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

Carrie Cantwell & Toni Federico: Surface Designer, Creative Career
  • 5.0 (14)
  • Visual Arts
  • Updated Biweekly

In Two Cranky Creatives, two seasoned creative entrepreneurs, Carrie & Toni, pull back the curtain on the highs and lows of building a creative business. Expect unfiltered, real talk about the challenges, victories, and everything in between that comes with being a creative entrepreneur. Whether you're a fellow creative or just curious about the creative hustle, join us for candid conversations that go beyond the usual sugar-coated advice.

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  1. Jul 29 • Subscriber Early Access

    Cranky and Concerned: Is Print on Demand (POD) Dead?

    In this episode of Two Cranky Creatives, the Cranks tackle a question quietly echoing through the creative industry: Is print-on-demand dead? What once felt like a revolutionary way for artists to earn passive income has started to look very different. Venture-capital ownership, AI-fueled saturation, and shrinking artist royalties have reshaped the landscape in ways many creatives didn’t see coming. Toni and Carrie break down what’s happening behind the scenes on major platforms, why earnings have collapsed for many artists, and how business decisions driven by shareholders—not creators—are changing the rules of the game. But this episode isn’t about doom-scrolling through the decline of an industry. It’s about navigating creative challenges with clear eyes and practical strategy. The Cranks talk through alternatives that still make sense for a creative career, from privately owned platforms like Fine Art America to marketplaces like Etsy that offer more control over pricing and production. Along the way, they share practical advice for artists trying to evaluate whether POD still deserves a place in their business at all—including the often-ignored step of calculating your real hourly wage. Because sometimes the most powerful move in the creative hustle isn’t pushing harder… it’s recognizing when the landscape has changed and choosing a smarter path forward. Two Cranky Creatives … Two Cranky Creatives is hosted by Carrie Cantwell and Toni Federico, two experienced art entrepreneurs who reveal the realities of making a living as a creative. Expect honest, unfiltered conversations about the challenges, victories, and everything in between when navigating the art world as a business. Whether you're a fellow creative entrepreneur deep into the hustle or just curious about the grind, join us every other week for candid conversations packed with practical advice that goes beyond the usual sugar-coated tips.

    Cranky and Concerned: Is Print on Demand (POD) Dead?

  2. 6d ago

    Cranky and Undervalued: Why You're Not Charging Enough for Your Art w/Shannon McNab

    In this episode of Two Cranky Creatives, the Cranks sit down with the phenomenal Shannon McNab to spill the tea on one of the juiciest (and frustrating) topics in the creative industry: Pricing your art. They pull back the curtain on why so many designers chronically undercharge, why no one talks numbers, and the myth that loving what you do is payment enough. Demanding what you're worth isn't about a specific number (though Shannon drops a few hard numbers for us all). Together, the Cranks and Shannon tear down the notion that pricing art is about the product, how being willing to walk away is crucial to effective negotiation, and why the industry itself can often make effective pricing so difficult. This episode is a detailed look behind the curtain of what's driving pricing in the surface design industry. Notable Resources Surface Design Industry Survey [WILL LINK TO 2025 SURVEY WHEN AVAILABLE] Graphic Arts Guild Handbook of Pricing & Ethical Guidelines Art Brand Alliance Book: Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office Shannon McNab… Shannon McNab is an American artist living in Dublin, Ireland, who has collaborated with dozens of brands like Papyrus, Cloud9 Fabrics, Design House Greetings, and Pyrex. She is currently an art agent at Jennifer Nelson Artists, where she advocates for her artists daily. When she's not working, she's cooking, cross-stitching, or walking her dog Paisley. Website: https://www.shannonmcnab.com Instagram: @smcnabstudio Want More Cranky? Join the Cranky Club on Apple Podcasts to get early access to every episode, completely ad-free. You'll also unlock the full archive — all past episodes, right at your fingertips. Strut Your Cranky Stuff! Let the world know you're not just creative, you're cranky too! We recently launched a line of merch on ​Bonfire​. Grab yours today! Two Cranky Creatives … Two Cranky Creatives is hosted by Carrie Cantwell and Toni Federico, two experienced art entrepreneurs who reveal the realities of making a living as a creative. Expect honest, unfiltered conversations about the challenges, victories, and everything in between when navigating the art world as a business. Whether you're a fellow creative entrepreneur deep into the hustle or just curious about the grind, join us every other week for candid conversations packed with practical advice that goes beyond the usual sugar-coated tips. This podcast is hosted by Libsyn. Host your podcast today (affiliate link).

