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Thy Words | Calligraphy, Line art, & Doodles

@thy.words

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Custom keepsakes for life’s biggest moments.
💫 Weddings, anniversaries, & milestones
💌 Designed with love by @ai.ling.kuon
🛒 Shop on Etsy ↓

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it’s been a while since I introduced myself.. SO! hi hello friends! whether you’re new or you’ve been around a while— I’m so grateful you’re here! I’m ai-ling, and I’m just a gal pursuing a life long (of 23 years lol) dream of creating art & running my own business.

after graduating in 2024, i decided to go all in with my store and see where it could go. no better time than now, right? since going all in in jan 2025, it’s been a constant series of ups and downs both. life is often like that! honestly there’s some days where i am filled with self-doubt and i text my friends contemplating why i decided to do this and not just “get a real job”. i adore my friends because they always remind me of my dreams and of how far i’ve grown since starting! (i’ll share more details on this later so stick around if you wanna see!)

but in ADDITION to that, another thing that continues to motivate me are the incredibly kind words of the people i get the privilege of connecting with through my little shop!

these are just a few snapshots of some new friends that have had encouraged me to keep going. words really do make a difference. now it’s your turn!! take 1 minute out of your day, go text someone that you haven’t seen in a while, and tell them you love them! life’s too short not to.

ps. if you’ve made it this far pls say hi in the comments!! haha I’m very impressed you made it through my Ted talk

#smallbusinesslove #artist #etsy #giftideas #shopsmall #handlettering #calligraphy #fulltimeartist taken in Los Angeles, California by @thy.words

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a year ago

We’re in love with our book totes from @thy.words and can’t wait to use them at all of the fall book events we are planning to attend! ✨

#bookish #booktote #booksta #bookevents by @thy.words

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a month ago

hi friends! 🤍 ai-ling here! as this year comes to an end, I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting and wanted to share a little of my heart.

running a small business is not a constant highlight reel. there have been many unseen moments of doubt, anxious nights, trial and error, and choosing to not give up. social media doesn’t always show that side — but it’s something I’ve struggled with this year.

still, when I pause and look back on this year, I’m honestly overwhelmed with gratitude.

thank you Lord for your faithfulness and kindness. thank you @dylanjahraus and team for the incredible coaching and support — you’ve been a big part of this journey. thank you to my friends & fam for being my #1 source of encouragement. thank YOU for being here.

here’s to another year of trusting, trying, and creating.

all my love, ai-ling

#etsyshopowner #fulltimeartist #2025wrapped #smallbusinesslove #etsy #illustrator #shopsmall #handlettering taken in Los Angeles, California by @thy.words

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10 months ago

swipe for the reference photos behind this piece! the personality of the couple really shines through — I loved capturing all of these details. my personal fav is the jeep doodle— which one is yours? 🤍✨

thank you, Hannah for your order!

#wedding #fulltimeartist #shopsmall #illustration #coupleportrait #artist #handdrawn #jeep #weddinggift #giftidea taken in San Clemente, California by @thy.words

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10 months ago

honestly this piece challenged me— I really wanted to maintain my signature doodle style while incorporating all of the lovely details from the photos. after some thoughtful designing, here’s how it looks! I do really love how it turned out in the end, but I’m curious to hear your thoughts!🤍

thank you for your order, Taylor!!!

#doodleart #illustration #weddinggift #fulltimeartist #louisianawedding #giftidea #etsyseller #weddingartist #smallbusinesses #artist taken in The Oaks Wedding & Event Center by @thy.words

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10 months ago

so in love with how this one turned out!! if you HAD to pick… which doodle is your favorite— the 💍, 🎂, or ⛪️?

loved creating this piece for Mariah! thank you so much!🥰

#artist #illustrator #smallbusinessowners #fulltimeartist #weddinggift #giftidea #bridalgifts #doodleartist #etsysmallbusiness taken in The Chapel by the Sea by @thy.words

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10 months ago

hi friends! Ai-Ling here! I’m thinking about starting a series where I share the inspo photos and the doodle results— just like this post! should I do it?? let me know!!!👇

(p.s, absolutely LOVED creating this piece for @vforvictoryyy! thank you, love!🤍)

#weddinggift #illustrator #artist #smallbusiness #doodles #doodleart #fulltimeartist #shopsmall #giftidea taken in Lost Mission by @thy.words

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10 months ago

for this piece my customer requested:

“Japanese style fall doodles. Our wedding venue was a traditional Japanese one so a Tori gate, maple and ginkgo leaves, etc. I can send photos of our wedding if you want.
We had the first part at a Shinto shrine and the reception at an old tea house on a river. A deer ran through the river mid reception and everyone was amazed. Also my husbands family has a family crest I would like to add as well.”

I had so much fun drawing this, and my customer said it was perfect:’) I’m thinking of making a line of travel blankets featuring different places or national parks👀 what location should I draw doodles of first? pls give me some ideas hehe!

#doodleartist #fulltimeartist #shopsmallbusinesses #procreatedrawing #giftidea #illustration #japanwedding #customartwork by @thy.words

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a year ago

pov your job is drawing doodles of meaningful places and people— I love that I get to do this! what do you think about how this one turned out? #artist #digitalartist #giftidea #smallbusiness #doodleartist #etsyseller taken in Round Rock, Texas by @thy.words

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a year ago

watch till the end for the final results! I LOVED DRAWING THIS!!! thank you Chelsea for your custom order. what do you think about how it turned out?!? #doodles #artprocess #artist #etsy #fulltimeartist #smallbusiness #drawing #illustration #giftideas #digitalartist #christmasgiftidea #nativityscene #christmas taken in Los Angeles, California by @thy.words

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a year ago

will doodle-fy any photo— you just say the word🫡 (like seriously, just dm me!!! hehe) #doodleartist #artist #shopsmall #giftidea #doodles #artprocess #etsy #fulltimeartist #smallbusiness #drawing #illustration #giftideas #digitalartist taken in Old Town Pasadena by @thy.words

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a year ago

my fav thing is when strangers reach out and ask me to create a custom piece for someone they love! how sweet! #handlettering #procreatecalligraphy #illustration #artist #fulltimeartist #artprocess #giftideas #smallbusiness taken in Los Angeles, California by @thy.words

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a year ago