Two Cranky Creatives: Real Talk & Practical Advice for Surface Designers and Creative Entrepreneurs

In this episode of Two Cranky Creatives, the Cranks are joined by Ana Bianchi—a designer, artist, and color whisperer who says hell no to playing it safe with your palette. Together, they dive deep into the wild world of color: how to find your unique color voice, why signature palettes can sometimes box you in, and what magic happens when you step off the color wheel and into the unknown. If you'...

In this episode of  Two Cranky Creatives , hosts Carrie Cantwell and Toni Federico are joined by Nate Padavik and Salli Swindell of Illustrators for Hire. Together, they break down what's really behind those cranky moods we all experience as artists and entrepreneurs. Spoiler alert: crankiness is usually a cover for something deeper. They discuss why self-awareness is crucial for navigating creati...

In this episode of Two Cranky Creatives, Carrie and Toni are joined by Melissa Johnson. Together, they dig into the frustrating yet all-too-familiar challenge of executing the vision you've imagined in your head. It's a topic every creative can relate to … that gnawing feeling when what you produce doesn't match the image in your mind. Carrie, Melissa, and Toni explore the patience, practice, and...

In this episode of Two Cranky Creatives, hosts Carrie Cantwell and Toni Federico are joined by Xhico of Studio Xhico. Together, they tackle a crucial yet often overlooked issue in the surface design industry: cultural appropriation. They delve into the fine line between inspiration and appropriation, exploring what it means to find your authentic creative voice while respecting cultural boundaries...

I n this episode of Two Cranky Creatives, hosts Carrie Cantwell and Toni Federico are joined by Julia Barry of UpRoot Design Studio. Together, they dive deep into the societal devaluation of art. From the paintings on your walls to the designs on your favorite coffee mug, art is everywhere—so why is it so often dismissed as "non-essential"? They examine the barriers to collecting art, how classist...

In this episode of  Two Cranky Creatives , hosts Carrie Cantwell and Toni Federico are joined by Mandy Corcoran of Amanda Grace Design. Together, they unpack the ins and outs of pitching schedules in art licensing and explain why working smarter and crankier matters. You'll also hear why small companies might be your licensing sweet spot over those intimidating big-box stores. In This Episode, You...

In this episode of Two Cranky Creatives , hosts Carrie Cantwell and Toni Federico are joined by Cat Coquillette. Together, they tackle the controversial "T-word" in the creative industry—trends. Is trend-chasing selling out? Can you still be considered an artist if your work aligns with market demands? Spoiler: Yes, and yes! This week, we're embracing the cranky side of being a surface designer in...

In this episode of  Two Cranky Creatives , hosts Carrie Cantwell and Toni Federico are joined by Janine Vangool of UPPERCASE Magazine. They tackle the myths and realities of creative confidence. Forget what you've heard about "imposter syndrome"—it's time to ditch the labels and start owning your power. They share their insights on why confidence isn't something you're born with but something you...

In this episode of Two Cranky Creatives , Carrie and Toni get (extra) cranky about the new U.S. tariffs—and how they're shaking up everything from licensing deals to your favorite POD platforms. Spoiler: If your margins are thinner than your last excuse to avoid admin work, you're not alone. We're talking changes, challenges, and the surprising opportunities that come from creative curveballs. Whe...

NOTE: We had some technical issues near the end of the show with echoes and feedback. Apologies in advance. In this episode of  Two Cranky Creatives , Mable Tan joins hosts Carrie Cantwell and Toni Federico to tackle one of the most soul-crushing topics for creatives: rejection. Whether it's a politely worded email or radio silence after submitting your art, rejection is inevitable—and it can happ...

In this episode of Two Cranky Creatives , hosts Carrie Cantwell and Toni Federico tackle creatives' complicated relationship with social media. From its highly curated content to the frustration of navigating platforms they can't control, they get real about why social media can drive even the most patient artists to crankiness. They share personal stories of social media crankiness and offer prac...

In this episode of Two Cranky Creatives , hosts Carrie Cantwell and Toni Federico take on a popular piece of advice that might be doing more harm than good: the idea that you must draw every day to be successful. As two seasoned creatives who've found success in their own way, Carrie and Toni break down why this "rule" is more of a myth and how it often pressures artists into unrealistic expectati...

In this episode, Carrie and Toni are joined by Stacie Dale of Surface Design News to dive deep into the world of surface design classes. They explore how these courses can create sky-high expectations, leaving emerging artists overwhelmed, defeated, and downright cranky. If you've ever taken a class that promised you the moon only to deliver a handful of unrealistic goals, you're not alone. Carrie...

In this episode of Two Cranky Creatives , hosts Carrie Cantwell and Toni Federico tackle a topic that's sure to resonate with every artist, designer, and creative entrepreneur: clients who think your work is overpriced. It's frustrating, it's aggravating, and it's a reality that every creative professional faces. Carrie and Toni dive into the common mindset of clients who believe they could "do it...

In this episode of  Two Cranky Creatives , hosts Carrie Cantwell and Toni Federico explore the frustrating, confusing, and often hurtful experience of being ghosted. Whether it's a client, collaborator, or contact who suddenly stops responding, being ghosted can feel like a betrayal. But Carrie and Toni are here to remind you—it's not personal. They share their perspectives on why being ghosted ha...

In this episode of Two Cranky Creatives , hosts Carrie Cantwell and Toni Federico dig into the risks of relying on third-party platforms to showcase and sell your art. From sudden algorithm changes to entire platforms shutting down, creatives often find themselves at the mercy of corporate decisions beyond their control. So, what can you do about it? Carrie and Toni share practical strategies for...

In this episode of Two Cranky Creatives , Hannah Cole of Sunlight Tax joins hosts Carrie Cantwell and Toni Federico to tackle one of the most dreaded topics for creatives: taxes. Taxes can be a minefield, especially for artists and entrepreneurs who aren't exactly thrilled by accounting. Hannah breaks down the essentials, sharing real experiences and guidance to help fellow artists approach their...

In this episode of  Two Cranky Creatives , co-hosts Carrie Cantwell and Toni Federico dive into a topic that makes every artist's blood boil: stolen artwork. From discovering your designs on unauthorized products to navigating the complicated world of copyright, they share personal stories, practical advice, and some much-needed venting. If you've ever felt the sting of seeing your hard work taken...

In this debut episode of  Two Cranky Creatives , co-hosts Carrie Cantwell and Toni Federico get real about why they started this podcast. If you've ever listened to creative industry podcasts and felt like everything was a bit too sugarcoated , you're not alone. Carrie and Toni are frustrated by the abundance of "polite" conversations about pursuing a creative career. So, they created  Two Cranky...

Join Two Cranky Creatives , hosted by Carrie Cantwell & Toni Federico. We are two seasoned art entrepreneurs who pull back the curtain on the highs and lows of making a living as a creative. Expect unfiltered, real talk about the challenges, victories, and everything in between that comes with navigating the art world as a business. Whether you're a fellow creative or just curious about the hustle...