  3. Jul 1

    Cranky and Self-Employed: Why Every Artist Is an Entrepreneur

    In this episode of Two Cranky Creatives, the Cranks dig into a truth that makes a lot of artists uncomfortable: the moment you sell your work, you are an entrepreneur—whether you asked for that title or not. They talk about why passion and skill don't sustain a creative career, how focusing only on "making the work" quietly sabotages your creative hustle, and why so many artists struggle with pricing, finances, and burnout. From underestimating annual expenses to ignoring basic business admin until it becomes a crisis, this conversation highlights the creative challenges many artists face but rarely talk about. But it's not all accounting and balance sheets. Carrie and Toni take a tough-love approach to reframing what professionalism actually looks like for artists. Like how pricing must cover real costs, business admin is non-negotiable, and why charging what you're worth is critical. This episode is your reminder that treating your art like a business isn't the end of your creativity…it's how it survives. Want More Cranky? Join the Cranky Club on Apple Podcasts to get early access to every episode, completely ad-free. You'll also unlock the full archive — all past episodes, right at your fingertips. Strut Your Cranky Stuff! Let the world know you're not just creative, you're cranky too! We recently launched a line of merch on ​Bonfire​. Grab yours today! Two Cranky Creatives … Two Cranky Creatives is hosted by Carrie Cantwell and Toni Federico, two experienced art entrepreneurs who reveal the realities of making a living as a creative. Expect honest, unfiltered conversations about the challenges, victories, and everything in between when navigating the art world as a business. Whether you're a fellow creative entrepreneur deep into the hustle or just curious about the grind, join us every other week for candid conversations packed with practical advice that goes beyond the usual sugar-coated tips. This podcast is hosted by Libsyn. Host your podcast today (affiliate link).

  4. Jun 17

    Cranky and Uncharted: Why There's No Blueprint for Creative Success w/Ali Hooten

    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 blueprint doesn't work for us, we're quick to assume we're the problem. But the antidote isn't another plan—it's self-awareness. Together, the Cranks and Ali dig into the nervous system side of the creative hustle, exploring how structure, flexibility, sensory triggers, and emotional wiring shape the way each of us works best. They talk about "researching your own experience" (thanks, Bruce Lee), recognizing the signals of dysregulation, and letting go of creative commitments—even profitable ones—when they choke your energy instead of fueling it. If you've ever wondered why someone else's strategy worked beautifully for them but left you spiraling, this episode will feel like a deep breath and a permission slip to build a system that actually fits you. Ali Hooten… Ali is an illustrator and surface designer who loves to create in a minimal style with cozy and earthy hues. She specifically enjoys designing for children and incorporates outdoor adventure themes inspired by her own family living in the Colorado mountains. Website: https://www.coitcreative.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coitcreative/    Want More Cranky? Join the Cranky Club on Apple Podcasts to get early access to every episode, completely ad-free. You'll also unlock the full archive — all past episodes, right at your fingertips. Strut Your Cranky Stuff! Let the world know you're not just creative, you're cranky too! We recently launched a line of merch on ​Bonfire​. Grab yours today! Two Cranky Creatives … Two Cranky Creatives is hosted by Carrie Cantwell and Toni Federico, two experienced art entrepreneurs who reveal the realities of making a living as a creative. Expect honest, unfiltered conversations about the challenges, victories, and everything in between when navigating the art world as a business. Whether you're a fellow creative entrepreneur deep into the hustle or just curious about the grind, join us every other week for candid conversations packed with practical advice that goes beyond the usual sugar-coated tips. This podcast is hosted by Libsyn, the most trusted platform for podcasters of all sizes. Get your first month free with code TWOCRANKYCREATIVES  (affiliate link) at https://signup.libsyn.com/

