Cranky and Concerned: Is Print on Demand (POD) Dead?

In this episode of Two Cranky Creatives, the Cranks tackle a question quietly echoing through the creative industry: Is print-on-demand dead? What once felt like a revolutionary way for artists to earn passive income has started to look very different. Venture-capital ownership, AI-fueled saturation, and shrinking artist royalties have reshaped the landscape in ways many creatives didn't see coming. Toni and Carrie break down what's happening behind the scenes on major platforms, why earnings have collapsed for many artists, and how business decisions driven by shareholders—not creators—are changing the rules of the game.

But this episode isn't about doom-scrolling through the decline of an industry. It's about navigating creative challenges with clear eyes and practical strategy. The Cranks talk through alternatives that still make sense for a creative career, from privately owned platforms like Fine Art America to marketplaces like Etsy that offer more control over pricing and production. Along the way, they share practical advice for artists trying to evaluate whether POD still deserves a place in their business at all—including the often-ignored step of calculating your real hourly wage. Because sometimes the most powerful move in the creative hustle isn't pushing harder… it's recognizing when the landscape has changed and choosing a smarter path forward.

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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.

This podcast is hosted by Libsyn. Host your podcast today (affiliate link).