naturalblush is one of my favorite photographers. Also Cece Vang, Toua Lee, and Mao Chang (whom was my mentor for my senior project), and multiple photographers on Flickr.

7. I know you do your best by incorporating the Hmong culture in your ideas and videos from Youtube. What message do you want people to know about the Hmong people?

I really think people should embrace their culture because the last thing we want to lose is our cultural roots. People need to know that we are beautiful the way we are and to not be ashamed to say that, "Yes I'm fully Hmong." There's nothing wrong with embracing other cultures but when you know more about others than your own kind it's kind of sad. I really do want the Hmong community to succeed but we'll just have to see in the future how we fit in society.

8. Quick tips for amateur photographers or make-up artist?

For outdoor photography I think you should always have a light source such as a reflector to help bring out the model. You can just use a windshield protector. For makeup if you're doing a dramatic look apply your foundation last because of fallout. Also grooming your eyebrows always looks best.

9. Every person takes a risk in life, what was the riskiest thing you have done?

I tried to invest in the stock market (lol) it was a big fail. Well it wasn't that bad but when it comes to people they'll want to rip you off or be friends with you to get things free. I was too nice to a lot of people so I did lose some money but not a lot. I invested almost $500 into it and lost $90. My advice is if you're going to invest in the stock market and buy things in large quantities be strict and do not let people take advantage of you. Also be aware that you will have to spend a lot of money to make more money. Also when investing in something like a camera do your research. As far as cosmetics don't splurge things you don’t need because you can end up spending hundreds even thousands for your obsessions.

10. Where can people contact or find out more about you or your photography?

Facebook or Youtube, I do try to answer every serious question people have for me.

Visit my blog also!