NOISE Illustrator Joanna Cheung, from Doncaster, flaunted her wares in KiosKiosK this August. Read all about her adventures of selling her work in this unique space....

I'm selling a variety of handmade designs such as greetings cards, postcards, accessories and t-shirts all of which are my illustrations. I've got my own online shop however I'm doing a lot better at the Kiosk probably because people can see the products for themselves. The first time round I ended up putting stuff in piles, now I'm starting to get the hang of displaying items and labeling the prices so they look eye catching and not so cluttered :)

           

I noticed that people are more attracted to purchasing small items like postcards/cards rather than larger items especially when they're on offer (ah ha now I know!!), like impulse purchase i guess. I can justify how some items may seem more expensive as everything is made and packaged by myself, so I think people appreciate it more as nothing is mass produced. 

 It's been nice chatting to people about my work, it's all been positive and I have taken into account on what could be changed. for example some people like the generic and standard designs for birthday cards whereas most of my cards are all bird related and whimsical :) so people therefore don't see it as being functional, that's something I can work on. My audience was the general public and those who like arts/craft and hand made items or those looking for one off gifts. 

For me, Kiosk has been a great opportunity to get my work out there and to experience what it's like to take responsibility for all aspects of running a stall/business on your own, which can be scary! But i seem to get the impression that people were confused as to the building itself, they don't know that it's an actual shop so kind of shy away from coming in. I've always been friendly and encouraged them to come in and have a browse. Definitely to have lots of decoration and to be doing something outside like painting etc. attracted tourists! It's  inspired me to be involved with more stalls around London and to produce items which I've taken aboard all the comments. 

Perhaps if there were more kiosk stalls in one area so it was like a proper arts and crafts market rather than one on it's own. The location is an important factor as that links in with the potential audience.  A big sign outside would also help! 

To be part of this which will turn into something big is very exciting. It's motivated me to continue to make more things and to keep working hard at it as this is what I enjoy the most. I'm going to miss it when it's over! 

Jox
www.NOISEfestival.com/Joannacheung