Kaitlyn Narvaza, known by many as Instantmiso, is a renowned comic artist who authored the webcomics “Where Tangents Meet” and “Siren’s Lament.” She is currently on her third webtoon series, “Eaternal Noctural,” which has already gained insurmountable success alongside her completed work, garnering a total of 48.7 million views at present. On Dec. 7, I had the amazing opportunity to interview Instantmiso about her journey as a webcomic creator and reflections on her success.
- Just a few days ago, you attended Comic Con. How was the experience? Were there any highlights?
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“This was one of the first conventions [I attended] before the pandemic. Since I’m one of the older creators, I was privileged enough to be invited to a lot of other conventions pre-pandemic. So it was very similar to those times. It’s always rewarding to interact with the fans, and it was just as nice as I always remembered it. So it was nice getting back into the groove of that scene. It was really enjoyable.”
- Based on your experience, what did you find to be the best ways to get your creative outlet running or to stay motivated in general?
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“Usually, I’d go to outside sources. Not just other comics, while other comics are very good inspirations. I personally listen to music as inspiration; I watch TV shows, I watch movies to get some creative juices flowing. I even just, like, go to the beach, take in my surroundings, and that gives me some motivation as well.”
- What was your inspiration for your characters and plots? It could be in general or specific to any of your work.
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“I feel like a lot of my stories revolve around self-acceptance despite them being romances, and I feel like a lot of my female leads start off, you know, a little insecure or unsure of themselves in the beginning only to grow and develop throughout the story. This is because I definitely remember having similar feelings about myself in the past, and I think a lot of readers can relate to that as well. So it’s like moving toward specific morals and messages in my story. I feel like it’s important to have a relatable heroine and such.”
- As a Filipino American myself, I still continue to reflect on AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) representation in creative media, and it’s amazing to see creators like you provide insight into that with your artwork. What are your thoughts on this? And how would you like to continue exploring this representation throughout your career and your life?
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“So about that…I think representation is extremely important, and I think it was back in 2016 when Moana came out, and I feel like that’s when it really hit me. I remember crying in the movie theater *laughs* because there was a main character who actually looked like me or people who were like me. I know she’s Polynesian, but that’s pretty close, right? *laughs* That’s when it hit me, how much cultural representation and kind of like seeing yourself on screen make so much of a difference. I know it’s really subtle in “Eaternal Nocturnal,” but I think a lot of Filipino Americans and Asian Americans can relate to Eve’s situation with her internal struggle of pursuing her passions and dreams and stuff. Eve is Filipino in the comic, but I don’t explicitly state that, but her mom literally was like, ‘I think you should be a nurse,’ *laughs* and I think that’s really straightforward. But you know, things like that. I think it’s important for people and readers to see themselves and feel represented in the things that they consume. I feel like it’s important for me as well, and I get a sense of satisfaction. I do want to keep continuing to do that in this work that I’m doing right now and possibly in the future as well.”
- What do you think is the most challenging aspect of working as a webtoon creator?
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“It definitely has to be deadlines since we’re releasing chapters on a weekly basis. It’s mainly just time management. Other than that, I personally love my job; I love drawing, I love writing and stuff. It’s just sometimes I find myself working, like, seven days a week on one chapter, and sometimes you don’t feel like it’s enough time. So it’s just really trying to find a good balance.”
- In accordance with that, what would you consider the most rewarding part of your work?
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“I guess the most rewarding part is seeing how my readers react to the comic in general, whether they’re happy or sad or angry on behalf of the characters and what’s going on in the story. It just amazes me how just my drawings and my writing alone can provoke so much emotion out of people. I think that’s the most rewarding part.”
- Are there any people in your life that you look up to the most?
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“I gotta say it has to be my uncle. He’s actually the one who introduced me to drawing and comics in my life when I was four. So he was like my major influence. And he was actually the one who persuaded me to start uploading on WEBTOON CANVAS, like just uploading comics again in the first place. I really, probably wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for him. I had a lot of people in my life growing up being like, ‘Oh, I don’t think you should pursue being an artist.’ I know he was super supportive, and he was like, ‘You know what, you’re really talented at this, and this is what you love. I think personally that you should pursue it.’ Honestly, I have him to thank, really. He’s been a huge influence in my life.”
- Looking back to your first series, “Where Tangents Meet,” a LOT has happened since then. You’ve accomplished so much by releasing two more amazing webtoon series. Is there anything you’d like to say to your younger self from the past?
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“I remember while I was writing “Where Tangents Meet” and while I was submitting chapters of “Where Tangents Meet”, I was in a pretty rough place during that time. So if I were to tell my past self something, it would be, ‘Everything’s gonna be okay, and you’re going to be proud of the person you become in the future.’”
- You’ve gained so much success over the past couple of years, and we are all so excited to see what’s in store for you in the coming years. What goals do you have for the future?
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“Honestly, I’m living my dream job right now. I love what I do for a living, and I’m just super privileged to be able to do what I love for a living. As for my future, I do plan to stay within comics. I hope to make more comics in the future, and if it’s not comics, I definitely want to stay within the comic industry.”
Achieving your dreams can require the biggest of challenges, and Instantmiso is no exception to that. Time and time again, she has proven that your driven passion and effort can take you places you’ve never imagined before. Click here to check out Instantmiso’s webcomics and social media!