In this episode, Carrie and Toni are joined by Stacie Dale of Surface Design News to dive deep into the world of surface design classes. They explore how these courses can create sky-high expectations, leaving emerging artists overwhelmed, defeated, and downright cranky. If you’ve ever taken a class that promised you the moon only to deliver a handful of unrealistic goals, you’re not alone.

Carrie, Stacie, and Toni share real-life insights into why a surface design career isn’t a one-size-fits-all path and why success stories often skip over the gritty reality. They break down the toll of chasing a dream career without a roadmap that reflects real industry challenges.

Expect candid conversation on:

• How certain classes promise a “formula” to creative success that doesn’t actually exist.
• The importance of a grounded approach in finding your own creative path.
• The highs, lows, and often-ignored in-betweens of making a sustainable living in surface design.

If you’re a creative who’s ever felt discouraged or misled by industry advice, this episode will give you the clarity you need to cut through the noise.

References Mentioned

Surface Design News Surface Design Industry Survey by Shannon McNab

Stacie’s PlaylistThe Kill – Maggie Rogers Welcome to the Jungle – Guns ‘N Roses Pink Pony Club – Chapell Roan

 

Stacie Dale …Stacie Dale is an illustrator and surface designer with a focus on birds and botanicals. She grew up in Audubon, Pennsylvania surrounded by nature preserves and the home of John James Audubon where she discovered her love of birds and horticulture.  You can view her most recent work on her illustration website or on her Instagram.  Stacie has written and illustrated her own children's book: Songbird Stories, Tales from the Pennsylvania Woods: Coming Home which is available for purchase on Amazon and on her retail website. She has also illustrated children's books for other independent authors and teaches in-person classes on colored pencil botanical illustration. In addition to her creative pursuits, Stacie is the editor of Surface Design News, a monthly subscription e-newsletter focusing on aspects of the surface design industry. Stacie can be reached at [email protected]

 

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.