Cranky and Ahead of the Curve w/Mandy Corcoran

In this episode of Two Cranky Creatives, hosts Carrie Cantwell and Toni Federico are joined by Mandy Corcoran of Amanda Grace Design. Together, they unpack the ins and outs of pitching schedules in art licensing and explain why working smarter and crankier matters. You'll also hear why small companies might be your licensing sweet spot over those intimidating big-box stores.

In This Episode, You'll Hear About:

• Why you should be designing one season ahead to stay relevant and competitive
• The benefits of designing for seasons, not holidays - timeless over timely
• Real-world experience pitching art in an ever-changin industry

Whether you're just starting out or deep into licensing, this episode will leave you feeling prepared, proactive, and just the right amount of cranky.

References Mentioned

Notion
Mable Tan’s Newsletter

Mandy Corcoran…
Hey there! I’m Mandy Corcoran, the creative force behind Amanda Grace Design. With a deep passion for turning art into seamless patterns, I’m here to help artists like you merge creativity with technology and transform those artistic dreams into thriving businesses. My journey in surface pattern design is all about making tech tools fun and accessible, turning the transition from sketch to digital masterpiece into an exhilarating adventure.

Through my courses, eduletters, and engaging reels, I’m dedicated to helping you streamline your processes so you can focus on what you truly love: creating. Let’s dive into the vibrant world of digital art together and manifest those wild creative visions into reality. Ready to turn your art from under appreciated to unstoppable? Let’s do this!

Website: amandagracedesign.com
Instagram: instagram.com/amandagracedesign
Procreate Patterns Unleashed (affiliate link for Toni)

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.