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 creative careers, how our emotional state affects our professional relationships, and most importantly—how to get unstuck when you’re feeling irritable. Because let’s face it, being cranky might be part of the creative experience, but making it a habit? Not a good look.
In This Episode, You’ll Hear About:
😤 How crankiness is often a mask for deeper emotions like fear, frustration, or burnout.
🧐 The importance of self-awareness in managing your emotions as an artist.
🤝 Why professionalism includes making collaborations pleasant—even when you’re in a mood.
🚪 Practical strategies for shifting out of crankiness and getting back into creative flow.
Whether you're feeling stuck in a rut or just need a reality check on handling artistic frustration, this episode will help you reframe your cranky moments and turn them into something productive.
Notable Mentions
Nate’s Playlist
Useful Music #024
Nate Padavik …
Nate Padavick is a freelance illustrator and the co-founder—along with his sister Salli Swindell—of the sites THEY DRAW, Illustrators For Hire, and The Illustrator’s Circle. Nate has over 20 years of experience as an illustrator, specializing in maps; a graphic designer specializing in websites and branding; and a content creator specializing in online community building. He lives in New York’s Hudson Valley and enjoys long bike rides, uphill hikes, home-cooked meals, farmer’s markets, coffeeshops, and dinner parties.
Salli Swindell …
Salli Swindell is a freelance illustrator and the co-founder—along with her brother Nate Padavick—of the sites THEY DRAW, Illustrators For Hire, and The Illustrator’s Circle. Salli has been part of the illustration industry since 1981. Her daily mantra is to Stay Colorfully Creative. Sometimes that means creating very colorful illustrations, cooking with lots of colorful veggies or wearing a bright yellow coat in the winter. She spends hours every day hiking the beautiful trails near her home in Hudson, Ohio. Salli in three words: cats, color, coffee.
Two Cranky Creatives …
Two Cranky Creatives is hosted by Carrie Cantwell & Toni Federico, 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 every other week for candid conversations that go beyond the usual sugar-coated advice.
