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.