ArtsVisual Arts

Bench Talk

Tom Gerrard

Welcome to Bench Talk — the podcast where I dive into real, honest conversations with inspiring artists, to reveal what it really takes to build a thriving creative career.
I’m your host, Tom Gerrard — an international artist from Australia and Co-Founder of The Art Career Academy, an online school dedicated to helping visual artists rise up and go pro. I kicked off this podcast back in 2016, when I was dreaming of going full-time with my art. And through these chats, I found the path and walked it.

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#226
Wednesday · 56 min
#226 | Sofles PT.1 - The ever evolving graffiti artist
Drawing every day is often one of the secrets we've found that separates hobbyist artists from professionals. In this episode of Bench Talk, Tom Gerrard sits down with Brisbane-based muralist Sofles to unpack the exact practice that unlocked his $40,000+ mural commissions, his 13-storey walls in Slovakia, and his ability to paint 14 different fitness gyms without repeating himself once. Sofles didn't start as a "natural talent." He started as a kid who drew constantly, trained his imagination like a muscle, and fell in love with graffiti in Year 9. But here's what set him apart: while other writers were obsessing over tags and crew politics, Sofles was building an unshakeable foundation in drawing. This is essential listening for any artist who's serious about building a sustainable career. The lesson is universal: show up to your sketchbook every single day. Key Topics Covered ⚡️Why drawing is the non-negotiable foundation for every art career ⚡️How Sofles trained his imagination from childhood and never stopped ⚡️The difference between a toy and a pro: it's not talent, it's consistent practice ⚡️Why versatility in style kept his career interesting and opened more opportunities ⚡️His journey from painting illegal trains to painting the biggest commissioned walls in the world ⚡️How he approaches massive projects: planning, efficiency, and mental discipline ⚡️The physical and mental endurance needed to paint 70-metre walls and 13-storey buildings ⚡️Why mentors matter, but so does finding your own voice ⚡️How graffiti has evolved from underground to celebrated, and why the rebellious spirit still matters ⚡️His take on the future of art in a high-tech world 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube ------ 🔗 WANT TO GO DEEPER? 👉 Want to learn how Tom and our art students make a great income from their art? Get a copy of our free cheatsheet here; https://www.artcareeracademy.com/creative-cashflow-guide 👉 AI isn't going anywhere. But neither are you! Download 'AI Proof Your Art Career' ~ our free guide for artists who want to stay fully human https://www.artcareeracademy.com/ai-proof-art-career-guide ------ HOST: Tom Gerrard ✦ IG | @artcareeracademy and @tom-gerrard ✦ Watch on Youtube | @artcareeracademy ✦ Website | artcareeracademy.com and tom-gerrard.com GUEST: ✦ Instagram | @sofles ✦ Website: https://www.sofles.com If you loved this episode, then we'd be super grateful for a 5 star review and do subscribe so that you never miss an episode. Thanks for being here!
#225
October 13 · 25 min
#225 | ART CAREER ACADEMY | How Collectors Buy Art Today
👉🏼 We’re raising funds through AusArt Day [22nd Oct] to support artists with scholarships into our Going Pro program. We'd love your help in two ways: donate to directly support emerging artists, or share our campaign with your audience. Either way, you’re removing barriers and making professional art education accessible. Thank you! https://artists.australianculturalfund.org.au/s/project/a2EMn00000kNIRa/going-pro-art-career-scholarship-fund 🔥 What does the actual data say about the art market in 2026? Instead of guessing or listening to rumours, Claire and I dive into the real numbers from the Art Basel and UBS Survey of Global Collecting 2026, based on data from over 3,100 collectors worldwide. The insights are game-changing for artists. Gen Z is now the biggest spenders in the art market, outspending every other generation by more than double. Direct-from-artist sales have more than doubled in one year. Instagram is now a genuine sales channel, not just a discovery tool. And collectors are using AI tools to research purchases at unprecedented rates. But what does it all mean for your art career? You’ll hear Claire and I discuss: ⚡️The shocking shift: Gen Z outspending all other generations by more than double ⚡️Why younger collectors are investing in living artists, not deceased masters ⚡️The wealth transfer that's about to reshape the entire market ⚡️How direct-from-artist sales have more than doubled in one year ⚡️Why galleries are still the most important sales channel (83% of high net worth collectors use them) ⚡️The rise of art fairs: 58% of collectors made purchases linked to art fairs, up from 39% in 2023 ⚡️How Instagram evolved from discovery tool to genuine sales channel ⚡️The role of AI in collector research: 22% now use AI tools, up from 4% in 2024 ⚡️Why professional presentation matters more than ever ⚡️The importance of diversifying your income streams ⚡️How galleries and artists are building partnerships rather than hierarchical relationships ⚡️The evolving gallery model: pop-ups, art fairs, and behind-the-scenes relationships ⚡️Why human-made art is becoming more valuable, not less ⚡️Real collector behaviour vs market myths 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube ------ 🔗 WANT TO GO DEEPER? 👉 Want to learn how Tom and our art students make a great income from their art? Get a copy of our free cheatsheet here; https://www.artcareeracademy.com/creative-cashflow-guide 👉 This episode references the Art Basel and UBS Survey of Global Collecting 2026, based on data from over 3,100 collectors worldwide. Read the full survey here - https://www.ubs.com/global/en/our-firm/art/art-market-research/survey-global-collecting-2026.html ------ HOST: Tom Gerrard ✦ IG | @artcareeracademy and @tom-gerrard ✦ Watch on Youtube | @artcareeracademy ✦ Website | artcareeracademy.com and tom-gerrard.com GUEST: Claire Bradshaw (Art Career Academy) ✦ Instagram | @artcareeracademy @_clairebradshaw_ ✦ Website: https://www.artcareeracademy.com/ If you loved this episode, then we'd be super grateful for a 5 star review and do subscribe so that you never miss an episode. Thanks for being here!
