Tariff Tantrums & Cranky Comebacks: How US Tariffs are Affecting Creative Entrepreneurs

Two Cranky Creatives: Real Talk & Practical Advice for Surface Designers and Creative Entrepreneurs

In this episode of Two Cranky Creatives, Carrie and Toni get (extra) cranky about the new U.S. tariffs—and how they’re shaking up everything from licensing deals to your favorite POD platforms. Spoiler: If your margins are thinner than your last excuse to avoid admin work, you're not alone.

We’re talking changes, challenges, and the surprising opportunities that come from creative curveballs. Whether you’re pivoting your product offerings, exploring new income streams, or just taking a breath (and a break), this episode is here to remind you: flexibility is the name of the game—and you’re still an artist, no matter what.

In This Episode, You’ll Hear About:

💸 How new tariffs are directly impacting the surface design world🧵 Why POD and licensing are feeling the squeeze🌀 Why now is the time to experiment, adapt, and get weird (in the best way)🧠 Permission to take breaks, get part-time work, and still claim your artist title🎨 Why simply being an artist is a radical act of success

Nobody promised this would be easy. But we’re in it together—a drink in one hand, cranky hot takes in the other.

Notable Mentions

Printify

Ikigai

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.