False Start
Made for the Utot Komiks challenge, 16 pages
Updated physical editions will debut at TCAF 2024Download a free/pwyw pdf at https://kylas.itch.io/false-start
False Start
Made for the Utot Komiks challenge
16 pages
Updated physical editions are available at in-person events, in my online shop, and at MORI by Art+Flea in Honolulu.
What Could Have Been
Made for the Utot Komiks challenge
Updated physical editions are available at in-person events, in my online shop, at MORI by Art+Flea in Honolulu, and at Silver Sprocket in San Francisco.
NIHAO
A comic about memory, microagressions, and anger
Updated physical editions are available at in-person events, in my online shop, MORI by Art+Flea in Honolulu, and Silver Sprocket in San Francisco.
Single Page Comics
Ocean in My Kitchen
Square (Lyrics from Mitski's "Square)
Chrysalis (excerpt)
Writer: Phillip Maira
Read the full comic in Crackle Vol. 3Phillip's Twitter // Phillip's Website
Shop Catalog
Current and past products for sale at shop.aikosmith.com (currently on break) and in-person events
Stockists: Silver Sprocket, Other Realms, Bas Bookshop, Skull-Face Books & Vinyl, Fantom Comics
Interested in stocking my products? Let's chat! Email me at hello (@) aikosmith.com
Precious Penguin Pins
Books
Kuroneko-sama Pins with Glow-in-the-Dark Eyes
What Could Have Been
Made for the Utot Komiks challenge
Updated physical editions are available in my online shop.
NIHAO
A comic about memory, microagressions, and anger
Single Page Comics
Ocean in My Kitchen
Square (Lyrics from Mitski's "Square)
Chrysalis (excerpt)
Writer: Phillip Maira
Read the full comic in Crackle Vol. 3Phillip's Twitter // Phillip's Website
Language Experience
› Mandarin Chinese (Traditional) to English translation for independant comic artist JULAI (various comics)
› Critical Language Scholarship - 2018 - Finalist/Recipient - Xi'an, China
› Knowledge of Traditional and Simplified Chinese
› Fulbright Research Award - 2020 - Semifinalist - Japan
› CET Academic Programs - 2018 - Osaka, Japan
Editorial and Journalism Experience
› Big Hype Volume 2
› Star Tales
› Society of Professional Journalists Intern (Editorial Intern) - 2020 - HAWAII Magazine - Honolulu, HI
› Editorial Intern - Character Media - 2019 - Gardena, CA
› Editor's Assistant - Scripps College Office of Marketing and Communication - 2017 - Claremont, CA
Select Lettering Experience
› Gokurakugai by Yuto Sano - Shonen Jump/VIZ Media - Supernatural Action
› Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Vol. 4+) by KOKONASU☆RUMBA - VIZ Media/VIZ Media - Comedy/Slice-of-Life
› Komi Can't Communicate (Vol. 25+) by Tomohito Oda - Shonen Sunday/VIZ Media - Comedy/Romance/Slice-of-Life
› Love's in Sight! by Uoyama - VIZ Media/VIZ Media - Comedy/Romance/Slice-of-Life
› Dandadan (Ch. 62+) by Yukinobu Tatsu - Shonen Jump/Viz Media - Supernatural Action
› Super Smartphone by Kentaro Hidano and Hiroki Tomisawa - Shonen Jump/Viz Media - Sci-fi/Mystery
› RuriDragon (Ch. 3+) by Masaoki Shindo - Shonen Jump/Viz Media - Supernatural Slice-of-Life
› Everything is Fine, by Mike Birchall - Webtoon Original - Horror
› The Worst Ronin by Maggie Tokuda Hall and Faith Schaffer - Young Adult, Clarion Books/HarperCollins, 2024 - Fantasy
› The Secret of the Ravens by Joanna Cacao - Middle Grade, Clarion Books/HarperCollins, 2023 - Fantasy
Lettering Examples
Select Lettering Experience
› Touch-up Artist and Letterer for Gokurakugai by Yuto Sano - Shonen Jump/VIZ Media - Supernatural Action
› Touch-up Artist and Letterer for Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Vol. 4+) by KOKONASU☆RUMBA - VIZ Media/VIZ Media - Comedy/Slice-of-Life
› Touch-up Artist and Letterer for Komi Can't Communicate (Vol. 25+) by Tomohito Oda - Shonen Sunday/VIZ Media - Comedy/Romance/Slice-of-Life
› Touch-up Artist and Letterer for Love's in Sight! by Uoyama - VIZ Media/VIZ Media - Comedy/Romance/Slice-of-Life
› Touch-up Artist and Letterer for Dandadan (Ch. 62+) by Yukinobu Tatsu - Shonen Jump/Viz Media - Supernatural Action
