Cranky Creatives Don’t Work for Exposure: A Chat About Clients who Think We Charge to Much

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

In this episode of Two Cranky Creatives, hosts Carrie Cantwell and Toni Federico tackle a topic that’s sure to resonate with every artist, designer, and creative entrepreneur: clients who think your work is overpriced. It’s frustrating, it’s aggravating, and it’s a reality that every creative professional faces.

Carrie and Toni dive into the common mindset of clients who believe they could “do it themselves” or undervalue the expertise and effort that goes into professional creative work. They share stories of their own experiences, explore why this misconception exists, and offer insights on navigating these uncomfortable conversations while standing firm in your worth.

If you’ve ever felt the sting of someone questioning your rates or struggled with educating clients about the value of what you do, this episode will leave you feeling seen, heard, and ready to defend your prices with confidence (and maybe a little crankiness).

In This Episode, You’ll Hear About:

• Why some clients undervalue creative work—and why they’re wrong.
• The emotional labor of educating clients about your expertise.
• How frustrating it is to be treated like you’re greedy when asking for the budget.
• Strategies for standing firm in your worth as a creative.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, Carrie and Toni offer a candid look at this all-too-common struggle—and some advice to help you navigate it with grit, grace, and humor.

References Mentioned

Canva

Graphic Artists Guild Handbook

Edward Tufte

Rapper Vocabulary Infographic (Matthew Daniels)*

SCORE

* incorrectly attributed to Edward Tufte in show

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.