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

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/

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/

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/

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 better than this" moments. But all is not lost. Carrie and Toni break down why contracts, deposits, milestone payments, and kill fees aren't about being difficult—they're about protecting your time, energy, and livelihood. They talk candidly about trusting your gut, firing clients who cross boundaries, and why financial stability gives you the power to say no without panic. If you're navigating creative challenges or feeling stretched thin, this episode is your permission slip to tighten your systems, honor your worth, and stop chasing people who don't respect your work. You're not mean. You're professional. And you deserve to get paid. 💸✨ 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! Sunlight Tax The Print Life 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/

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 In this episode of Two Cranky Creatives, the Cranks sit down with artist and tax pro, Hannah Cole of Sunlight Tax, for a clear-eyed, no-nonsense conversation about taxes and the creative hustle. Together, they unpack the much-talked-about One Big Beautiful Bill, including why its flashy perks feel good in the short term, who actually benefits, and how it will impact us over the long-term. This is the stuff that gets buried under headlines, and it directly impacts how sustainable (or fragile) a creative career can be. But we never leave you without hope, and Hannah breaks down quarterly taxes in plain language, explains why tax protest mostly hurts individuals rather than systems, and offers smarter ways creatives can use economic power without blowing up their own finances. If you're craving creative career advice that cuts through the noise and gives you practical advice you can actually use, this episode is for you. Hannah Cole …Hannah Cole is an artist, tax expert, and the founder of Sunlight Tax. She specializes in educating entrepreneurs and creative professionals in taxes and financial empowerment. A long-time working artist with a high-level exhibition history, Hannah is a frequent speaker on stages and podcasts, a money columnist for the art blog Hyperallergic, and the host of a global top 3% podcast, the Sunlight podcast. Her company, Sunlight Tax, specializes in friendly, informative tax education for self-employed people with a big vision, and engaging, savvy tax education workshops for creative groups. www.sunlighttax.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. Thank you to our sponsor! Art Brand Alliance True Grit Texture Supply 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/

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 leaving creative entrepreneurs overworked, undervalued, and roped into agreements that quietly say, "also be our unpaid marketing department." From licensing deals that demand multi-year social media commitments, to contests that prioritize clout over craft, they unpack the sneaky ways companies offload marketing costs onto creators—and how this practice eats away at the soul of your creative hustle. Carrie and Toni take a beat to reflect on the deeper damage these expectations cause to a creative career—shifting time, energy, and emotional bandwidth away from actual artmaking and into unpaid promotional labor. They share practical advice for navigating creative challenges like these: how to evaluate opportunity cost, listen to your gut, and make bold exits from contracts that don't serve your values. This episode is cranky. It's cathartic. And it might just save your sanity. Notable ResourcesThe Artist's Rebellion: Breaking Up With The Content Monster 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 sponsors! Sunlight Tax The Etsy Mentor True Grit Texture Supply The Print Life 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/

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 Texture Supply with the code CRANKY at checkout In this episode of Two Cranky Creatives, the Cranks are joined once again by the always delightful Cat Coquillette. The theme? Perfection is a lie, and waiting until you're "ready" is just fear wearing a fancy outfit. Together, Cat, Carrie, and Toni unpack why chasing perfection is a trap that keeps creatives from putting their work out there—and how confidence isn't something you wait for, it's something you build through action. Whether you're afraid to pitch, post, or pursue your dream collab, this episode is your lovingly cranky pep talk to get moving already. Cat Coquillette …Cat Coquillette is a nomadic artist and founder of CatCoq, a brand that draws inspiration from Cat's travels around the world. Her artwork, ranging from tropical florals in Bali to Amazonian wildlife and Scandinavian textile patterns, offers a unique perspective to her audience. Cat's creative courses and art workshops have helped over half a million students gain the skills and confidence to pursue their creative passions. Cat remains dedicated to delivering art, education, and value to the community she loves. 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. 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! Thank you to our sponsors! Sponsor Links Surface Design News The Art of Collections Illustrators for Hire The Etsy Mentor The Creative Mentorship True Grit Texture Supply The Print Life Art Licensing Unlocked 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/

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 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 an ever-changing industry Whether you're just starting out or deep into licensing, this episode will leave you feeling prepared, proactive, and just the right amount of cranky. References Mentioned Notion Mable Tan's Newsletter Mandy Corcoran…Hey there! I'm Mandy Corcoran, the creative force behind Amanda Grace Design. With a deep passion for turning art into seamless patterns, I'm here to help artists like you merge creativity with technology and transform those artistic dreams into thriving businesses. My journey in surface pattern design is all about making tech tools fun and accessible, turning the transition from sketch to digital masterpiece into an exhilarating adventure. Through my courses, eduletters, and engaging reels, I'm dedicated to helping you streamline your processes so you can focus on what you truly love: creating. Let's dive into the vibrant world of digital art together and manifest those wild creative visions into reality. Ready to turn your art from under appreciated to unstoppable? Let's do this! Website: amandagracedesign.com Instagram: instagram.com/amandagracedesign Procreate Patterns Unleashed (affiliate link for Toni) 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.