#224
July 15 · 20 min
#224 | ART CAREER ACADEMY | AI Won't Kill Art
👉🏼 Enrolments for our signature program Going Pro Self Led are opening soon. Join the waitlist to get first access here-https://www.artcareeracademy.com/waitlist-goingpro-sl 🔥 Is AI coming for your art career? OR is it actually the best time to be an artist? In this episode of Bench Talk, Claire and I tackle one of the biggest questions artists are asking right now: What does artificial intelligence mean for the future of art and artists? Instead of feeding into the fear and uncertainty, we look at history to show you why THIS moment is actually an opportunity and some specific mindset shifts and actions you need to make right now. You’ll hear Claire and I discuss: ⚡️ Why uncertainty triggers a freeze response and how to overcome it ⚡️ The predictable pattern with every major change throughout history ⚡️ How photography was supposed to kill painting but gave birth to impressionism ⚡️ Why human-made art is about to become more valuable, not less ⚡️ The difference between AI art and human art: story, perspective, emotion ⚡️ Why artists are uniquely positioned to thrive in a tech-driven world ⚡️ The coming surge in art collectors, curators, gallery owners and creative roles ⚡️ Practical action steps to take right now ⚡️ Why showing your process and sharing your story matters 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube ------ 🔗 WANT TO GO DEEPER? 👉 AI isn't going anywhere. But neither are you! Download 'AI Proof Your Art Career' ~ our free guide for artists who want to stay fully human https://www.artcareeracademy.com/ai-proof-art-career-guide 👉 Want to learn how Tom and our art students make a great income from their art? Get a copy of our free cheatsheet here; https://www.artcareeracademy.com/creative-cashflow-guide ------ HOST: Tom Gerrard ✦ IG | @artcareeracademy and @tom-gerrard ✦ Watch on Youtube | @artcareeracademy ✦ Website | artcareeracademy.com and tom-gerrard.com GUEST: Claire Bradshaw (Art Career Academy) ✦ Instagram | @artcareeracademy @_clairebradshaw_ ✦ Website: https://www.artcareeracademy.com/ If you loved this episode, then we'd be super grateful for a 5 star review and do subscribe so that you never miss an episode. Thanks for being here!
#223
July 8 · 1 hr 2 min
#223 | KITT BENNETT | How a Tattoo Apprenticeship Changed the Way This Artist Creates
👉🏼 Enrolments for our signature program Going Pro Self Led are opening soon. Join the waitlist to get first access here-https://www.artcareeracademy.com/waitlist-goingpro-sl 🔥 Kitt Bennett has painted a skeleton on the ground the size of a city block, a mud crab that looks like it’s about to eat him, and ground murals he’s happy to leave fading in the weather for a decade. On purpose. If you’ve ever obsessed over a post’s view count, or felt paralysed trying to get a drawing “right,” this episode is for you. Kitt joins Tom to talk about street art, tattooing, and the messy, unglamorous process most artists never show anyone. You’ll hear Tom & Kitt discuss: ⚡️ How a giant ground mural became a video artwork about process, not just a finished photo ⚡️ Why crustaceans are easier to draw than rabbits, and what that says about how Kitt solves creative problems - ⚡️ The real reason Kitt uses himself as reference for almost every figure he paints ⚡️ How his tattoo apprenticeship completely rewired the way he draws - ⚡️ The Microsoft Paint folio he secretly built while working a call centre job, just to get into art school ⚡️ What blind drawing games teach you about letting go of perfection - ⚡️ Why Kitt downgraded to a “dumb phone” at the end of each day ⚡️ The honest, sometimes brutal feedback loop he has with collaborators like Mayo and Drez Kitt’s take on all of it: the work matters more than the metrics! If that’s a mindset shift you need right now, this conversation will help alot. 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube ------ 🔗 WANT TO GO DEEPER? 👉 Get our free Visibility Guide to learn how artists are getting seen by gallerists and collectors right now! https://www.artcareeracademy.com/visibility-guide 👉 Want to learn how Tom and our art students make a great income from their art? Get a copy of our free cheatsheet here; https://www.artcareeracademy.com/creative-cashflow-guide ------ HOST: Tom Gerrard ✦ IG | @artcareeracademy and @tom-gerrard ✦ Watch on Youtube | @artcareeracademy ✦ Website | artcareeracademy.com and tom-gerrard.com GUESTS: ✦ Instagram | @kitt_bennett/ ✦ Website: https://kittbennett.bigcartel.com/ If you loved this episode, then we'd be super grateful for a 5 star review and do subscribe so that you never miss an episode. Thanks for being here!
