A Cranky Creatives Guide to Facing Rejection w/Mable Tan

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

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.