In this episode of Two Cranky Creatives, co-hosts Carrie Cantwell and Toni Federico dive into a topic that makes every artist’s blood boil: stolen artwork. From discovering your designs on unauthorized products to navigating the complicated world of copyright, they share personal stories, practical advice, and some much-needed venting.

If you’ve ever felt the sting of seeing your hard work taken without permission—or if you’re worried about how to protect your art—this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate the frustrating, cranky side of being a creative entrepreneur.

In This Episode, You’ll Hear About:

• Practical steps to protect your work from unauthorized use.
• Navigating gender norms in these dicey situations as a woman.
• The emotional toll of dealing with stolen art and how to manage it.
• Real talk about what you can do to safeguard your designs.

Whether you’re a seasoned creative or just starting, Carrie and Toni offer a mix of candid advice and encouragement to help you feel empowered—even when someone’s trying to steal your shine.

DISCLAIMER: Carrie and Toni are not lawyers. Any statements about copyright law are their personal understanding of US copyright law.

References Mentioned

Shepherd Ferry Obama Poster

US Copyright Office

Kindle Direct Publishing

Carrie’s Cat Butt Illustration

US Copyright Office Report on AI

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 debut episode of Two Cranky Creatives, co-hosts Carrie Cantwell and Toni Federico get real about why they started this podcast. If you’ve ever listened to creative industry podcasts and felt like everything was a bit too sugarcoated, you’re not alone.

Carrie and Toni are frustrated by the abundance of "polite" conversations about pursuing a creative career. So, they created Two Cranky Creatives to fill that gap. In this episode, they share their personal experiences of navigating the creative world and the challenges they’ve faced—from burnout to financial struggles to the emotional toll of trying to make it in a competitive industry.

You’ll hear them discuss:

• Why they believe so many creative podcasts only tell part of the story.
• The gritty realities that other podcasts gloss over, like the mental, emotional, and financial struggles that come with building a creative career.
• What you can expect from Two Cranky Creatives—brutal honesty, real talk, and actionable advice for surviving the ups and downs of the creative life.

Whether you’re a seasoned creative or just starting out, this episode is for anyone who’s ever felt discouraged, overwhelmed, or just plain cranky about the creative process. Get ready to ditch the sugarcoating and dive into the raw truth.

References Mentioned

Proof to Product with Katie Hunt
Bonnie Christine
Sorry to Bother You with LaKeith Stansfield

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.

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.