This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at NYU chapter.

We give and exchange words everyday. Words are incredibly powerful; if used right, they can shape and heal us in ways that have never been imagined. In response to her internal struggles and depression, Grace Yun decided to create her own company, Wittle Words, or tangible and beautiful ways of simply saying, ‘I love you’. Keep scrolling to learn more about Grace’s journey and catch a glimpse of her intimately heartfelt, artistically imaginative, and uplifting artwork.

HC NYU: You officially launched Wittle Words in March 2017. What is the story behind your company?

GY: What’s behind Wittle Words is less a story and more of a battle: a fight against my anxiety and depression, an attack against a world of scathing words. As cliche as it may sound, damaging words surround us on all sides, dictating the way we live our present and ultimately affecting the future. Growing up, I constantly heard words that delegitimized my talents and the value of taking risks, words that taught me to fear the perception of others and belittle my own thoughts: What will others think if you do that? No, you need to stop. That’s a not a safe career path. That’s just a hobby. You’re not even that great at it. What do you actually want to do? These words darkened my perception of the world and evolved into my realities, and before I knew it, I was anxiety-ridden, constantly seeking others’ approval using ill-fitting embellishments. These anxieties fed into my developing depression and my inability to decide what direction I wanted to take, and eventually, I was led to take some time off school.

During this temporary leave, I sought healing through my close friend’s parents, who are also now my pastor and his wife. I found myself engulfed in a ministry that embraces and uplifts and has taught me the importance of words in the discourse of developmental psychology. In the midst of all this, I came across a quote from Nancy Reagan about “how important it is to say ‘I love you’ in ways that can be preserved, looked at, and read when you are alone or when there is adversity or when circumstances bring separation.” And it was then on that random morning in March that I realized my passion for hand-lettering could create tangible ways of portraying love: for myself, my talents, and the world–through a few ‘Wittle Words’.

HC NYU: When and how did your journey with art begin?

GY: I always cringe when I have to say or hear the word art when referring to the things I create. I’m still in the process of undoing the habit of calling them doodles and belittling what I do. But I think I’ve always been interested in “art.” I started hand-lettering quotes and even created my own font called Little Snorlax in high school, and that love has only grown since then.

HC NYU: Where do you find inspiration for the words you choose to paint?

GY: Back in high school, I usually found HASHTAG DEEP quotes from Tumblr and if they sounded HASHTAG DEEP, I’d draw them out. Nowadays, many of the words I choose to paint (other than custom orders) tend to be shorter bits and pieces of books I am reading, bibles verses that stick to me, and phrases I hear in conversations. I gravitate towards words that are simple and easy to hold…you know, wittle.

HC NYU: Can you briefly describe the art creation process from start to finish?

GY: After I have the words, the quote and basic structure in mind, I lightly sketch it out on either cardstock or watercolor paper. Often times, I combine ink and watercolor and in those cases, I go in with a Micron pen and Artline ETX Stix brushes. Then, I use my Pentel Aquash Watercolor Brush with paints I got for around $5 at Michael’s to complete the real hand-lettering part of the quote. Afterwards, I like to go in with either an opaque white ink pen or a Micron pen to add details and fine-tune. Setting up the photo is definitely the most embarrassing part of the whole process. I tend to walk around the house or wherever I am to forcibly create an aesthetically pleasing photo of the painting, often times standing on random objects and contorting my body in order get the perfect shot.

HC NYU: On average, how long does it take you to complete one piece?

GY: Depends on the piece, but I’d say about an hour.

HC NYU: What message do you hope your artwork will share with the world?

GY: You are needed. You are worthy. You are not alone.

HC NYU: From your experience, what kind of advice would you give to those who are unsure about their ambitions?

GY: I’m actually still a part of the crowd who’s unsure. I relapse from time to time and anxiety tries to find its home in me again. But a few things have helped me in trying to find my direction. First and foremost, I try not to compare my growth to others, especially those who are in the fields in which I’m interested. Rather than a “competing” mindset, I try to have a “collaborating” mindset. Then, I try to think about my aspirations in terms of the world issues and things that most cling to my heart (i.e. younger children, mental health, human connection) which leads me to think about how I want to impact and what I want to leave behind in the world (i.e. healing, positivity).

I try to look at my suffering in a new light and remind myself that the problems I go through are the problems of this generation and my experiences bring me closer to and thus put me in a better position to understand and someday help others heal. Ultimately, I advise the unsure to never let their uncertainty and absence of a plan diminish their worth and instead surround themselves with a community that recognizes their value.

HC NYU: Beyond being a small company you run, what step in your life do you see Wittle Words as for you?

GY: To be frank, it’s hard to see the bigger picture at the moment. Even now, it’s hard juggling the business and the creating aspects of running Wittle Words. Because our focus lies far from being profitable, I am considering potentially turning Wittle Words into a non profit or partnering with one!

HC NYU: How have you grown as an individual throughout this entire journey?

GY: Mostly, I’ve been learning more about who “Grace Yun” really is and learning to love her. I’m learning that humility comes from knowing your worth and thus not needing to seek the approval of others. I’m learning about how our suffering is universal and only those who have been loved can love others. Yeah, it sounds like a bunch of feel-good existential hooey of a hormonal twenty-something made up of 30% Fitzgerald quotes and 70% Facebook memes, but what can I say? I am a hormonal twenty-something made up of 30% Fitzgerald quotes and 70% Facebook memes.

And to wrap it up, a few short answers!

HC NYU:

Coffee or Tea: Tea

Current Celeb Crush: 남주혁 (Nam Joo Hyuk)

Go-To Shower Song: Go The Distance (Hercules)

In one word, 2017 has been: Invaluable

Follow Grace & Wittle Words on social media

Grace

Facebook: http://facebook.com/justjoonie

Website: http://jinjajoonie.com

Instagram: http://instagram.com/jinjajoonie

Wittle Words