In this episode of Two Cranky Creatives, Carrie and Toni take a hard look at Pantone's 2026 Color of the Year, "Cloud Dancer"—a shade of white that's allegedly here to soothe our collective anxiety. But instead of peace, the Cranks felt... irritated. And they're not alone. From internet memes to side-eyes across the design world, "Cloud Dancer" has landed with all the grace of a cold chicken breast on a wedding plate. Is it truly calming—or just tone-deaf, condescending, and dangerously out of step with the emotional landscape creatives are navigating today?

Together, the Cranks unravel the legitimacy of Pantone's authority and make a compelling case for ditching the pressure of trendy palettes altogether. This one's part creative career advice, part color therapy, and all sass. If you've ever felt boxed in by "what's hot right now," this episode is your permission slip to throw the rulebook out the window and let your weird, wonderful style lead the way.

Want more Cranky? Join the Cranky Club on Apple Podcasts to get early access to every episode, completely ad-free. You'll also unlock the full archive — all past episodes, right at your fingertips.

Two Cranky Creatives …Two Cranky Creatives is hosted by Carrie Cantwell and Toni Federico, two experienced art entrepreneurs who reveal the realities of making a living as a creative. Expect honest, unfiltered conversations about the challenges, victories, and everything in between when navigating the art world as a business. Whether you're a fellow creative entrepreneur deep into the hustle or just curious about the grind, join us every other week for candid conversations packed with practical advice that goes beyond the usual sugar-coated tips.