Two Cranky Creatives
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, join us for candid conversations that go beyond the usual sugar-coated advice.
Episodes
In this episode of Two Cranky Creatives, the Cranks sit down with illustrator and surface designer Ali Hooten to dismantle one of the most persistent myths in the creative world: that there's a single "right" way to build a thriving creative career. From business courses to step-by-step roadmaps, creatives are constantly told that success comes from following someone else's blueprint—and when that bluepri...
In this episode of Two Cranky Creatives, the Cranks break out the soapbox (and maybe a tiny megaphone) to challenge one of the most persistent myths in the surface design world: that you have to use Adobe Illustrator to succeed. They speculate about why Illustrator has long reigned as the so-called "industry standard." But Carrie and Toni are here to lovingly—and a little crankily—call B.S.
This episode is sponsored by Illustrators for Hire
CORRECTION: Thank you to Amy Feinburg of Amelia Scarlet Studio, who is a tax litigator, for reaching out. Some of my comments in this episode make it seem like sole proprietors don't need to have a profit motive when they do. She also shared this helpful link. Thank you, Ms. Amy, for keeping us on our toes!!
In thi...
In this bonus episode of Two Cranky Creatives, the Cranks dig into a recent controversy shaking up the online art education space—and yeah, it's messy. What started as a critical course review and a broader critique of the creative course boom quickly escalated into backlash, raising bigger questions about who should be teaching, what qualifies as expertise, and why dissenting voices seem to get shouted d...
Cranky and Cautious: How Creatives Can Spot Scams Before They Spiral
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This episode is sponsored by Surface Design News and Brooke Mackie Designs
In this episode of Two Cranky Creatives, ...
This episode is sponsored by Sunlight Tax and The Print Life.
In this episode of Two Cranky Creatives, the Cranks tackle one of the most infuriating—and unfortunately common—creative challenges: clients who don't pay their damn bills. Carrie and Toni share real-world stories from their own creative hustles, ranging from early-career mistakes to late-stage "I knew bett...
This episode is sponsored by Sunlight Tax, Illustrators for Hire, the Illustration Portfolio Challenge, the Illustration Bootcamp, and Art Licensing Unlocked.
In this episode of Two Cranky Creatives, the Cranks are joined by artist, educator, and creative powerhouse Lisa Bardot to tackle a universal struggle—ho...
This episode is sponsored by the Art Brand Alliance and True Grit Texture Supply. Listeners also get a a 20% discount with the code CRANKY at checkout
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This episode is sponsored by Sunlight Tax, The Etsy Mentor, True Grit Texture Supply, Art Licensing Unlocked, Brooke Mackie Designs, the Illustration Portfolio Chal...
This episode is sponsored by Sunlight Tax, The Etsy Mentor, True Grit Texture Supply, and The Print Life. Listeners also get a a 20% discount at True Grit Texture Supply with the code CRANKY at checkout
In this episode of Two Cranky Creatives, the Cranks go full spicy about sneaky contract language that's leavin...
In this bonus episode of Two Cranky Creatives, the Cranks dig into the newly released Surface Design Industry Survey by Shannon McNab...
This episode is sponsored by Surface Design News, The Art of Collections, Illustrators for Hire, The Etsy Mentor, The Creative Mentorship, True Grit Texture Supply, The Print Life, and Art Licensing Unlocked.
Listeners also get a a 20% discount at True Grit Te...
This episode is sponsored by Art Licensing Unlocked and The Art of Collections
In this episode of Two Cranky Creatives, Toni and Carrie tackle a topic that's often wrapped in mystery and wishful thinking—royalties. If you've ever dreamed of earning income while you sleep, it's time for a reality check (and maybe a calculator). The Cranks break down exactly how royalties work in the re...
REDUX: 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 ...
In this episode of Two Cranky Creatives, Carrie and Toni take a hard look at Pantone's 2026 Color of the Year, "Cloud Dancer"—a shade of white that's allegedly here to soothe our collective anxiety. But instead of peace, the Cranks felt... irritated. And they're not alone. From internet memes to side-eyes across the design world, "Cloud Dancer" has landed with all the grace of a cold chicken breast on a w...
REDUX: 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 bei...
REDUX: 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 expectations.
REDUX! While Carrie and I record season 2, we're bringing this much requested episode back...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.
Ca...
REDUX! While Carrie and I record season 2, we're bringing this much requested episode back...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...
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