Two Cranky Creatives

By: Carrie Cantwell & Toni Federico
Listen for free

  • Summary

  • 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.
    2024
    Show more Show less
Art Economics Leadership Management & Leadership
Show more Show less
Episodes
  • Cranky Mythbusting: Draw Every Day

    Cranky Mythbusting: Draw Every Day
    Apr 9 2025

    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.

    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’re tired of feeling guilt and shame every time you miss a day of drawing, this episode is for you.

    In This Episode, You’ll Hear About:

    • Why the “draw every day” rule isn’t one-size-fits-all.
    • How to build a creative routine that works for you—without the guilt.
    • Real talk on why artistic success isn’t defined by daily output.

    Whether you’re a pro or just starting out, Carrie and Toni share insights to help you make peace with your own unique creative rhythm.

    References Mentioned

    100 Day Project

    30 Flowers in Your Style Challenge

    Victory Tattoo

    Liberty Tattoo

    About 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.
    Show more Show less
    57 mins
  • Cranky About Unrealistic Expectations w/Stacie Dale

    Cranky About Unrealistic Expectations w/Stacie Dale
    Mar 26 2025
    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, 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 toll of chasing a dream career without a roadmap that reflects real industry challenges. Expect candid conversation on: How certain classes promise a “formula” to creative success that doesn’t actually exist.The importance of a grounded approach in finding your own creative path.The highs, lows, and often-ignored in-betweens of making a sustainable living in surface design. If you’re a creative who’s ever felt discouraged or misled by industry advice, this episode will give you the clarity you need to cut through the noise. References Mentioned Surface Design News Surface Design Industry Survey by Shannon McNab Stacie’s PlaylistThe Kill – Maggie Rogers Welcome to the Jungle – Guns ‘N Roses Pink Pony Club – Chapell Roan Stacie Dale …Stacie Dale is an illustrator and surface designer with a focus on birds and botanicals. She grew up in Audubon, Pennsylvania surrounded by nature preserves and the home of John James Audubon where she discovered her love of birds and horticulture. You can view her most recent work on her illustration website or on her Instagram. Stacie has written and illustrated her own children's book: Songbird Stories, Tales from the Pennsylvania Woods: Coming Home which is available for purchase on Amazon and on her retail website. She has also illustrated children's books for other independent authors and teaches in-person classes on colored pencil botanical illustration. In addition to her creative pursuits, Stacie is the editor of Surface Design News, a monthly subscription e-newsletter focusing on aspects of the surface design industry. Stacie can be reached at info@staciedaledesigns.com 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.
    Show more Show less
    55 mins
  • Cranky Creatives Don’t Work for Exposure

    Cranky Creatives Don’t Work for Exposure
    Mar 12 2025

    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 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 uncomfortable conversations while standing firm in your worth.

    If you’ve ever felt the sting of someone questioning your rates or struggled with educating clients about the value of what you do, this episode will leave you feeling seen, heard, and ready to defend your prices with confidence (and maybe a little crankiness).

    In This Episode, You’ll Hear About:

    • · Why some clients undervalue creative work—and why they’re wrong.
    • · The emotional labor of educating clients about your expertise.
    • · How frustrating it is to be treated like you’re greedy when asking for the budget.
    • · Strategies for standing firm in your worth as a creative.

    Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, Carrie and Toni offer a candid look at this all-too-common struggle—and some advice to help you navigate it with grit, grace, and humor.

    References Mentioned

    Canva

    Graphic Artists Guild Handbook

    Edward Tufte

    Rapper Vocabulary Infographic (Matthew Daniels)*

    SCORE

    * incorrectly attributed to Edward Tufte in show

    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.
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 4 mins
adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_webcro768_stickypopup

What listeners say about Two Cranky Creatives

Average customer ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Audible.com reviews

Amazon reviews
No Reviews are Available