› Touch-up Artist and Letterer for Super Smartphone by Kentaro Hidano and Hiroki Tomisawa - Shonen Jump/Viz Media - Sci-fi/Mystery
› Touch-up Artist and Letterer for RuriDragon (Ch. 3+) by Masaoki Shindo - Shonen Jump/Viz Media - Supernatural Slice-of-Life
› Lettering Assistant for Everything is Fine, by Mike Birchall - Webtoon Original - Horror
› Letterer for The Worst Ronin by Maggie Tokuda Hall and Faith Schaffer - Young Adult, Clarion Books/HarperCollins, 2024 - Fantasy
› Letterer for The Secret of the Ravens by Joanna Cacao - Middle Grade, Clarion Books/HarperCollins, 2023 - Fantasy
› Creator (author, artist, letterer) of Foxlight - Middle Grade, Feiwel and Friends/Macmillan, 2024 - Fantasy+ more
Language Experience
› Mandarin Chinese (Traditional) to English translation for independant comic artist JULAI (various comics)
› Critical Language Scholarship - 2018 - Finalist/Recipient - Xi'an, China
› Knowledge of Traditional and Simplified Chinese
› Fulbright Research Award - 2020 - Semifinalist - Japan
› CET Academic Programs - 2018 - Osaka, Japan
SUPER SMARTPHONE (weekly online simulpub)
by Kentaro Hidano and Hiroki Tomisawa
Touch-up Art and Lettering by Kyla Aiko
Translation by David Evelyn
Touch-up Art Highlights
› "Googugu" logo creation & replacement, Eye pattern recreation, Smartphone screen glare recreation, Hand-drawn SFX (in speech balloons), Handwritten journal entry, page layoutPrograms: InDesign, Illustrator, Clip Studio Paint, Photoshop
THE SECRET OF THE RAVENS
by Joanna Cacao
Sample pages provided by the publisher. Higher quality preview images available upon publication.Programs: InDesign, Clip Studio Paint, Photoshop
LOUIS' QUANDARY
by JULAI
Lettering and Commissioned Mandarin Chinese to English Translation by Kyla AikoPrograms: InDesign, Procreate, Photoshop
NIHAO
THE ORGAN HARVESTER
Story, Art, & Letters by JULAIMandarin Chinese to English Commissioned Translation by Kyla Aiko
DESIGN
SUPER SMARTPHONE (weekly online simulpub)
by Kentaro Hidano and Hiroki Tomisawa
Touch-up Art and Lettering by Kyla Aiko, Translation by David Evelyn
For Super Smartphone, all text on screens is flattened into the provided art files, so part of my job is erasing the original Japanese text on the phone screens, retouching/replacing the screens with matching screentone, and laying out English text where the Japanese once was. Since this series releases simultaneously with the Japanese print edition on a weekly basis, all touch-up art and lettering is completed on an accelerated schedule.Touch-up Art Highlights
› "Googugu" logo creation & replacement, Eye pattern recreation, Smartphone screen moire recreation, Hand-drawn SFX (in speech balloons), Handwritten journal entry, page layout
1871 LA Chinatown Massacre Commemoration Event Design
Scripps College and Chinese American Museum of Los Angeles
Hourly Comic Day 2022
Selected comics from Hourly Comic Day 2022
Femme Divine Tarot
Branding for Femme Divine Tarot
Beyond the Horizon Literary Magazine
Logo Iterations for a middle school literary magazine
LOUIS' QUANDARY
Art and Story by JULAI
Lettering and Commissioned Mandarin Chinese to English Translation by Kyla Aiko
Critical Language Scholarship Alumni Society
Branding for CLSAS (Globe Icon is a CLSAS Asset)
Select Comics
Ocean in My Kitchen
Square (Lyrics from Mitski's "Square)
Color Design
The Out Side
Available wherever books are sold
ISBN-13: 9781524880125
ISBN-10: 1524880124
176 pages, paperback, 6″ x 9″
On Sale Now! Nominated for the 2024 Eisner Award for Best AnthologySilver Sprocket || Bluestockings || Bookshop.org || uk.bookshop.org
Books a Million || Wordery || Barnes and Noble || McNally Robinson || Amazon || Indigo || WalmartYou can also ask your local book/comic store to order The Out Side :)
Publisher site
Disclosure: I am an affiliate of Bookshop.org (US link only, not UK) where your purchases support local bookstores. I will earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you click through and make a purchase.
