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.

In 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, this episode is your pep talk—cranky humor included.

You’ll Hear About:

• Why “imposter syndrome” is just a silly myth.
• How confidence grows when you step into action.
• The freedom that comes from ditching restrictive labels.

Whether you’re a seasoned creative or just starting out, Carrie, Janine, and Toni want you to show up boldly and unapologetically.

References Mentioned

UPPERCASE Magazine

Encyclopedia of Inspiration

6th Surface Design Guide

UPPERCASE on Instagram

Janine Vangool …
Janine Vangool is the publisher, editor and designer of UPPERCASE. Her magazine and books celebrate the process of making, the commitment to craft and the art of living creatively. Janine got her start working as a freelance graphic designer for arts and culture clients and has also taught typography and publication design at the college level. She has been a shop owner and bookseller, gallery curator, sold a line of greeting cards wholesale, made 10,000 books by hand (with lots of help!) and has sewn her own products for retail. She has four fabric collections with Windham Fabrics.

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.

NOTE: 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 to take a break can actually help you grow as an artist. If rejection makes you feel discouraged, this episode offers practical advice and solidarity to remind you you’re not alone.

In This Episode, You’ll Hear About:

• Why rejection can happen to anyone at any time.
• The importance of creating art that fulfills you first.
• How taking a break can reset your mindset and reinvigorate your creative process.
• Real talk on reframing rejection as a natural part of the artistic journey.

Whether you’re a new artist or a seasoned pro, Mable, Carrie, and Toni share insights to help you navigate rejection with grace—and maybe even a little cranky humor.

References Mentioned

The Creative Act by Rick Rubin

Mable Tan…

Mable Tan is a surface designer based in Melbourne, Australia. She is devoted to creating pretty things that brings joy and happiness to people and homes. Her work has been seen in Target Australia, Spotlight, RICE, Urban Outfitters and Lucy & Yak. Her art is very much inspired by kindness, self-care, nature and birds.

Connect With Mable online:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mabletandesigns/

My website for artists: https://iamanartist.today/

My surface design website: https://mabletan.com/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mabletandesigns

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mabletandesigns

Art Licensing Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/artlicensingwithmabletan

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, 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 you.

In This Episode, You’ll Hear About:

• Why the curated perfection of social media can feel so toxic.
• The reality of not owning or controlling the platforms you rely on.
• Healthy ways to balance your social media presence without burning out.
• Real talk about setting boundaries and finding strategies that work for your goals.

Whether you’re a seasoned creative or just starting to navigate the online world, Carrie and Toni share actionable advice to help you take control of your social media habits—and reclaim your sanity.

References Mentioned
Adobe Express

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, 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.

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.