  5. Jun 3

    Cranky Mythbusting: You Don't Need Illustrator to Thrive In Surface Design

    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. 💥 They dig into what clients actually want (spoiler: it's usually high-res JPEGs), why vectorizing textured art is the equivalent of turning silk into sandpaper, and how free tools like Inkscape or the newly free Affinity Designer hold their own. This episode is a wake-up call wrapped in practical advice, creative career wisdom, and plenty of side-eye at proprietary software lock-in. If you've ever felt boxed in by "the rules" of creative hustle, this one's your permission slip to break out and do things your way. Want More Cranky? Join the Cranky Club on Apple Podcasts to get early access to every episode, completely ad-free. You'll also unlock the full archive — all past episodes, right at your fingertips. Strut Your Cranky Stuff! Let the world know you're not just creative, you're cranky too! We recently launched a line of merch on ​Bonfire​. Grab yours today! Two Cranky Creatives … Two Cranky Creatives is hosted by Carrie Cantwell and Toni Federico, two experienced art entrepreneurs who reveal the realities of making a living as a creative. Expect honest, unfiltered conversations about the challenges, victories, and everything in between when navigating the art world as a business. Whether you're a fellow creative entrepreneur deep into the hustle or just curious about the grind, join us every other week for candid conversations packed with practical advice that goes beyond the usual sugar-coated tips. This podcast is hosted by Libsyn, the most trusted platform for podcasters of all sizes. Get your first month free with code TWOCRANKYCREATIVES  (affiliate link) at https://signup.libsyn.com/

  6. May 20

    Cranky and Without a Compass: Real Talk About Building a Surface Design Business w/Elizabeth Silver

    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 this episode of Two Cranky Creatives, the Cranks are joined by the illustrious Elizabeth Silver. Together, they crack open one of the most maddening truths of the creative hustle: there is no straight line to success in surface design. Unlike traditional careers with neatly stacked ladders and linear progression, surface design is more like a choose-your-own-adventure book… except all the pages are out of order and someone spilled coffee on the map.  😵‍💫 From licensing to POD to freelance to teaching—new designers face a dizzying number of options, and trying to build them all at once? Cue burnout. But it's not all doomscrolls and dead ends. The Cranks and Elizabeth get real about what it takes to actually build a creative career that's both sustainable and sane. They share practical advice for focusing on one income stream at a time, why patience is a superpower (spoiler: most full-time designers took years to get there), and how profit—not revenue—is what really keeps you in the game. If you've been caught in the loop of comparison, confusion, and creative fatigue, this episode will feel like a deep, cranky exhale. Come for the validation—stay for the permission to slow down and plant smart seeds. Notable Resources (some affiliate links included) Affinity Canva Descript FloDesk Kit.com PaddyPost (lifetime fee) Teachable  Teachery (lifetime fee for a limited time) Elizabeth Silver… Elizabeth Silver is a professional surface pattern designer and a licensed artist for the stationery, gift, and textile markets. With over 20 years in the industry and hundreds of designs in her portfolio, she also teaches newer surface pattern designers how to move past overwhelm and obstacles to create a profitable creative business. She's passionate about keep it real business advice, and moving forward even in a messy way. Want More Cranky? Join the Cranky Club on Apple Podcasts to get early access to every episode, completely ad-free. You'll also unlock the full archive — all past episodes, right at your fingertips. Strut Your Cranky Stuff! Let the world know you're not just creative, you're cranky too! We recently launched a line of merch on ​Bonfire​. Grab yours today! Two Cranky Creatives … Two Cranky Creatives is hosted by Carrie Cantwell and Toni Federico, two experienced art entrepreneurs who reveal the realities of making a living as a creative. Expect honest, unfiltered conversations about the challenges, victories, and everything in between when navigating the art world as a business. Whether you're a fellow creative entrepreneur deep into the hustle or just curious about the grind, join us every other week for candid conversations packed with practical advice that goes beyond the usual sugar-coated tips. Thank you to our sponsor!    Illustrators for Hire This podcast is hosted by Libsyn, the most trusted platform for podcasters of all sizes. Get your first month free with code TWOCRANKYCREATIVES  (affiliate link) at https://signup.libsyn.com/

