WeddingsMarriageendeavorLove

Husband's Illustrations For Wife Capture Love At Its Simplest

It's the little things 💜
By 

Senior Reporter, HuffPost Life

|

Illustrator Andrew Hou had trouble expressing his love for his wife with words, so he decided to do it through art instead.

Open Image Modal
HJ-Story
"Love is thinking you're beautiful doing the simplest things."

Andrew is Chinese, but he was born in Canada. His wife Kate (a.k.a HJ) is Korean. The pair, married for five years, lives together in Seoul, South Korea.

"Korean not being my native tongue didn't help either," he told The Huffington Post. "So making silly, sappy doodles was my workaround for the problem." 

Open Image Modal
HJ-Story
"Love is doing the things we love together."
Open Image Modal
HJ-Story
"Love is saving the last for you."

Andrew started the series, titled "HJ-Story" after the initials of his wife's Korean name, in 2010. It began as a personal blog but ended up gaining a large fanbase along the way. 

Open Image Modal
HJ-Story
"Cuddling you is the best thing in the world."
Open Image Modal
HJ-Story
"Love is picking me up when I'm down."

Earlier in their relationship, Andrew and Kate used the illustrations as a way to stay connected. 

"[Kate] was busy with school and I was busy with work, so we didn't have a lot of time to meet up or even talk on the phone," he said. "So during work, I'd pretend to be 'working' and create these tiny doodles and send it to her on her cellphone." 

Open Image Modal
HJ-Story
"Me going to work vs. me going to see you."

Once he had accumulated enough doodles, Andrew started posting them online. As the site got more popular, he turned the rough sketches into the more polished drawings you see today.

Open Image Modal
HJ-Story
"Love is memories."
Open Image Modal
HJ-Story
"Love is learning to love what you love."

Through his work, Andrew says he hopes to give viewers a greater appreciation for the small moments. 

"We're all so busy and caught up in everything that we forget about the little moments that are important -- myself included," he said. "Drawing HJ-Story for me is not only to capture the moments of a relationship, but to remind me of the little moments that are easily forgotten." 

For more of the artist's work, visit his Facebook, Instagram or purchase his book. You can see even more of the sweet illustrations below:  