#222
June 24 · 1 hr 10 min
#222 | ART CAREER ACADEMY | Building an Art Community That Transforms a City
What happens when a city gets behind public art? And what does it take to build a thriving mural community that impacts everyone from homeless people to politicians? In this live panel discussion recorded at the Darwin Street Art Festival's 10-year celebration, Tom Gerrard sits down with David Collins (founder and director), George Rose (established muralist), Caleb Schatz (emerging artist), and Ris Pikala (first-time participant) to explore how a small idea became a movement that transformed an entire city. This conversation goes deep into: ⚡️ How David Collins went from graffiti writer to festival founder in one bold moment ⚡️ Why running the festival by locals (not outsiders) made all the difference ⚡️ The origin story: a full moon, a Yappa Yappa, and telling the Northern Territory government "you gotta give us a festival" ⚡️ How the festival produces opportunities for emerging artists to paint their first public mural ⚡️ Building confidence through community support and visible accomplishment ⚡️ The surprising embrace of muralism across all demographics (young, old, homeless, politicians — everyone has a favourite) ⚡️ Why Darwin's community reception is different from other cities ⚡️ The ripple effect: inspiring the next generation of artists ⚡️ How festivals create momentum that outlasts the event itself ⚡️ What it means to participate multiple times (George's four festivals) versus painting for the first time (Ris' debut) ⚡️ The role of curation in maintaining artistic integrity while growing scale ⚡️ Creating a world-class festival that doesn't feel corporate or disconnected from the community This episode is essential for anyone thinking about building an art community, launching a creative initiative, or understanding how public art can become part of a city's identity. 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube ------ 🔗 WANT TO GO DEEPER? 👉 Get our free Visibility Guide to learn how artists are getting seen by gallerists and collectors right now! https://www.artcareeracademy.com/visibility-guide 👉 Want to learn how Tom and our art students make a great income from their art? Get a copy of our free cheatsheet here; https://www.artcareeracademy.com/creative-cashflow-guide ------ HOST: Tom Gerrard ✦ IG | @artcareeracademy and @tom-gerrard ✦ Watch on Youtube | @artcareeracademy ✦ Website | artcareeracademy.com and tom-gerrard.com GUESTS: David Collins, George Rose, Caleb Schatz, Ris Pikala ✦ Instagram | @darwinstreetartfestival @uncooldaybed @george_rose @calebdude.art @nccadarwin ✦ Website: https://www.darwinstreetartfestival.com.au/ If you loved this episode, then we'd love a 5 star review and do subscribe so that you never miss an episode. Thanks for being here!
#221
June 10 · 50 min
#221 | GEORGE ROSE | Painting Globally, Colour Mastery & The Business of Muralism
How do you build an international mural career when Australia feels like the other side of the world? In this episode of Bench Talk, Tom Gerrard reconnects with George Rose in Darwin, where they've both been painting murals for the Darwin Street Art Festival. George shares her journey from painting walls across Australia to becoming an internationally sought-after muralist, working everywhere from Europe to North America and beyond. This conversation covers so much ground: the real differences between painting murals in Australia versus Europe, the nine-story murals George has created in Darwin, the meticulous design and mockup process that often takes longer than the actual painting, her deep exploration of colour and gradient work, and the physical toll of large-scale muralism (and how she's adapted). But what makes this episode particularly valuable is George's honest take on the muralism industry: why design time should be paid, why artists aren't sign writers, and how the business side of this work is often undervalued. Tom and George explore: ⚡️ Building an international mural career from Australia (a place that's far from everywhere) ⚡️ The stark differences between mural markets in Australia, Europe, and America ⚡️ Why Europe pays less but offers beautiful walls (firewall architecture, building ratios) ⚡️ The Darwin murals: two nine-story pieces painted two years apart ⚡️ Designing paintings that work as individual pieces but also complement each other ⚡️ The massive boom lifts and technical equipment needed for large-scale work ⚡️ Why the design and mockup process matters as much as the painting ⚡️ The evolution of George's colour work: from black outlines to gradient-based colour play ⚡️ Building a personal library of brush patterns, textures, and collected imagery ⚡️ Why flexibility on the wall is essential (artists aren't technicians or sign writers) ⚡️ Recovering from shoulder injuries through functional strength training ⚡️ The challenges of maintaining a studio practice while being nomadic ⚡️ How Darwin's community is uniquely open to unconventional concepts ⚡️ Future plans: UK, Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, and a potential Masters in Fine Art at Basel ⚡️ Why returning to formal art education can catalyse the next shift in an artist's practice This episode is essential for any artist considering an international career, thinking about the business side of their work, or wanting to understand how colour, design, and intention shape large-scale muralism. 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube ------ 🔗 WANT TO GO DEEPER? 👉 Get our free Visibility Guide to learn how artists are getting seen by gallerists and collectors right now! https://www.artcareeracademy.com/visibility-guide 👉 Want to learn how Tom and our art students make a great income from their art? Get a copy of our free cheatsheet here; https://www.artcareeracademy.com/creative-cashflow-guide ------ HOST: Tom Gerrard ✦ IG | @artcareeracademy and @tom-gerrard ✦ Watch on Youtube | @artcareeracademy ✦ Website | artcareeracademy.com and tom-gerrard.com GUEST: George Rose ✦ Instagram | @george_rose ✦ Website: georgerose.com.au If you loved this episode, then we'd love a 5 star review and do subscribe so that you never miss an episode. Thanks for being here!
