Learn Illustration, Surface Pattern Design and Art Business Marketing — Carrie Cantwell | Whimsical Art, Patterns, Home Decor & Licensing

1-on-1 Coaching for Artists, Illustrators & Surface Pattern Designers

Looking for guidance on art licensing, portfolio development, pitching, print-on-demand, Etsy, creative marketing, pricing, product development, or growing your art business? Whether you're just getting started or looking to level up an established creative career, I'm here to help.

I'm an award-winning illustrator, surface designer, educator, and licensing artist who has built multiple successful creative income streams, including art licensing, Etsy, print-on-demand, online teaching, a successful podcast, and brand partnerships. I've licensed artwork with dozens of companies, including Target, Pottery Barn, World Market, and many independent brands, all without the help of an agent.

During our live 1-hour video session, we'll focus on your unique goals, challenges, and opportunities. You'll leave with clear, actionable next steps tailored specifically to your situation. Every session is recorded, and you'll receive smart highlights, auto-generated notes, and a concise summary of key takeaways so you can revisit everything we covered whenever you need it.

Whether you need strategic advice, expert feedback, or simply a trusted creative sounding board, I'd love to help you move your art career forward.

BOOK NOW

Coaching Testimonials

"Carrie Cantwell has such a wealth of knowledge and experience to share, and is straightforward yet encouraging in her delivery. I left my session with Carrie feeling inspired, full of ideas, and with realistically actionable plans. If you're looking for that spark to get you moving forward, look no further and work with Carrie!"

— Julia Barry. Owner: UpRoot Design Studio
“Carrie is a great coach. I came in with a bunch of questions, mostly centered around if I could make a transition between industries. Carrie looked through my artwork, gave me tips on pitching, and even industry resources for working in surface design. I have a clear idea of what to do next and how to move forward as a surface designer.”

— Anneliese Johnson, Quilt Pattern Designer: Eye Candy Quilts
“Carrie was so thorough. I loved the contacts, art she selected, website feedback and conversation we had! I wanted it to be longer lol! It was so good chatting with Carrie, she is so helpful - I'm actually excited to pitch again!”

— Dina Riddle, Owner: Dina Riddle Design
“Having an experienced designer look at my work was invaluable. Carrie was very encouraging, helpful, and insightful. The session was amazing.”

— Laura Williams, Owner: Laura Williams Designs
"Carrie is a wonderful coach! Very friendly, tactful, energizing, understanding, openly shared industry "secrets" that were applicable specifically to my situation :) Thank you, Carrie! Also, love your sense of humor!"

— Kateryna Sukhomlynova, Owner: KateSu Design
“Carrie gave incredible feedback! Going over for Q&A was very generous of her. I hit the ground running and got started pitching immediately. Thanks again for all the advice and insights. I really appreciate it.”

— Nichole Marie Mace, Owner: By Nichole Marie
“Thank you, Carrie, for helping me make sense of my work and looking at it with a fresh perspective. Meeting with you made me excited to show my work again.”

— Melissa Kulick, Owner: Kulik Illustration
“I got clear answers as to what direction Carrie thought I should take my portfolio -- which is exactly what I was looking for. Carrie provided concrete resources to pursue like companies she thought my work would be a good fit for.”

— Kerry Boan, Owner: Studio of Considered Things
"I participated in a 1-on-1 'Perfect Pitching' coaching session with Carrie, and it gave me a solid foundation to start from. She provided key insights into the licensing world that I wouldn't have known otherwise. I'd give it a 5/5 and highly recommend her coaching to anyone looking to expand their art business."

— Virginia Hicks, Owner: Eternia Art
“Carrie’s coaching on pitching for art licensing and freelance work was a total game-changer for me. She broke everything down so clearly and gave me practical, personalized advice I could put into action right away. I loved how encouraging and honest she was throughout the whole process. I feel so much more confident reaching out to clients now, thanks to her guidance.”

— Julie Kingston
“Carrie’s portfolio review completely exceeded my expectations. She provided so much thoughtful detail and insight that I felt truly seen as an artist. I was blown away by how carefully she considered my unique style and the goals I’m working toward. I left our session feeling inspired, confident, and ready to take my work to the next level!”

— Natalie Stanwick

1-on-1 Coaching for Artists, Illustrators & Surface Pattern Designers

“Carrie was so thorough. I loved the contacts, art she selected, website feedback and conversation we had! I wanted it to be longer lol! It was so good chatting with Carrie, she is so helpful - I'm actually excited to pitch again!”

“Having an experienced designer look at my work was invaluable. Carrie was very encouraging, helpful, and insightful. The session was amazing.”

"Carrie is a wonderful coach! Very friendly, tactful, energizing, understanding, openly shared industry "secrets" that were applicable specifically to my situation :) Thank you, Carrie! Also, love your sense of humor!"

“Carrie gave incredible feedback! Going over for Q&A was very generous of her. I hit the ground running and got started pitching immediately. Thanks again for all the advice and insights. I really appreciate it.”

“Thank you, Carrie, for helping me make sense of my work and looking at it with a fresh perspective. Meeting with you made me excited to show my work again.”

“I got clear answers as to what direction Carrie thought I should take my portfolio -- which is exactly what I was looking for. Carrie provided concrete resources to pursue like companies she thought my work would be a good fit for.”