Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ellie Han. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ellie , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

The journey to creating Heyu began with deep self-reflection. Growing up between Seoul, Korea, and the United States—even within the US, living in places like Santa Barbara, Chicago, and Rhode Island—I was constantly exposed to diverse cultures and environments. These experiences enriched my perspective and gave me great memories, but they also left me wondering: How could I stay true to myself amidst these vastly different environments?

During my college years, while interning in Korea and navigating the complexities of adulthood, I started asking myself bigger questions: What am I truly passionate about? What brings me lasting happiness? Where do I see myself thriving? How do I want to shape my career and my place in the world? This period of introspection became the foundation for everything I do.

Much like saying “hey you” to a close friend, Heyu became my way of checking in with myself—a simple yet meaningful invitation to explore my thoughts, passions, and aspirations. It represents the dynamic and evolving relationship I have with my creativity and my personal journey.

For me, Heyu isn’t just a name; it’s a reflection of how I see the creative process—as a conversation. It’s an opportunity to connect with others, share stories, and create meaning. Heyu encapsulates my belief that creativity is a deeply personal journey, one that thrives on curiosity, connection, and authenticity.

Ellie , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a brand designer showcasing diverse creative work through a platform called Heyu. Heyu began as a project fueled by my curiosity, evolving into a space where various identities converge. On Heyu.scribble, I share simple yet whimsical illustrations. On Heyu.design, I publish a weekly newsletter filled with insights about branding. Heyu.photography focuses on capturing meaningful moments through photography, and my YouTube channel, Heyu, features content where I share my perspectives and daily life.

Currently based in New York, my channel explores life in my 20s, shaped by both Korea and New York. Interestingly, I approach my content differently depending on where I am. In Korea, I avoid showing faces—mine or others—out of respect for privacy, which is culturally significant there. In the U.S., however, I occasionally feature my face, as faceless creators are less common in American culture.

Through these platforms, I aim to go beyond simple projects and embrace self-branding, reflecting on the cultural differences between the two countries. Sharing these contrasts and the decision-making behind them has also become part of my branding process, showcasing how I view design and communication.

This philosophy is also reflected in the Heyu logo, which changes subtly across different platforms. The “H” in the logo incorporates various shapes—a circle, a star, or other geometric forms—that evolve depending on the platform it represents, such as Heyu.scribble, Heyu.photography, or Heyu.design. This design choice symbolizes the growth and refinement of ideas over time. The circular shape, for instance, represents the starting point, while more defined shapes like the star signify clarity and purpose as each platform’s unique identity becomes sharper and more distinct. The logo visually encapsulates the journey of exploration and self-expression that Heyu embodies.

For me, design is not just about visual aesthetics; it’s a process of communication and decision-making. No matter how beautiful a design may be, if it fails to convey its message to the consumer, it lacks purpose. Similarly, if a design is overly flashy and overshadows the essence of what it represents, it can have the opposite effect.

The services I provide focus on identifying the core message of my clients and naturally connecting it with their audience. I specialize in brand identity design, graphic design, storytelling content creation, and photography and video production. My goal is to visually express a brand’s values and message while strengthening the emotional connection between the brand and its audience.

I focus on creating experiences that allow brands and consumers to resonate and communicate effectively, rather than simply creating designs that “look good.” Heyu is not a brand, but a platform where my diverse ideas and creative expressions come together. It’s a space where I help clients redefine their brands and deliver authentic, impactful messages.

How did you build your audience on social media?

At first, I didn’t believe that it was possible to build a relationships through social media. I always thought that true connections could only be formed through face-to-face interactions. However, over time, I realized that relationships can be built in various ways, and I came to understand that those who follow me on social media often share similar interests with me. It’s a concept I like to think of as similar to the saying, “You are what you eat.”

Everything I create and share is based on my own perspective and thoughts, so I believe that those who take an interest in me see something of themselves in my work and find a sense of connection and resonance.

Of course, it can still be daunting to put yourself out there in front of people you don’t know. I’m still not entirely comfortable with it myself, and one of the things I dislike the most is being misunderstood. That’s why I’m constantly navigating the balance of how much I share—whether it’s through writing, drawing, or design. Still, I genuinely enjoy connecting with my followers. I sometimes respond to DMs and engage in conversations, but I also set boundaries to ensure that I communicate in a way that feels comfortable to me. These boundaries help me maintain my privacy while continuing to connect with others on my own terms. In fact, I think this very interview is a result of the connections I’ve built on social media.

For those just starting out on social media, my advice is to share what you feel confident about and remain consistent. Consistency builds trust with your audience and helps create a stable rhythm for producing content. There will be times when you feel like your work isn’t perfect or that you’re not quite ready to share it, but these feelings often stem from a desire to improve. It’s important not to let these feelings overwhelm you, and instead, practice separating your emotions from your work while continuing to move forward.

By not being overly attached to your work while remaining diligent, you can achieve long-term success. Remember that your content is only a part of your journey—it doesn’t define your entire identity. Social media is a tool for growth and connection, so use it wisely in a way that aligns with your values and goals.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being creative is the ability to express and connect. Art and design have this unique power to express what words sometimes can’t, creating an unspoken bond between the creator and the audience. When someone resonates with a piece of work I’ve put out into the world, it’s like we’re sharing a small, meaningful moment together.

There’s also something deeply satisfying about seeing an idea come to life. The creative process—from that initial spark of inspiration to working through challenges and finally seeing the finished piece—feels incredibly fulfilling. Each project is a journey of growth and learning, which brings me closer to understanding my own style, values, and passions.

What I value most, though, is how art allows me to explore and express different facets of who I am. It’s a constant journey of self-discovery, and through my work, I’m not only connecting with others but also learning more about myself. Sharing that journey, knowing it can inspire or uplift others, is a reward in itself

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatgirl.heyu/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@-heyu-/videos
• Other: Branding Newsletter – https://heyudesign.substack.com

Image Credits

All the credits are own by me.