Love Is... Illustrations from HJ-Story
(01 of21)
Open Image Modal
(credit:<a href="http://www.hj-story.com/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="HJ-Story" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="56d74b29e4b0871f60eda9a1" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.hj-story.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="20" data-vars-position-in-unit="34">HJ-Story</a>)
(02 of21)
Open Image Modal
(credit:<a href="http://www.hj-story.com/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="HJ-Story" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="56d74b29e4b0871f60eda9a1" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.hj-story.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="19" data-vars-position-in-unit="33">HJ-Story</a>)
(03 of21)
Open Image Modal
(credit:<a href="http://www.hj-story.com/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="HJ-Story" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="56d74b29e4b0871f60eda9a1" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.hj-story.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="18" data-vars-position-in-unit="32">HJ-Story</a>)
(04 of21)
Open Image Modal
(credit:<a href="http://www.hj-story.com/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="HJ-Story" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="56d74b29e4b0871f60eda9a1" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.hj-story.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="17" data-vars-position-in-unit="31">HJ-Story</a>)
(05 of21)
Open Image Modal
(credit:<a href="http://www.hj-story.com/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="HJ-Story" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="56d74b29e4b0871f60eda9a1" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.hj-story.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="16" data-vars-position-in-unit="30">HJ-Story</a>)
(06 of21)
Open Image Modal
(credit:<a href="http://www.hj-story.com/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="HJ-Story" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="56d74b29e4b0871f60eda9a1" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.hj-story.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="15" data-vars-position-in-unit="29">HJ-Story</a>)
(07 of21)
Open Image Modal
(credit:<a href="http://www.hj-story.com/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="HJ-Story" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="56d74b29e4b0871f60eda9a1" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.hj-story.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="14" data-vars-position-in-unit="28">HJ-Story</a>)
(08 of21)
Open Image Modal
(credit:<a href="http://www.hj-story.com/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="HJ-Story" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="56d74b29e4b0871f60eda9a1" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.hj-story.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="13" data-vars-position-in-unit="27">HJ-Story</a>)
(09 of21)
Open Image Modal
(credit:<a href="http://www.hj-story.com/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="HJ-Story" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="56d74b29e4b0871f60eda9a1" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.hj-story.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="12" data-vars-position-in-unit="26">HJ-Story</a>)
(10 of21)
Open Image Modal
(credit:<a href="http://www.hj-story.com/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="HJ-Story" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="56d74b29e4b0871f60eda9a1" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.hj-story.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="11" data-vars-position-in-unit="25">HJ-Story</a>)
(11 of21)
Open Image Modal
(credit:<a href="http://www.hj-story.com/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="HJ-Story" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="56d74b29e4b0871f60eda9a1" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.hj-story.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="10" data-vars-position-in-unit="24">HJ-Story</a>)
(12 of21)
Open Image Modal
(credit:<a href="http://www.hj-story.com/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="HJ-Story" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="56d74b29e4b0871f60eda9a1" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.hj-story.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="9" data-vars-position-in-unit="23">HJ-Story</a>)
(13 of21)
Open Image Modal
(credit:<a href="http://www.hj-story.com/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="HJ-Story" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="56d74b29e4b0871f60eda9a1" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.hj-story.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="8" data-vars-position-in-unit="22">HJ-Story</a>)
(14 of21)
Open Image Modal
(credit:<a href="http://www.hj-story.com/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="HJ-Story" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="56d74b29e4b0871f60eda9a1" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.hj-story.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="7" data-vars-position-in-unit="21">HJ-Story</a>)
(15 of21)
Open Image Modal
(credit:<a href="http://www.hj-story.com/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="HJ-Story" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="56d74b29e4b0871f60eda9a1" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.hj-story.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="6" data-vars-position-in-unit="20">HJ-Story</a>)
(16 of21)
Open Image Modal
(credit:<a href="http://www.hj-story.com/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="HJ-Story" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="56d74b29e4b0871f60eda9a1" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.hj-story.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="5" data-vars-position-in-unit="19">HJ-Story</a>)
(17 of21)
Open Image Modal
(credit:<a href="http://www.hj-story.com/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="HJ-Story" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="56d74b29e4b0871f60eda9a1" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.hj-story.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="4" data-vars-position-in-unit="18">HJ-Story</a>)
(18 of21)
Open Image Modal
(credit:<a href="http://www.hj-story.com/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="HJ-Story" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="56d74b29e4b0871f60eda9a1" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.hj-story.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="3" data-vars-position-in-unit="17">HJ-Story</a>)
(19 of21)
Open Image Modal
(credit:<a href="http://www.hj-story.com/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="HJ-Story" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="56d74b29e4b0871f60eda9a1" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.hj-story.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="2" data-vars-position-in-unit="16">HJ-Story</a>)
(20 of21)
Open Image Modal
(credit:<a href="http://www.hj-story.com/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="HJ-Story" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="56d74b29e4b0871f60eda9a1" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.hj-story.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="1" data-vars-position-in-unit="15">HJ-Story</a>)
(21 of21)
Open Image Modal
(credit:<a href="http://www.hj-story.com/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="HJ-Story" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="56d74b29e4b0871f60eda9a1" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.hj-story.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="0" data-vars-position-in-unit="14">HJ-Story</a>)

 H/T Bored Panda 

Related

MarriageendeavorweddingsLovelook of love
Suggest a correction
|
Submit a tip

HuffPost Shopping’s Best Finds

The 1 Shoe Podiatrists Say You Should Try If You’re On Your Feet A Lot

This Affordable Drugstore Cream Might Be The Closest Thing To The Famous La Mer

This $4 Cat Toy Is 'Worth Its Weight In Gold' — And Behaviorists Say There's A Reason

Of All The Plumping Lip Treatments, This $13 One Is My Favorite

29 Pairs Of Shoes Reviewers Say Make It Feel Like You’re 'Walking On Clouds'

MORE IN LIFE

Wellness

The 1 Thing You Should Never, Ever Text Someone With Anxiety

Food & Drink

6 Myths About Mexican Food That Mexican Chefs Want Americans To Stop Believing

Style & Beauty

Men’s Shapewear Is Here, But Will Men Actually Wear It? We Asked Them.