#220
May 26 · 51 min
#220 | YAKOB MORLEY
In this engaging interview, artist Jacob Morley shares his journey from tattooing to painting, his creative process, and how moving to the Mornington Peninsula has influenced his art and lifestyle. Discover insights on building a sustainable art career, the importance of space organization, and the joy of experimenting with different mediums. In this episode we explore: Transitioning from tattooing into painting and mixed-media art. ⚡️Mornington Peninsula move reshaped lifestyle and artistic direction. ⚡️Building modular studio spaces to support creative flexibility. ⚡️Balancing commercial work with personal artistic practice. ⚡️Folk art and street signage inspire visual language. ⚡️Experimenting across painting, woodworking, and assemblage techniques. ⚡️Navigating art sales, online presence, and creative authenticity. ⚡️Future projects focused on growth, collaboration, and experimentation. 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube Loved this episode? Hit subscribe and give us a 5 star review. This means so much, thank you! ------ HOST: Tom Gerrard ✦ IG | @artcareeracademy and @tom-gerrard ✦ Watch on Youtube | @artcareeracademy ✦ Website | artcareeracademy.com and tom-gerrard.com GUEST: Hiroyasu Tsuri (TWOONE) ✦ Instagram | @t_w_o_o_n_e ✦ Website | https://hiroyasutsuri.com/ ------- WANT MORE? 👉 Get our free Visibility Guide to learn how artists are getting seen by gallerists and collectors right now! https://www.artcareeracademy.com/visibility-guide 👉 Want to learn how Tom and our art students make a great income from their art? Get a copy of our free cheatsheet here; https://www.artcareeracademy.com/creative-cashflow-guide
#219
May 13 · 45 min
#219 | TWOONE - The First Guest, 10 Years Later — What a decade as a working artist actually teaches you
Mural artist Hiroyasu Tsuri (TWOONE) was the very first guest on the BenchTalk art career podcast ~ ten years ago, on a rooftop in Melbourne with a dictaphone and no plan. Today he's one of the most compelling working artists in the world — painting large-scale murals across Japan, Malaysia, Morocco and Hong Kong, living in rural Italy and building an art career entirely on his own terms. In this artist interview, I sit back down with Hiroyasu a decade later to talk about what it really takes to build a sustainable art career ~ the creative philosophy, the long game and why embracing what you can't control might be the most important thing a professional artist can do. A decade later, Hiroyasu is living in a farmhouse in rural Italy, painting monumental walls across Malaysia, Morocco, Hong Kong and Japan and preparing for a major gallery exhibition in Victoria responding to the Ukiyo-e collection at Latrobe Regional Gallery. The work has expanded. The life has grown. And yet, he'll tell you himself, he still doesn't feel like he's mastered his own technique. That's not a confession. That's the whole philosophy. In this special anniversary episode, Hiroyasu and I sit back down together and talk about what a decade in the art world actually looks like from the inside. The creative philosophy that drives the work, what happens when you stop trying to fix your mistakes and start incorporating them, why Hiroyasu deliberately paints walls anyone can walk past rather than spaces only art people enter and what staying curious has done for his career that chasing mastery never could. In this episode we explore: ⚡️The calligraphy lesson Hiroyasu learned as a kid in Japan and how it became the foundation of his entire practice ⚡️Why he deliberately works with tools he can't fully control ~ and what that produces ⚡️How moving from Berlin to a small Italian village changed the way he works and finds inspiration ⚡️What murals do for communities that galleries simply can't ⚡️The moment a byproduct became the product ~ how his lightbox series was born entirely by accident ⚡️Walking between paintings: why action stimulates more ideas than sitting and thinking ever will ⚡️Where Hiroyasu is headed next If you've ever wondered what 10 years as a professional artist actually looks like - then this is it. 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube Loved this episode? Hit subscribe and give us a 5 star review. This means so much, thank you! ------ HOST: Tom Gerrard ✦ IG | @artcareeracademy and @tom-gerrard ✦ Watch on Youtube | @artcareeracademy ✦ Website | artcareeracademy.com and tom-gerrard.com GUEST: Hiroyasu Tsuri (TWOONE) ✦ Instagram | @t_w_o_o_n_e ✦ Website | https://hiroyasutsuri.com/ ------- WANT MORE? 👉 Get our free Visibility Guide to learn how artists are getting seen by gallerists and collectors right now! https://www.artcareeracademy.com/visibility-guide 👉 Want to learn how Tom and our art students make a great income from their art? Get a copy of our free cheatsheet here; https://www.artcareeracademy.com/creative-cashflow-guide
#218
April 29 · 26 min
#218 | ART CAREER ACADEMY | Why Talented Artists Struggle
👉🏼 Watch the limited time full MASTERCLASS REPLAY on the 3 Shifts Professional Artists Make to Build Real Careers: https://www.artcareeracademy.com/lp-replay-3shifts What's the real difference between an 'artist' and a 'professional artist'? It's not talent. It's not luck. It's a fundamental mindset shift that changes everything. In this episode of Bench Talk, Tom Gerrard sits down with Claire Bradshaw from Art Career Academy to unpack one of the most critical (and often overlooked) transitions an artist can make: the shift from seeing yourself as "an artist" to recognising that you're actually running a business as well. This isn't about selling out. It's not about faking it till you make it. It's about stepping into your higher self and showing up as the professional artist you're meant to be ~ even before you feel 100% ready. In this episode Tom and Claire explore: ⚡️The exact moment Tom shifted from "graphic designer who does art on the side" to full-time professional artist ⚡️Why it took three years (and what accelerated the process) ⚡️The power of surrounding yourself with artists who are already where you want to be ⚡️How this mindset shift happens at every level of an art career (not just once) ⚡️Why stagnation is a sign you're ready for the next up-level ⚡️The painful but necessary process of "killing off" old versions of yourself to grow ⚡️Navigating the fear of being shunned by peers when you start monetising your art ⚡️Limiting beliefs that hold artists back (and how to work through them) ⚡️The role of vision in helping you close the gap between who you are now and who you need to become ⚡️Why "fake it till you make it" is terrible advice (and what to do instead) ⚡️The freedom and responsibility of designing your own art career path ⚡️How to know when it's time to move to the "next arena" in your career This episode is essential listening for any artist who's serious about turning their creative practice into a sustainable, thriving career — without compromising who they are. Loved this episode? Hit subscribe and give us a 5 star review. This means so much, thank you! 