Name: Valerie Chua
Email: chua.valerie(at)gmail.com
Facebook: My page
What did you take up for college?
I took up BA Humanities. It’s a mix of history, literature and philosophy. The type of jobs you can get into after finishing Humanities can be related to art theory/management, writing, culture, or the academe. Some examples are curator, librarian, teacher, consultant, historian, to name a few. It’s also a pre-law major.
What paint do you use?
I use Prang and Holbein for watercolors, Grumbacher Academy, Liquitex and Talens Rembrandt for acrylics.
What paper do you use?
I use watercolor paper, mostly 100% cotton, 300gsm. I use around 6 brands. I think each brand gives off a different effect so I like changing from time to time. I buy my paper at either Fully Booked Greenbelt 5 or sometimes a friend ships them from the US.
What camera do you use and how do you edit your photos?
I use a Canon EOS 30D. I got the DSLR in 2006 and I’ve been using it ever since. For editing, I use Lightroom and Photoshop, sometimes I forgo the latter. I can’t exactly teach you how it’s done but for starters, try playing around with Photoshop’s Filters > Levels, Curves and Selective Coloring.
Can I use your art for my website/banner, etc.?
As long as your site is personal (non-commercial), then it’s ok but please inform me first through tumblr ask or email so I can advice. Not all works are allowed to be used for banners, layouts, etc., like commissioned and gallery works because some people paid for the work and it’s disrespectful if I allow others to use their commissioned works.
Do you do art trades or collaborations?
Not at the moment. But I do them usually with friends or colleagues.
Can I buy a painting or request a commission from you?
Yes, of course, just email me at chua.valerie@gmail.com. :) But I don’t accept portrait commissions anymore unless it’s editorial work. But it’s also case-by-case. If I like your concept, I might do it!
Do you edit your paintings?
I usually edit them on Photoshop to make the colors as faithful as the actual work. But if the painting is meant as design work/stationery, then I play around with the painting on Photoshop like make collages and add filters, etc. But most of the time, I try to make them as faithful as the original.
What do you use to scan your works?
I don’t have a scanner so I use my camera to take photos. I use a Canon EOS 30D. I got it last 2006 so it’s a pretty old camera.
I have an art/craft product that I’d like you to try out, can you post about it in your tumblr?
Yes, I’d be open to it just as long as you don’t ask me to do something complicated like a serious review or a giant painting because I don’t have a lot of time for it. Haha. :) Just send me an email at chua.valerie@gmail.com.
Can I ask a question?
Sure, drop a note at my tumblr ask or write a question on the Disqus comment box below. You can also check the answers page to see if your question has been answered.
