He was the son of Chinese immigrants and began drawing at the age of eight, stimulated by Chinese calligraphy, which he learned in Chinese language school. Young had his first and only art lessons while a student at President William McKinley High School in Honolulu. Thereafter, his art was entirely self-taught.
Born to Chinese immigrant parents, Young began drawing at the age of eight, influenced by the calligraphy he learned in school. His only formal art training took place during his time at President William McKinley High School in Honolulu. As a result, he continued to develop his artistic skills through self-study.