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube ------ 🔗 WANT TO GO DEEPER? 👉🏼 Ready to join a community of artists building real careers? Learn more about Momentum, our mentorship community for artists who are earning $3,500+ from their art: https://www.artcareeracademy.com/momentum-collective ------ HOST: Tom Gerrard ✦ IG | @artcareeracademy and @tom-gerrard ✦ Watch on Youtube | @artcareeracademy ✦ Website | artcareeracademy.com and tom-gerrard.com GUEST: Claire Bradshaw ✦ Instagram | @artcareeracademy and @_clairebradshaw_ ✦ Website | https://www.artcareeracademy.com/
#217
April 15 · 1 hr 2 min
BENCH TALK Podcast #217 | KRISTOPHER RAOS - Studio Practice & The Long Game
👉 FREE live masterclass training for working visual artists ~ discover why talented artists stay stuck and the 3 shifts that change everything. https://www.artcareeracademy.com/freetraining-unstuck What does it really take to transition from graffitti writer to full-time studio artist? In this episode of Bench Talk, Tom Gerrard reconnects with Los Angeles-based artist Kristopher Raos for an in-depth conversation about making the leap from graffiti to a sustainable studio practice, the alchemy of materials, and why keeping your work accessible matters. Kristopher hasn't painted graffiti in five years — not because he fell out of love with it, but because he channeled that same energy into his studio work. What started as a "more practical solution" to painting on the streets has become a thriving full-time career, complete with gallery representation, museum exhibitions, and a deeply experimental material practice. In this conversation, Tom and Kristopher explore: ⚡️ Why the transition from street to studio felt natural (not like a compromise) ⚡️ How Kristopher deliberately left text behind to create distance from "street artist turned gallery artist" labels ⚡️ The materials he works with: cel vinyl, gouache, acrylic, and experimental processes ⚡️ Separating binders from pigments to achieve ultra-flat, saturated surfaces ⚡️ Why he doesn't use spray paint on canvas (and the lessons learned early on) ⚡️ The graffiti writer's "alchemy" mindset applied to traditional materials ⚡️ Looking at the LA landscape for source material instead of spots to paint ⚡️ Why Kristopher keeps his work affordable and accessible to multiple audiences ⚡️ The importance of pricing work so emerging collectors can participate ⚡️ Working with Charlie James Gallery and experimenting outside market pressures ⚡️ Having work in museum permanent collections (Buffalo AKG, California institutions) ⚡️ The reality of being a full-time artist in your 40s (and why it's the prime years) This episode is a masterclass in intentional career-building, material experimentation, and staying true to your roots while evolving as an artist. 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube Loved this episode? Hit subscribe and give us a 5 star review. This means so much, thank you! ------ HOST: Tom Gerrard ✦ IG | @artcareeracademy and @tom-gerrard ✦ Watch on Youtube | @artcareeracademy ✦ Website | artcareeracademy.com and tom-gerrard.com GUEST: Kristopher Raos ✦ Instagram | @kristopher_raos ✦ Website | https://kristopherraos.com ------- WANT MORE? 👉 Get our free Visibility Guide to learn how artists are getting seen by gallerists and collectors right now! https://www.artcareeracademy.com/visibility-guide 👉 Want to learn how Tom and our art students make a great income from their art? Get a copy of our free cheatsheet here; https://www.artcareeracademy.com/creative-cashflow-guide
#216
April 1 · 50 min
BENCHTALK Podcast #216 | ELLIOTT ROUTLEDGE
What does it take to evolve as an artist without losing yourself in the process? In this episode of Bench Talk, Tom Gerrard sits down with Sydney-based artist Elliott Rutledge for a raw, honest conversation about artistic evolution, breaking into the gallery world, and the courage it takes to keep experimenting when you're not sure if anyone will buy the work. Elliott is a true creative polymath - working across abstract paintings, text-based works, murals, sculptures and more. But his path hasn't been linear. He went from street art to gallery representation, navigated imposter syndrome along the way and learned to trust his instincts even when commercial viability wasn't guaranteed. In this conversation, Tom and Elliott explore: ⚡️Why Elliott doesn't call himself a "street artist" anymore: ⚡️How to navigate imposter syndrome when transitioning into the gallery world ⚡️The evolution of Elliott's condensed, elongated text-based works ⚡️Why he kept certain bodies of work "on the back burner" for years before showing them ⚡️How one interior designer's enthusiasm gave him the confidence to finally exhibit his text pieces ⚡️The importance of creating work you love, even if you don't think it will sell ⚡️Working across multiple mediums and styles without feeling scattered ⚡️How mentors shaped Elliott's gallery career ⚡️Being featured in the Australian Abstract art book ⚡️Balancing fatherhood, studio time, and a relentless creative drive This is a interview is all about artistic integrity, creative courage and the long game of building a sustainable art career without compromising who you are. 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube Loved this episode? Hit subscribe and give us a 5 star review. This means so much, thank you! ------ HOST: Tom Gerrard ✦ IG | @artcareeracademy and @tom-gerrard ✦ Watch on Youtube | / @artcareeracademy ✦ Website | artcareeracademy.com and tom-gerrard.com GUEST: Elliott Routledge ✦ Instagram | @funskull ✦ Website | https://www.elliottroutledge.com/ ------- WANT MORE? 👉 Get our free Visibility Guide to learn how artists are getting seen by gallerists and collectors right now! https://www.artcareeracademy.com/visibility-guide 👉 Want to learn how Tom and our art students make a great income from their art? Get a copy of our free cheatsheet here; https://www.artcareeracademy.com/creative-cashflow-guide
