Carrie Cantwell on Building Confidence, Facing Rejection, and Finding Your Voice

Hey creatives! In this episode, we dive into the mindset shifts and strategies that fueled Carrie Cantwell’s inspiring transition from film to full-time artist. Stacie is joined by Carrie Cantwell, a former film industry graphic designer turned award-winning surface designer, Skillshare top teacher, podcast host, coach, and aspiring editorial illustrator. Carrie’s story is all about reinvention, resilience, and trusting your creative gut, and it’s one you won’t want to miss.

Hollywood to Home Studio: A Bold Leap

Carrie’s creative journey began in the late 1990s as a web designer, but it was her deep love for movies that led her into a high-pressure, high-profile role designing graphics for major film productions. While seeing her name and her work on the big screen was thrilling, the long hours and stress took a toll. Eventually, Carrie made the courageous decision to leave the film industry behind and bet on herself as a full-time artist.

“I watched my colleagues burn out,” she shared. “And I thought, if I don’t do this now, start making the art I want to make, I’m going to regret it for the rest of my life.”

Embracing the Brave (and Messy) Middle

Like many artists navigating a new chapter, Carrie’s early days as a surface designer were filled with trial and error, “throwing spaghetti at the wall,” as she puts it. It wasn’t until she discovered Stacie’s Leverage Your Art program that she began to see herself not just as an artist, but as a creative entrepreneur. From that moment on, Carrie started pitching her work with confidence and purpose.

Today, she’s built a thriving career that includes licensing deals, a hit podcast, coaching, and teaching. But as Carrie is quick to remind us, bravery isn’t about being fearless; it’s about moving forward in spite of fear. “I care a lot less now that I’m over 50 about what people think of me,” she said. “Life is short. Why not just try?”

Don’t Believe Everything You Think

Carrie and Stacie dive deep into the emotional rollercoaster of the creative life, imposter syndrome, rejection, and the paralyzing comparison trap. Carrie, whose mother is a psychotherapist, shared a powerful mantra: “Don’t believe everything you think.” Whether it’s a pitch that goes unanswered or an Instagram scroll that sparks insecurity, she reminds us that our inner critic is not always telling the truth.

And as Stacie puts it so memorably: “Bravery is figuring out the thing you don’t even realize you’re amazing at, and leaning into that.”

Turning Disappointment into Data

Carrie opens up about a difficult professional letdown when an agency she was excited to work with ultimately ghosted her. Instead of spiraling, she let herself feel the frustration, gave herself grace, and used the experience as a stepping stone. “Now, when something happens, it doesn’t affect me as much,” she said. “The more times that happens, the stronger I get.”

A New Vision: Art That Speaks

Looking to the future, Carrie is aiming her creative energy at editorial illustration, art that makes a statement, offers commentary, and contributes to the cultural conversation. “Now that I feel confident as an artist, I want to use it to help make the world a better place,” she said. From laughs to lightbulb moments, she’s determined to create meaningful work that resonates.

Stacie couldn’t agree more: “When you start speaking your truths and the things you're passionate about, someone else is going to meet you there, and it could be the call to action they need.”

Final Thoughts

Carrie Cantwell’s journey is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself, and that true creative freedom often begins on the other side of fear. Whether you’re thinking about pivoting your career, sending that first pitch, or exploring a new medium, her story will inspire you to be bold, be brave, and most importantly, be yourself.