Black History Month
KCC's Black Entrepreneurs Series
KCC's Black Entrepreneurs Series: Joelle Gayle | Chat Noires
Joelle Gayle has been selling her artwork since middle school. “I would often sell commissioned bookmarks and cartoon portraits to my friends in class,” she shared. Today, the self-described graphic-designer-illustrator-in-training creates custom commissions like screensavers, profile pictures and fanart, and sells them via her newly-opened Etsy page, Chat Noires. (You can also DM her for commissions through her Instagram handle, missy_chatnoire.
“I consider the internet my mentor,” she said. “I’m inspired by IG artists like Qinniart and Kasey Golden. And I’ve learned from other artists sharing how they started commissions, how they charge, and the importance of supply and demand.”
Joelle describes her target audience as mainly "blerds” (nerdy Black folk) and alternative people of color (POC). For that reason, she focuses on drawing people of color. “I wanted to make artwork to show that we can be represented in multiple ways, not just the singular way usually shown in the media,” she said. “I feel like, most my life, people like me didn't have much representation. So, I made it myself.”
The journey to becoming an entrepreneur has been fun — and challenging — for Joelle. “Having people come to your page or your desk at school and just be so intrigued with your work that they want to own a copy feels amazing,” she admitted. “The challenge is reaching my target audience. POC aren't well represented in mainstream media, and finding POC in the alternative scene is even harder. I don't want to be a huge artist or anything. It's mostly like ‘I kind of wish a few more people liked this as much as I do.’”
Her biggest accomplishment to date has been opening her Etsy shop. “Seeing it finished was like adding the finishing details to a piece. I was so happy…and even happier when I got my first commission!”
The KCC graphic design major is on track to graduate in 2023, at which point she plans to transfer to Brooklyn College. Her advice to other budding entrepreneurs is to make sure they have enough money to support themselves before jumping into a business with both feet.
“If you want to do your small business full-time, try to get a separate form of income that is more stable than the small business,” she suggests. “It's a lot easier if you can do this while living with parents or guardians. You can put that money into your business, and you won't have to worry about basic needs.” Joelle also recommends using social media to its fullest. “You can reach thousands of people a day just by posting a photo.”
Chat Noires | https://chatnoires.etsy.com | Instagram: missy_chatnoire