#215
March 18 · 23 min
BENCH TALK Podcast #215 | ART CAREER ACADEMY - When Art Advice Derails You
Every artist has been there. Someone - a gallerist, a family member, a fellow artist - pulls you aside and tells you exactly what's wrong with your work. You didn't ask. But now you can't stop thinking about it. In this episode of Bench Talk, Claire Bradshaw from Art Career Academy and I unpack one of the most common (and damaging) experiences in an artist's career: unsolicited advice and what to do when it threatens to knock you off course. In this episode Claire and I explore: ⚡️Why unsolicited advice is everywhere and why it's getting louder ⚡️The real reason criticism hits artists harder than most people ⚡️Tom's personal story: the "clean lines" advice that cost him two years of joy ⚡️Claire's 3-step framework for handling feedback without going into freeze or spiral ⚡️How to assess whether advice actually deserves your attention ⚡️Why trying to please everyone is the fastest route to becoming forgettable ⚡️The Picasso, Matisse + Basquiat reminder every artist needs to hear ⚡️Why community matters more than ever when you're putting your work out there Key takeaway: Your power is in your centre. When you know your vision, your values, and where you're taking your art ~ the noise stops landing so hard. 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube Loved this episode? Hit subscribe and give us a 5 star review. This means so much, thank you! ------ HOST: Tom Gerrard ✦ IG | @artcareeracademy and @tom-gerrard ✦ Watch on Youtube | / @artcareeracademy ✦ Website | artcareeracademy.com and tom-gerrard.com GUEST: Claire Bradshaw ✦ Instagram | @artcareeracademy @_clairebradshaw_ ✦ Website | https://www.artcareeracademy.com ------- WANT MORE? 👉 Get our free Visibility Guide to learn how artists are getting seen by gallerists and collectors right now! https://www.artcareeracademy.com/visibility-guide 👉 Want to learn how Tom and our art students make a great income from their art? Get a copy of our free cheatsheet here; https://www.artcareeracademy.com/creative-cashflow-guide
#214
March 4 · 1 hr 9 min
BENCH TALK Podcast #214 | BYRON BOWMAN KEHOE
In this insightful interview, Byron Bowman Kehoe, a seasoned gallerist, shares his journey through the art world, from early exposure to art in his family gallery to working in Japan and New York. Discover his perspectives on art collection, studio practices, street art, and how galleries like Backwoods shape Melbourne's vibrant art scene. ------ KEY TAKEAWAYS: - Early exposure to art through family gallery - Japanese art influence on contemporary taste - The role of collectors in the art world - Studio practices and artist assistants - The evolution of street art into gallery spaces - Strategies for artists to approach galleries - The importance of storytelling in art - The future of Melbourne as an art hub ------ HOST: Tom Gerrard ✦ IG | @artcareeracademy and @tom-gerrard ✦ Subscribe to Channel | www.youtube.com/@ArtCareerAcademy ✦ Website | artcareeracademy.com GUEST (Byron Bowman Kehoe) ✦ Instagram @backwoods.gallery ✦ Find out more at: https://www.backwoods.gallery/ Loved this episode? Hit subscribe and give us a 5 star review. This means so much, thank you! ------- WANT MORE? 👉Download free cheatsheet to boost your creative cashflow: https://www.artcareeracademy.com/creative-cashflow-guide 👉 Join our free 7 days of Drawing a Day in May challenge: https://www.artcareeracademy.com/drawing-challenge -------- SUPPORT THE SHOW: 👉 Subscribe by hitting the bell 🔔 icon above 👉 Make a One-Time or Recurring Donation on PayPal: https://paypal.me/artcareeracademy ___________________ © 2025 Art Career Academy. All rights reserved. Content from Art Career Academy & BenchTalk Podcast is protected under copyright law. Legal Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Art Career Academy & BenchTalk are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Tom Gerrard, Claire Bradshaw or the Art Career Academy. This channel and podcast is for educational purposes only. The host claims no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the information presented herein.
#213
February 19 · 28 min
BENCH TALK Podcast #213 | ART CAREER ACADEMY - Q&A: Commissions
A listener question inspired this episode — and it highlights something many artists and collectors experience: How do you create a commissioned artwork that truly feels right for everyone involved? In this episode of Bench Talk, we explore how commissions can become rewarding creative collaborations when expectations are clear and communication is open. Because when alignment is there, the process feels energising — and the artwork becomes something truly special. In this episode: • Why commissions are an opportunity for meaningful collaboration • How collectors can communicate what they love with clarity • How artists can guide the process with confidence and professionalism • Why alignment matters more than perfection • How great commissions strengthen artist–collector relationships 👉 Join the Going Pro LIVE cohort 2026 waitlist — our signature program for visual artists. https://www.artcareeracademy.com/waitlist 👉 Get our free Visibility Guide to learn how artists are getting seen by gallerists and collectors right now! https://www.artcareeracademy.com/visibility-guide 👉 Want to learn how Tom and our art students make a great income from their art? Get a copy of our free cheatsheet here; https://www.artcareeracademy.com/creative-cashflow-guide
#212
February 3 · 1 hr 9 min
BENCH TALK Podcast #212 | JASMINE MANSBRIDGE - Creating Art From Dreams, Geometry & Stillness
