Today we’d like to introduce you to Younghae Chung.
Hi Younghae, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m a classically trained left-handed calligrapher, teacher, and creative entrepreneur based in Southern California. My first exposure to calligraphy was 2005 during my senior year in college. I had taken an elective Italic calligraphy class for an easy A (which I did! 😉) and still remember how therapeutic and enjoyable the class was. Little did I know it would come in full circle for me in my 30s.
In 2014, nine years and two kids later, our family found ourselves in a tough transition and was temporarily living in Orlando, Florida. It was during this seemingly hopeless season when I longed to write words from Scripture to hang as visual reminders of hope around my home. A google search led me to sign up for a Copperplate calligraphy workshop with Kaye Hanna and I was instantly hooked. Through calligraphy, I’ve learned the value of slowing down and the power of words. I think of the phrase “beauty from ashes” because this has been such a sweet gift from the Lord and has brought much joy to my heart. My journey into teaching: Soon after I went all-in with practicing and diving into the calligraphy world, I decided to start a separate Instagram account (@logos_calligraphy) to document and share my progress.
Over time, I received requests from people who wanted to learn and that started my journey into teaching calligraphy. I taught my first in person workshop in 2015 and shortly after, began to offer my classes online. Since then, I’ve taught hundreds of students through my intimate workshops and over 5,000 students through my online courses. Learning calligraphy can be overwhelming, so I love being able to break it down and help empower students to conquer their fears. I believe it is NEVER too late to learn something new ❤️ Being able to connect with others from all over the world through our love for writing and creating has been such a highlight… especially during this time.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. Running a small business, raising kids, focusing on my marriage all take intentionality and time. There were many times when I felt like I reached my limit and was overwhelmed with all the responsibilities. Finding a good balance, learning to prioritize, asking for help, learning from failures, giving myself grace are all things I try to practice regularly.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a classically trained calligrapher and teacher. I’ve learned various scripts over the years, but my first love was Copperplate calligraphy 🙂 I’m drawn to the timeless beauty of the historical scripts and love extending out from the basic strokes to flourishing. In addition to calligraphy, I also enjoy watercolor painting. I think people are fascinated that I am left-handed, haha 🙂 I remember facing different challenges trying to learn calligraphy as a lefty (smearing, visibility, range of motion) and what works for me is to turn my paper about 90 degrees and write completely perpendicular to my body. Over the years, many lefties have found my account and I’m grateful to be able to help and inspire them not to give up <3
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
We can often be our biggest critic. I’ve shared these quotes with my students as it has been helpful to me: “Believe you can and you’re halfway there” – Theodore Roosevelt “Every artist was first an amateur” – Ralph Waldo Emerson “It’s always too early to quit” – Norman Vincent Peale —– It’s easy to get discouraged seeing all the curated and beautiful photos on Instagram. However, it’s important to recognize that we all started somewhere and that everyone’s journey will look different and unique. I try to share my first practice sheets to encourage others to stay on the path and enjoy the journey. Progress over perfection. On my first practice sheets in 2014, while facing many struggles and wanting to throw in the towel, I wrote “persevere” “don’t give up”…and I’m so glad I listened to my own advice. Another practical advice would be to engage. The calligraphy community on Instagram is so helpful and there are so many free resources as well as art challenges that happen throughout the year if you need some motivation. You never know what friendships will come out of it! Some of my dear creative friends have come through conversations over Instagram 🙂
Pricing:
- Copperplate Practice Pads (Individual) – $24.95
- Downloadable Practice Workbooks – $21-$32
- Copperplate Foundations Online Course – $279
- Fearless Flourishing Online Course – $279
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.logoscalligraphy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/logos_calligraphy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/logoscalligraphy
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/logoscalligraphy
Image Credits
Profile Pic – Dana Yu Creative