  7. May 13 ·  Bonus

    BONUS: Cranky & Controversial: Calling Out the Creative Course Boom

    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 down. Toni and Carrie unpack the tension between experience and education, the pressure of the creative hustle pushing artists toward teaching as a primary income stream, and the uncomfortable reality that not all courses are created by people with real-world "receipts." If you've ever felt unsure about investing in a course—or quietly skeptical about who's leading them—you're not alone. This conversation is a grounded look at how to protect your time, money, and creative energy. Articles Rachel Taylor  Aruba Mahmud Want More Cranky? Join the Cranky Club on Apple Podcasts to get early access to every episode, completely ad-free. You'll also unlock the full archive — all past episodes, right at your fingertips. Strut Your Cranky Stuff! Let the world know you're not just creative, you're cranky too! We recently launched a line of merch on ​Bonfire​. Grab yours today! Two Cranky Creatives … Two Cranky Creatives is hosted by Carrie Cantwell and Toni Federico, two experienced art entrepreneurs who reveal the realities of making a living as a creative. Expect honest, unfiltered conversations about the challenges, victories, and everything in between when navigating the art world as a business. Whether you're a fellow creative entrepreneur deep into the hustle or just curious about the grind, join us every other week for candid conversations packed with practical advice that goes beyond the usual sugar-coated tips. This podcast is hosted by Libsyn, the most trusted platform for podcasters of all sizes. Get your first month free with code TWOCRANKYCREATIVES  (affiliate link) at https://signup.libsyn.com/

  8. May 6

    Cranky and Cautious: How Creatives Can Spot Scams Before They Spiral

    Cranky and Cautious: How Creatives Can Spot Scams Before They Spiral In this episode of Two Cranky Creatives, the Cranks sound the alarm on a growing (and increasingly sophisticated) wave of scams targeting creatives at every stage of their careers. From the all-too-familiar Instagram "Do you take commissions?" DM, to eerie wrong-number texts that spiral into "pig butchering" schemes, to fake scouts and collectors sliding into your inbox with suspiciously vague offers, Carrie and Toni break down how these traps work, and why they're designed to exploit your creative hustle, optimism, and exhaustion. But this isn't a panic episode—it's a grounding one. Carrie and Toni talk about how scammers prey on the pressure, isolation, and hope baked into the creative hustle, and how slowing down is often the most powerful response. They offer creative career advice rooted in healthy skepticism, reminding listeners that real opportunities can withstand questions, pauses, and verification. This is your reminder that protecting your time, work, and energy isn't paranoid, it's professional. Want More Cranky? Join the Cranky Club on Apple Podcasts to get early access to every episode, completely ad-free. You'll also unlock the full archive — all past episodes, right at your fingertips. Strut Your Cranky Stuff! Let the world know you're not just creative, you're cranky too! We recently launched a line of merch on ​Bonfire​. Grab yours today! Two Cranky Creatives … Two Cranky Creatives is hosted by Carrie Cantwell and Toni Federico, two experienced art entrepreneurs who reveal the realities of making a living as a creative. Expect honest, unfiltered conversations about the challenges, victories, and everything in between when navigating the art world as a business. Whether you're a fellow creative entrepreneur deep into the hustle or just curious about the grind, join us every other week for candid conversations packed with practical advice that goes beyond the usual sugar-coated tips. This podcast is hosted by Libsyn, the most trusted platform for podcasters of all sizes. Get your first month free with code TWOCRANKYCREATIVES  (affiliate link) at https://signup.libsyn.com/

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In Two Cranky Creatives, two seasoned creative entrepreneurs, Carrie & Toni, pull back the curtain on the highs and lows of building a creative business. Expect unfiltered, real talk about the challenges, victories, and everything in between that comes with being a creative entrepreneur. Whether you're a fellow creative or just curious about the creative hustle, join us for candid conversations that go beyond the usual sugar-coated advice.

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