👉 Join the FREE 3-day Going Pro Bootcamp and discover how to build a thriving art career with clarity, confidence, and authentic visibility—no hustle required. https://www.artcareeracademy.com/3-day-bootcamp What is art really for? In this deeply reflective episode of Bench Talk, I sit down with contemporary artist Jasmine Mansbridge for an expansive conversation about dreams, geometry, stillness, and art as a healing force. Jasmine shares how her distinctive visual language, built through geometric forms, portals, and sculptural installations—emerged from years of personal transformation, loss, and deep inner work. Rather than reacting to chaos, her practice seeks to create calm, grounding and presence ~ both for herself and for those who encounter her work. Together, Jasmine and I explore: ⚡️ Creating art from dreams and the subconscious ⚡️ Geometry as metaphor for human experience ⚡️ Art as a way to regulate the nervous system ⚡️ Stillness, meditation, and embodied creative practice ⚡️ The responsibility of caring for a long-term body of work ⚡️ Moving from painting into sculpture and immersive installations ⚡️ Redefining success, sustainability, and wellbeing as an artist ⚡️ Why discipline, structure, and patience matter in a creative life This episode is for emerging and established artists who want to understand where the art world is heading and how to position yourself for long-term success without chasing trends or losing your creative soul. 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube Loved this episode? Hit subscribe and give us a 5 star review. This means so much, thank you! ------ HOST: Tom Gerrard ✦ IG | @artcareeracademy and @tom-gerrard ✦ Watch on Youtube | / @artcareeracademy ✦ Website | artcareeracademy.com and tom-gerrard.com GUEST: Jasmine Mansbridge ✦ Instagram | @jasminemansbridge ✦ Website | https://www.jasminemansbridge.com/ ------- WANT MORE? 👉 Get our free Visibility Guide to learn how artists are getting seen by gallerists and collectors right now! https://www.artcareeracademy.com/visibility-guide 👉 Want to learn how Tom and our art students make a great income from their art? Get a copy of our free cheatsheet here; https://www.artcareeracademy.com/creative-cashflow-guide 👉 Join the Going Pro waitlist for March 2026 — our signature live program for visual artists. https://www.artcareeracademy.com/waitlist
#211
January 20 · 38 min
BENCH TALK Podcast #211 | ART CAREER ACADEMY - Reflecting on 2025 & Planning Your Sustainable Art Career in 2026
👉 Join the FREE 3-day Going Pro Bootcamp and discover how to build a thriving art career with clarity, confidence, and authentic visibility—no hustle required. https://www.artcareeracademy.com/3-day-bootcamp In this episode of Bench Talk, Tom Gerrard sits down with Claire Bradshaw from the Art Career Academy to reflect honestly on 2025 and map out a grounded, sustainable approach to 2026 as an artist. Rather than rushing into goal setting, this conversation focuses on the power of reflection ~ looking at what actually worked, what shifted unexpectedly and how momentum is built over time in an art career. KEY TAKEAWAYS: ⚡️ Why making great art is only part of building a career ⚡️ How reflection creates clarity, confidence, and better decisions ⚡️ The lessons learned from exhibitions, murals, relationships, and slowing down ⚡️ What to consciously stop, continue, and start in 2026 ⚡️ How artists can plan for growth without burning out ⚡️ The importance of patience, consistency, and long-term thinking This episode is ideal for artists who want to move forward with intention, not pressure ~ and who are ready to build a career that supports both their creativity and their life. 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube Loved this episode? Hit subscribe and give us a 5 star review. This means so much, thank you! ------ HOST: Tom Gerrard ✦ IG | @artcareeracademy and @tom-gerrard ✦ Watch on Youtube | / @artcareeracademy ✦ Website | artcareeracademy.com and tom-gerrard.com GUEST: Claire Bradshaw (Art Career Academy) ✦ Instagram | @artcareeracademy @_clairebradshaw_ ✦ Website | https://artcareeracademy.com ------- WANT MORE? 👉 Get our free Visibility Guide to learn how artists are getting seen by gallerists and collectors right now! https://www.artcareeracademy.com/visibility-guide 👉 Want to learn how Tom and our art students make a great income from their art? Get a copy of our free cheatsheet here; https://www.artcareeracademy.com/creative-cashflow-guide 👉 Join the Going Pro waitlist for March 2026 — our signature live program for visual artists. https://www.artcareeracademy.com/waitlist 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 🎥 Watch the full conversation on YouTube
#210
January 14 · 47 min
BENCH TALK Podcast #210 | ART CAREER ACADEMY - What’s Really Shaping the Art World in 2026 (Artists, AI & Opportunity)
👉 Join the FREE 3-day Going Pro Bootcamp and discover how to build a thriving art career with clarity, confidence, and authentic visibility—no hustle required. https://www.artcareeracademy.com/3-day-bootcamp What does the future of the art world really look like for working artists? In this episode of Bench Talk, Tom Gerrard and Claire Bradshaw break down the five biggest art market trends from 2025 and share our top five predictions for 2026 - grounded in real experience as working artists and mentors supporting hundreds of creatives building sustainable careers. From the rise of younger collectors and returning market confidence, to AI's growing influence, immersive gallery experiences, and the increasing power of community, this conversation offers a clear-eyed look at what artists actually need to understand right now. KEY TAKEAWAYS: ⚡️ Why making great work is only part of the equation ⚡️ How AI is reshaping art-making (and what that means for you) ⚡️ Why human-centred, imperfect work is rising in value ⚡️ The shift toward multi-income artist careers ⚡️ How galleries, collectors and artists are evolving ⚡️Why community is becoming more important than visibility alone This episode is for emerging and established artists who want to understand where the art world is heading and how to position yourself for long-term success without chasing trends or losing your creative soul. 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube Loved this episode? Hit subscribe and give us a 5 star review. This means so much, thank you! ------ HOST: Tom Gerrard ✦ IG | @artcareeracademy and @tom-gerrard ✦ Watch on Youtube | / @artcareeracademy ✦ Website | artcareeracademy.com and tom-gerrard.com GUEST: Claire Bradshaw (Art Career Academy) ✦ Instagram | @artcareeracademy @_clairebradshaw_ ✦ Website | https://artcareeracademy.com ------- WANT MORE? 👉 Get our free Visibility Guide to learn how artists are getting seen by gallerists and collectors right now! https://www.artcareeracademy.com/visibility-guide 👉 Want to learn how Tom and our art students make a great income from their art? Get a copy of our free cheatsheet here; https://www.artcareeracademy.com/creative-cashflow-guide 👉 Join the Going Pro waitlist for March 2026 — our signature live program for visual artists. https://www.artcareeracademy.com/waitlist 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 🎥 Watch the full conversation on YouTube