★ ALA Booklist (starred review)
“A gorgeous anthology with stories from 29 trans and nonbinary artists.” -Sarah Rice★ YALSA's 2024 Great Graphic Novels for TeensAmerican Booksellers Association
"The Out Side is such a beautiful anthology that shares trans and nonbinary stories from all walks of life. All the authors approach their stories in very different ways; when it comes down to it, they all feel so interconnected and warm." -Olivia Hoover, Book Passage
Add The Out Side on Goodreads here
In this vibrant and affirming comics anthology, 29 trans & nonbinary comic artists share their personal journeys of self-discovery and acceptance.Featuring the work of Sage Coffey, Kyla Aiko, and Coco Ouwerkerk, The Out Side: Trans & Nonbinary Comics includes 29 creators' tales of self-love and affirmation and detailing their experiences with gender and identity. Originally published as a successful Kickstarter campaign, this expanded edition includes comics by Dana Simpson (bestselling author of Phoebe and Her Unicorn), Aidyn Huynh (Snailords), Wren Chavers, and more.Equal parts encouraging, comforting, and life-affirming, The Out Side is a love letter to the trans and nonbinary community, designed to inspire anyone who may be struggling with their own identity and to help educate those who seek greater understanding. As artist Julia Kaye writes in the book's introduction: "I’m so glad this book exists. It’s a loud proclamation of our existence in the face of a culture that has for too long ignored our experiences."
Contributors: Kaz Fantone, Coco Ouwerkerk, Julie Fiveash, Cyrus, Min Christensen, Ashi, DaToonie, Vixtopher, Wren Chavers, Matteo Montero-Murillo Mel Valentine Vargas, Kyla Aiko, Nasr Bin Safwan, Dana Simpson, Lae Louie Schäfer, Veronica Jane, Dashi, Aidyn Huynh, Al Acevedo, Wey Song, Sam, Liam Coballes, Lake Fama, Lucas James, Sage Coffey, Zhen, Maddie Tacobus, Jam Aden, Tara Madison Avery & Mike Sullivan, Julia KayeOrganizers: The Kao, Min Christensen, and David Daneman
Cover Inks and Design: The Kao
Cover Colors: Min Christensen
Freddie Mercury: Shadows Illuminated
Available wherever books are sold
ISBN-13: 9781940878867
ISBN-10: 1940878861
136 pages, hardcover, approx. 10.3″ x 6.6″
On Sale Now!Z2 Comics || Massive Bookshop (indie bookshop that ships worldwide)
Barnes and Noble || Amazon || Indigo || McNally Robinson || WalmartYou can also ask your local book/comic store to order Freddie Mercury: Shadows Illuminated :)
Add Freddie Mercury: Shadows Illuminated on Goodreads here
For the first time in comics format, Freddie Mercury: Shadows Illuminated will be a journey through Freddie’s life; from his childhood in Zanzibar, through his formative years in England, to becoming the rock star, known and loved by millions around the globe. The story is told in his own words, with each chapter giving a glimpse into the many facets of his life.Written by Tres Dean (All Time Low Presents: Young Renegades), the graphic novel will give true insight into the many experiences that helped shape the young Farrokh Bulsara and his compelling existence, both on and off stage—that was the life of Freddie Mercury, Lover of Life, Singer of Songs.
Artists: Kyla Aiko, Robin Richardson, Safiya Zerrougui, Tammy Wang, and Ames Liu
Writers: Tres Dean, Camilla Zhang
Letterer: Troy Peteri
Editor: Camilla Zhang
Book Designers: Tyler Boss and Jason Ullmeyer.
Cover Art: David Mack
The Out Side
Available wherever books are sold
ISBN-13: 9781524880125
ISBN-10: 1524880124
176 pages, paperback, 6″ x 9″
On Sale Now! Nominated for the 2024 Eisner Award for Best AnthologySilver Sprocket || Bluestockings || Bookshop.org || uk.bookshop.org
Books a Million || Wordery || Barnes and Noble || McNally Robinson || Amazon || Indigo || WalmartYou can also ask your local book/comic store to order The Out Side :)
Publisher site
Disclosure: I am an affiliate of Bookshop.org (US link only, not UK) where your purchases support local bookstores. I will earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you click through and make a purchase.
