In this episode of Two Cranky Creatives, hosts Carrie Cantwell and Toni Federico dig into the risks of relying on third-party platforms to showcase and sell your art. From sudden algorithm changes to entire platforms shutting down, creatives often find themselves at the mercy of corporate decisions beyond their control. So, what can you do about it?

Carrie and Toni share practical strategies for managing these risks, making informed choices about where to share your work, and ensuring your creative business isn’t wholly dependent on any single platform. Diversification is key—because you need more than one safety net when it comes to your livelihood.

In This Episode, You’ll Hear About:

🎯 Why using third-party platforms always comes with risk.
⚠️ How to protect yourself from sudden changes that could hurt your business.
💡 Making smart, informed choices about where you showcase your art.
💰 The importance of having multiple revenue streams.

Whether you’re selling prints, licensing your designs, or running an online shop, this episode will help you think critically about the platforms you use—and how to take control of your creative career.

P.S. Toni inadvertently named Emma Watson instead of Emma Thompson as the actress in Stranger Than Fiction

P.P.S. Here's the official explanation for how to calculate the median. Toni's explanation was flawed.

Notable Mentions

I Need by Maverick Sabre

Worlock by Skinny Puppy

Cooper Black (Font)

Larosa (Font)

Optimist Mixable Color

Shannon McNab’s Surface Industry Survey

POD Analysis Articles

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.