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.

In this episode of Two Cranky Creatives, Carrie and Toni take a hard look at Pantone's 2026 Color of the Year, "Cloud Dancer"—a shade of white that's allegedly here to soothe our collective anxiety. But instead of peace, the Cranks felt... irritated. And they're not alone. From internet memes to side-eyes across the design world, "Cloud Dancer" has landed with all the grace of a cold chicken breast on a wedding plate. Is it truly calming—or just tone-deaf, condescending, and dangerously out of step with the emotional landscape creatives are navigating today?

Together, the Cranks unravel the legitimacy of Pantone's authority and make a compelling case for ditching the pressure of trendy palettes altogether. This one's part creative career advice, part color therapy, and all sass. If you've ever felt boxed in by "what's hot right now," this episode is your permission slip to throw the rulebook out the window and let your weird, wonderful style lead the 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.

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.

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.