★ ALA Booklist (starred review)
“A gorgeous anthology with stories from 29 trans and nonbinary artists.” -Sarah Rice★ YALSA's 2024 Great Graphic Novels for TeensAmerican Booksellers Association
"The Out Side is such a beautiful anthology that shares trans and nonbinary stories from all walks of life. All the authors approach their stories in very different ways; when it comes down to it, they all feel so interconnected and warm." -Olivia Hoover, Book Passage
Add The Out Side on Goodreads here
In this vibrant and affirming comics anthology, 29 trans & nonbinary comic artists share their personal journeys of self-discovery and acceptance.Featuring the work of Sage Coffey, Kyla Aiko, and Coco Ouwerkerk, The Out Side: Trans & Nonbinary Comics includes 29 creators' tales of self-love and affirmation and detailing their experiences with gender and identity. Originally published as a successful Kickstarter campaign, this expanded edition includes comics by Dana Simpson (bestselling author of Phoebe and Her Unicorn), Aidyn Huynh (Snailords), Wren Chavers, and more.Equal parts encouraging, comforting, and life-affirming, The Out Side is a love letter to the trans and nonbinary community, designed to inspire anyone who may be struggling with their own identity and to help educate those who seek greater understanding. As artist Julia Kaye writes in the book's introduction: "I’m so glad this book exists. It’s a loud proclamation of our existence in the face of a culture that has for too long ignored our experiences."
Contributors: Kaz Fantone, Coco Ouwerkerk, Julie Fiveash, Cyrus, Min Christensen, Ashi, DaToonie, Vixtopher, Wren Chavers, Matteo Montero-Murillo Mel Valentine Vargas, Kyla Aiko, Nasr Bin Safwan, Dana Simpson, Lae Louie Schäfer, Veronica Jane, Dashi, Aidyn Huynh, Al Acevedo, Wey Song, Sam, Liam Coballes, Lake Fama, Lucas James, Sage Coffey, Zhen, Maddie Tacobus, Jam Aden, Tara Madison Avery & Mike Sullivan, Julia KayeOrganizers: The Kao, Min Christensen, and David Daneman
Cover Inks and Design: The Kao
Cover Colors: Min Christensen
Freddie Mercury: Shadows Illuminated
Available wherever books are sold
ISBN-13: 9781940878867
ISBN-10: 1940878861
136 pages, hardcover, approx. 10.3″ x 6.6″
On Sale Now!Z2 Comics || Massive Bookshop (indie bookshop that ships worldwide)
Barnes and Noble || Amazon || Indigo || McNally Robinson || WalmartYou can also ask your local book/comic store to order Freddie Mercury: Shadows Illuminated :)
Add Freddie Mercury: Shadows Illuminated on Goodreads here
For the first time in comics format, Freddie Mercury: Shadows Illuminated will be a journey through Freddie’s life; from his childhood in Zanzibar, through his formative years in England, to becoming the rock star, known and loved by millions around the globe. The story is told in his own words, with each chapter giving a glimpse into the many facets of his life.Written by Tres Dean (All Time Low Presents: Young Renegades), the graphic novel will give true insight into the many experiences that helped shape the young Farrokh Bulsara and his compelling existence, both on and off stage—that was the life of Freddie Mercury, Lover of Life, Singer of Songs.
Artists: Kyla Aiko, Robin Richardson, Safiya Zerrougui, Tammy Wang, and Ames Liu
Writers: Tres Dean, Camilla Zhang
Letterer: Troy Peteri
Editor: Camilla Zhang
Book Designers: Tyler Boss and Jason Ullmeyer.
Cover Art: David Mack
FAQ
I am anti-NFT and anti-crypto. You may not use my art for AI, and do not contact me about making NFTs.
What programs do you use to letter?
It depends on the project, but for traditionally published comics/graphic novels I typically usually use Adobe InDesign to lay out text and Clip Studio Paint or Adobe Illustrator to draw speech balloons and sound effects.Adobe software is the industry-standard in traditional book publishing.If you're looking for non-subscription model alternatives, Affinity Publisher is similar to Adobe InDesign and Affinity Designer is similar to Adobe Illustrator (and both go on sale frequently).
What digital brushes do you use?