Work/Life

This Type Of Employee Is The Most Likely To Burn Out At Work

Parenting

21 Hilarious Yet Humbling Things Kids Have Said To Their Parents

Travel

This Growing Travel Trend Is Way More Fun Than A Regular Vacation

Life

This Surreal Comedy Is The Top Movie On Netflix Right Now

Shopping

This TikTok-Viral Bird Feeder Camera Is On Sale Right Now

Shopping

This Is The Bedding That Amazon Shoppers Are Obsessed With

Shopping

27 Home Products Amazon Customers Are Loving Right Now

Shopping

27 Little Upgrades That'll Make Your Backyard Your New Favorite Place

Shopping

9 'Exceptional' Men's Sun-Protective Clothing To Help Protect Your Skin

Shopping

This TikTok-Famous ‘Hair Milk’ Is The Secret To Perfect Air-Dried Hair

Shopping

8 Romance Books To Read If You Liked The 'Bridgerton' Series

Parenting

The 10 Rudest Things You Can Do In A Parents Group Chat

Shopping

Reviewers Say This Rice Water Cleanser Is A True Skin Care Gem — And It's Under $10

Shopping

This TikTok-Viral Bird Feeder Camera Is On Sale Right Now

Shopping

The Expert-Loved Solawave Red Light Wand Is 46% Off Right Now

Shopping

This Is The 1 Home Tool Everyone Should Have — And It’s On Sale Right Now

Shopping

These Nail And Hand Care Products Will Make Your Digits Look Perfect

Parenting

18 Tweets About The Realities Of Signing Kids Up For Summer Camp

Shopping

These Reviewer-Favorite Black Swimsuits Are All Under $40 At Amazon

Shopping

21 Last-Minute Mother’s Day Gifts That Will Arrive On Time

Shopping

People Who 'Hate' Cleaning Swear By These 29 Products, And You Will Too

Shopping

Amazon Is Having A Huge Sale On Pet Supplies. Here Are 15 Deals You Shouldn’t Miss.

Shopping

These $150 Boots Look Way More Expensive — And They're Actually Comfortable

Wellness

Are Desk Workers Doomed To Have Hunchbacks? Here's What Experts Think.

Food & Drink

Is There Any Point In Eating ‘Healthy’ Hot Dogs?

Style & Beauty

This Old-School Hack For Soft Hands Is Still The Best Around

Relationships

The Funniest Marriage Tweets To Get You Through This Week

Shopping

This Is The 1 Home Tool Everyone Should Have — And It’s On Sale Right Now

Shopping

These Beautiful Jewelry Pieces Are Under $50 On Amazon And Perfect For Mother's Day

Shopping

Hurry: These 18 Outdoor Furniture Deals For Wayfair’s Way Day Sale Won't Last Much Longer

Shopping

31 Way Day Deals That You Should Jump On ASAP Before The Sale Ends Tonight

Shopping

12 Men's T-Shirts That Reviewers Are Buying In Bulk From Amazon

Life

This New Drama Miniseries Is The Top Show On Netflix Right Now

Shopping

The Luxury Serum That Has Kept My Mom's Skin Glowing For Years Is 15% Off Right Now

Shopping

Reviewers Adore These Lightweight Massage Balls For Long Walks And Hikes

Shopping

29 Quick-Fix Solutions To Common Home Problems

Shopping

Reviewers Say This $13 Glow Balm Is Miles Better Than The Expensive Version