Shows
Two Cranky Creatives: Real Talk & Practical Advice for Surface Designers and Creative EntrepreneursHow Cranky Creatives Stay Paid w/Kay Wolfersperger: Multiple Income Streams as a Creative Entrepreneur In this episode of Two Cranky Creatives, hosts Carrie Cantwell and Toni Federico are joined by Kay Wolfersperger to tackle a hard truth about making a living in surface design: one income stream just isn’t enough. If you’ve been told that licensing your art will pay all your bills, they’re here to set the record straight—with plenty of cranky real talk. They dive into why relying solely on licensing is the exception, not the rule, how multiple income streams are a necessity (not a failure), and the best ways to diversify without losing your sani...
2025-08-2757 min
Two Cranky Creatives: Real Talk & Practical Advice for Surface Designers and Creative EntrepreneursColorfully Cranky w/Ana BianchiIn 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’ve ever felt stuck in a rut of “what works,” or afraid to experiment because, gasp, it might clash, this episode is your personal permissi...
2025-08-201h 01
Two Cranky Creatives: Real Talk & Practical Advice for Surface Designers and Creative EntrepreneursUnpacking “Cranky” with Nate Padavik & Salli Swindell 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 makin...
2025-08-1356 min
Two Cranky Creatives: Real Talk & Practical Advice for Surface Designers and Creative EntrepreneursCranky About “Bad” Art with Melissa JohnsonIn 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 self-compassion needed to close that gap while sharing strategies to help you navigate the journey. From learning to step back and create space between you and your work to the power of...
2025-07-3046 min
Two Cranky Creatives: Real Talk & Practical Advice for Surface Designers and Creative EntrepreneursThe Cranky Creatives Talk Cultural Inspiration vs. AppropriationIn 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. They also share practical advice on responsibly using cultural references in your work and offer insight into the importance of awareness and sensitivity in today’s global art landscape. If you’ve ever wondered how to ensure your...
2025-07-1634 min
Two Cranky Creatives: Real Talk & Practical Advice for Surface Designers and Creative EntrepreneursArt Is Everywhere, So Why Are We Cranky? with Julia Barry In 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 norms influence accessibility, and challenge the arbitrary systems deciding which art is “good.” Most importantly, they explore how valuing each other as artists can transform these outdated narratives. Join them...
2025-07-0250 min
Two Cranky Creatives: Real Talk & Practical Advice for Surface Designers and Creative EntrepreneursCranky and Ahead of the Curve w/Mandy CorcoranIn 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'll Hear About: Why you should be designing one season ahead to stay relevant and competitive The benefits of designing for seasons, not holidays - timeless over timely Real-world experience pitching art in a...
2025-06-1846 min
Two Cranky Creatives: Real Talk & Practical Advice for Surface Designers and Creative EntrepreneursCranky, Creative, and Trendy w/Cat CoquilletteIn 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 a commercial world. Carrie, Cat, and Toni explore how surface design is, by nature, commercial and why wanting to be paid for your work isn’t the betrayal of artistry some might claim. Lea...
2025-06-0457 min
Two Cranky Creatives: Real Talk & Practical Advice for Surface Designers and Creative EntrepreneursA Cranky Guide to Creative Confidence w/Janine VangoolIn 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 build by doing, how to embrace action as your superpower, and why removing self-imposed labels can unlock your creative potential. If you’ve ever doubted your abilities or felt stuck in a creative rut...
2025-05-2145 min
Two Cranky Creatives: Real Talk & Practical Advice for Surface Designers and Creative EntrepreneursTariff Tantrums & Cranky Comebacks
2025-05-1449 min
Two Cranky Creatives: Real Talk & Practical Advice for Surface Designers and Creative EntrepreneursA Cranky Creatives Guide to Facing Rejection w/Mable TanNOTE: 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 happen at any stage of your creative career! Mable, Carrie, and Toni share personal experiences with rejection, discuss why creating for yourself is so important, and explain how stepping back...
2025-05-0747 min
Two Cranky Creatives: Real Talk & Practical Advice for Surface Designers and Creative EntrepreneursSocial Media Makes Us Cranky as HellIn 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 practical tips for using these platforms without losing your mind—or your creative spark. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the constant need to post, perform, or keep up with the algorithm, this episode is for yo...
2025-04-2354 min
Two Cranky Creatives: Real Talk & Practical Advice for Surface Designers and Creative EntrepreneursCranky Mythbusting: Draw Every DayIn 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. They get real about finding a balance between discipline and burnout, exploring how, sometimes, skipping a day (or several) can help your creative flow. If you...
2025-04-0957 min
Two Cranky Creatives: Real Talk & Practical Advice for Surface Designers and Creative EntrepreneursCranky About Unrealistic Expectations w/Stacie DaleIn 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, Stacie, and Toni share real-life insights into why a surface design career isn’t a one-size-fits-all path and why success stories often skip over the gritty reality. They break down the to...
2025-03-2655 min
Two Cranky Creatives: Real Talk & Practical Advice for Surface Designers and Creative EntrepreneursCranky Creatives Don’t Work for ExposureIn 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 themselves” or undervalue the expertise and effort that goes into professional creative work. They share stories of their own experiences, explore why this misconception exists, and offer insights on navigating these uncomf...
2025-03-121h 04
Two Cranky Creatives: Real Talk & Practical Advice for Surface Designers and Creative EntrepreneursGhosted and CrankyIn 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 happens, how it can sometimes be a blessing in disguise, and ways to manage your response. If you’ve ever felt the sting of silence and struggled not to take it personally, this episode i...
2025-02-2649 min
Two Cranky Creatives: Real Talk & Practical Advice for Surface Designers and Creative EntrepreneursThe Cranks Dish on OPP (Other People's Platforms)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 managing these risks, making informed choices about where to share your work, and ensuring your creative business isn’t wholly dependent on any single platform. Diversification is key—because you need more than one...
2025-02-191h 10
Two Cranky Creatives: Real Talk & Practical Advice for Surface Designers and Creative EntrepreneursTaxes Make us Cranky AF w/Hannah ColeIn 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 taxes without a meltdown. From dealing with self-employment taxes to figuring out quarterly taxes, they cover the pitfalls every creative needs to know. If you’re overwhelmed by tax talk or confused about how to k...
2025-02-1254 min
Two Cranky Creatives: Real Talk & Practical Advice for Surface Designers and Creative EntrepreneursCranky and Copied: What to do when your work is stolenIn 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 without permission—or if you’re worried about how to protect your art—this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate the frustrating, cranky side of being a creative entrepreneur. In This Epis...
2025-01-291h 05
Two Cranky Creatives: Real Talk & Practical Advice for Surface Designers and Creative EntrepreneursWhy We Are CrankyIn 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 Creatives to fill that gap. In this episode, they share their personal experiences of navigating the creative world and the challenges they’ve faced—from burnout to financial struggles to the emotional toll of tr...
2025-01-1551 min
Two Cranky Creatives: Real Talk & Practical Advice for Surface Designers and Creative EntrepreneursTeaserJoin 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.
2024-12-0102 min