In Procreate I usually use brushes from these packs.
› Matt's Sketching Set
› Trisketched Ink BrushesI also usually use Procreate Pencil and Derwent (both are included with Procreate).In Clip Studio Paint, I usually use these brushes:
› Content ID: 1850295 文字ペン (second pen) from 主線と文字ペン pack by 塩分ウホウホ
› Content ID: 1730414 6pencil-soft by Rollermets
Resources (all links open in new tabs)
All About Literary Agents (comic creator specific)
› Danielle Chuatico and JesnCin's "Comic Creator's Guide to Literary Agents" (downloadable pdf, pay what you want)
› Wendy Xu's "Why You Should Get an Agent and How to Present Yourself to One: A Primer for Comic Artists"
› Victoria Ying's "Finding an Agent as a Graphic Novelist"
How to Put Together a Graphic Novel Pitch
› Go Komikimok!!'s "Comics Creator's Guide to Graphic Novel Pitch Packet" (Part 1)
› Go Komikimok!!'s FAQ About Pitch Packets (Part 2)
› Go Komikimok!!'s How to Submit Your Pitch to Publishers, Editors, and Agents (Part 3)
› Ethan M. Aldridge's GN Pitch Packet Twitter Thread
› Literary Agent Maria Vicente's "What to Include in a Graphic Novel Pitch Package"
› Victoria Ying's "Scripting a Graphic Novel"
› Victoria Ying's "What's in a Graphic Novel Proposal?"
Complete graphic novel pitch packets usually have these components (there's no standard order):
› Sample Cover Page
› About the Book (back cover copy, page count, b&w/color, genre, demographic, comp titles)
› About the Author (include relevant publishing credits)
› 5 to 20 Completed Sample Pages
› Sample Script
› Character Descriptions and Drawings
› Full Outline/Synopsis
› Extras (concept sketches, thumbnails)
Lettering Tips
› Sara Linsley's Manga Lettering Wiki
› Sara Linsley's Manga Lettering Scripts for Adobe InDesign
› Nate Piekos's "Lettering Tips"
› Nate Piekos's "Comic Book Grammar and Tradition"
› Phil Christie's "The Basics of Manga Punctuation"
› Phil Christie's "Manga Balloon Basics"
Kyla Aiko is an award-nominated cartoonist and editor who's always looking for good soup noodle recommendations (the spicier the better).She's currently working on Foxlight, her debut middle grade graphic novel about a lost fox spirit and the noodle maker who helps him find his way home.
Contact
Kyla Aiko is represented by Jennifer Azantian. Please direct all professional inquiries to her at Jen (@) AzantianLitAgency.comOther inquiries: hello (@) aikosmith.com
Books
› Foxlight - Feiwel & Friends› The Out Side: Trans & Nonbinary Comics
Nominated for Best Anthology in the 2024 Eisner Awards
- Andrews McMeel, On Sale Now (Order Here)› Freddie Mercury: Shadows Illuminated
- Z2 Comics, On Sale Now (Order Here)I also letter comics. Series I've worked on include Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Dandadan, Love's in Sight!, Gokurakugai, and Everything is Fine.
Shows
Upcoming!
⊹⊹pocketbook.hi 2025
⊹⊹April 12, 2025
⊹⊹Liliha Public LibraryPast
⊹⊹Kawaii Kon 2025
⊹⊹multi diy art fair 2024
⊹⊹Small Press Expo 2024
⊹⊹TCAF Toronto Comic Arts Festival 2024
⊹⊹Pride In Panels Festival 2023
⊹⊹Small Press Expo 2023Panels
⊹⊹Manga Lettering Roundtable at Anime NYC 2024
⊹⊹Think of the Children: Queer All-Ages Comics at Pride in Panels: SF Queer Comics Festival 2024
Clients
Macmillan, VIZ Media, HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, Jaw Drop Games, Character Media, and more
Where to find my comics
| my online shop | ||
| Other Realms | Honolulu, HI | USA |
| Mori by Art and Flea | Honolulu, HI | USA |
| Silver Sprocket | San Francisco, CA | USA |
| Fantom Comics | Washington D.C. | USA |
| Neighborhood Comics | Savannah, GA | USA |
| The Beguiling | Toronto, ON | Canada |
| The Claremont Colleges Library | Claremont, CA | USA |
If you're interested in stocking my comics, please email me at hello (@) aikosmith.com
Subscribe to my newsletter for updates and shop discounts