#209
Nov 11, 2025 · 28 min
BENCH TALK Podcast #209 | ART CAREER ACADEMY - How to Run a Stress-Free, Career-Building Art Exhibition
In this episode, Tom Gerrard sits down again with Claire Bradshaw from the Art Career Academy to unpack everything that goes into preparing for an exhibition — from concept and timing to marketing, mindset, and presentation. Fresh off his solo show 20 Shot Sequence at Lennox Street Gallery, Tom shares his own process, lessons learned, and mistakes to avoid. Claire breaks it down into clear, actionable steps so you can approach your next show with confidence and professionalism. What you’ll learn: - How to plan your exhibition timeline (and why a full year helps) - The mindset needed to stay calm and focused - How to market your show before, during, and after opening night - Why professional documentation is a must - How to build long-term relationships with collectors and galleries ------------ HOST: Tom Gerrard ✦ IG | @artcareeracademy and @tom_gerrard_ ✦ Watch on Youtube | / @artcareeracademy ✦ Website | tom-gerrard.com & artcareeracademy.com GUEST: Claire Bradshaw ✦ Website | artcareeracademy.com ✦ Instagram | @artcareeracademy Loved this episode? Hit subscribe and give us a 5 star review. This means so much, thank you! ------- WANT MORE? 👉 Get our free Visibility Guide to learn how artists are getting seen by gallerists and collectors right now! https://www.artcareeracademy.com/visibility-guide 👉 Join the Going Pro waitlist — our signature program for visual artists. https://www.artcareeracademy.com/waitlist 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 🎥 Watch the full conversation on YouTube
#208
Oct 21, 2025 · 35 min
BENCH TALK Podcast #208 | SARAH HOOK - How Artists Can Work with Collectors, Designers & Dealers
In this episode of Bench Talk, I sit down with private art dealer Sarah Hook (Fletcher Arts) to dive deep into the world of art dealing, collecting, and what it really takes for artists to thrive in today’s art market. ------ KEY TAKEAWAYS: ⚡️ How private art dealers work with artists, architects, and interior designers ⚡️ The story behind Sarah’s “3 Days, 30 Artists” home exhibition model ⚡️ Smart pricing strategies for artists and why you should never discount your work ⚡️ How to build real, lasting relationships with collectors and dealers ⚡️Why your most authentic art connects most deeply with buyers ⚡️ The mindset every artist needs to go professional Sarah also shares advice on finding representation, staying consistent with pricing, and the number one daily habit every professional artist should have. ------ HOST: Tom Gerrard ✦ IG | @artcareeracademy and @tom-gerrard ✦ Watch on Youtube | / @artcareeracademy ✦ Website | artcareeracademy.com and tom-gerrard.com GUEST: Sarah Hook (Fletcher Arts) ✦ Instagram | @fletcher_64 ✦ Website | https://fletcherarts.com/ Loved this episode? Hit subscribe and give us a 5 star review. This means so much, thank you! ------- WANT MORE? 👉 Get our free Visibility Guide to learn how artists are getting seen by gallerists and collectors right now! https://www.artcareeracademy.com/visibility-guide 👉 Join the Going Pro waitlist — our signature program for visual artists. https://www.artcareeracademy.com/waitlist 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 🎥 Watch the full conversation on YouTube
#207
Oct 7, 2025 · 26 min
BENCH TALK Podcast #207 | ART CAREER ACADEMY -The 3 Pillars of Artist Visibility: How to Get Seen
👉 FREE Resource: Download the Artist Visibility Guide mentioned in this episode — learn how artists are getting seen by gallerists and collectors right now! https://www.artcareeracademy.com/visibility-guide In this episode of Bench Talk, Claire Bradshaw from the Art Career Academy and I dive deep into the three pillars of artist visibility — online presence, relationships, and opportunities. We unpack what it really takes to build visibility as an artist beyond just making great work and share personal insights from my career about the power of visibility, credibility, and consistency. ------ KEY TAKEAWAYS: ⚡️ Why creating great art is only 30% of the equation of a professional art career today ⚡️ How to build an online presence that goes beyond social media ⚡️ How to approach relationships with collectors, curators & galleries ⚡️ Why waiting to be “discovered” keeps artists stuck ⚡️ How to create your own opportunities (and momentum) Whether you’re just starting out or ready to elevate your visibility, this conversation will help you see your art career from a strategic, empowered perspective. ------ HOST: Tom Gerrard ✦ IG | @artcareeracademy and @tom-gerrard ✦ Watch on Youtube | / @artcareeracademy ✦ Website | artcareeracademy.com and tom-gerrard.com GUEST: Claire Bradshaw ✦ Instagram | @_clairebradshaw_ & @artcareeracademy ✦ Website | artcareeracademy.com Loved this episode? Hit subscribe and give us a 5 star review. This means so much, thank you! ------- WANT MORE? 👉 Join the Going Pro waitlist — our signature program for visual artists. https://www.artcareeracademy.com/waitlist 👉 Get our free Visibility Guide to attract collectors and gallery interest https://www.artcareeracademy.com/visibility-guide 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 🎥 Watch the full conversation on YouTube

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