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 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. Learn how to apply your own creative voice to trends, make them uniquely yours, and stay authentic while keeping your work marketable. Because, spoiler alert: You're still an artist—even if your art pays the bills. In This Episode, You'll Hear About: Why "trend" doesn't have to be a dirty word. Finding the balance between market demands and your creative identity. How to interpret and personalize trends in your work. Challenging the myth that commercial art isn't "real" art. Whether you're a trend trailblazer or someone who rolls their eyes at the word, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the art-meets-commerce tightrope. References Mentioned Pinterest Predicts 2025 Pantone Color of the Year 2025 Backblaze Cat's Kittens & Shrooms Mug Cat's Trend Reports Toni's Blog Cat's Playlist Sunny Sloth by Monster Rally Taxi Dancer by Dengue Fever Lebanese Blonde by Thievery Corporation Cat Coquillette …Cat Coquillette is a nomadic artist and founder of CatCoq, a brand that draws inspiration from Cat's travels around the world. Her artwork, ranging from tropical florals in Bali to Amazonian wildlife and Scandinavian textile patterns, offers a unique perspective to her audience. Cat's creative courses and art workshops have helped over half a million students gain the skills and confidence to pursue their creative passions. Cat remains dedicated to delivering art, education, and value to the community she loves. www.catcoq.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.

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. 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 the 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.

In this episode of Two Cranky Creatives, Carrie and Toni tackle the relentless pressure to always be creating. If you've ever felt like you're falling behind because you're not churning out work at lightning speed—trust us, you're not alone. Social media, hustle culture, and the myth of the "always-on" artist can make it feel like you're failing if you're not constantly producing. But here's the truth: It's okay to step back, take a break, and ignore the noise. Your creative journey is yours alone—no algorithm gets to dictate it. In This Episode, You'll Hear About: 🎨 The overwhelming pressure to produce and why it's okay to slow down.❌ Why you don't have to jump on every challenge or contest (seriously, you can say no).🗣️ How to tune out the FOMO and stay true to your artistic voice.⚡ Practical ways to create on your own terms—without the burnout. The art world will keep spinning whether you post today or not. What matters most is making work that feels authentic to you. So, let's get cranky and reclaim our creative freedom! 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.

In this episode of Two Cranky Creatives, Carrie and Toni break down the sneaky language lurking in contracts that could cost you big time. They've seen some doozies. Whether you're licensing artwork or signing a freelance agreement, knowing what to look for (and what to push back on) is everything. Contracts are NOT set in stone, no matter how official they look. Carrie and Toni share some of the most common red flags, sneaky clauses, and real-world lessons they learned the hard way. In This Episode, You'll Hear About: 🔎 Why your gut instinct about a contract is probably right.✍️ The importance of having a second set of eyes (a lawyer, a friend, or even AI).⚠️ Common traps like rights grabs, vague payment terms, and sneaky exclusivity clauses.💡 How to confidently negotiate better terms—yes, even you can do it! Contracts don't have to be scary, but they do need your full attention. Tune in and arm yourself with the knowledge to protect your work, your money, and your creative career. Notable Mentions Michael Sheridan Template Library SCORE Legal Shield for Business 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.

In 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 permission slip to go bold, go weird, and make your color choices unapologetically you. Ana Bianchi …Originally from Mexico, Ana Bianchi is an artist, designer, illustrator, and twice-published children's book author/illustrator. With degrees in both graphic design and fine arts, her 35+ years of creative work span disciplines ranging from printmaking and ceramics to illustration, surface design, and children's wear to graphic design and branding for clients, small and big, from local restaurants to major airlines. Her lifelong love of color is what connects it all and helps her comfortably move from one discipline to another and from one technique to another. Her book Color Curious (Chronicle Books) illustrates her ideas and inspiration around a variety of color themes, combining essays with her photography, illustrations, and more, and as you read her texts, you will discover her deep interest in art history, world cultures, and the pursuit of creative ideas through the common thread of color. When not working in her Bay Area studio, Ana loves to cook and bake colorful things, tend to her garden -her other color studio- and spend time with her tiny family and dogs. Color Curious Substack AnaLovesColor.com @analovescolor Her book Color Curious is now available for preorder at Chronicle Books, Amazon, Bookshop.org, Barnes&Noble, and Target Shipping on September 30th. 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.