Bench Talk

200 - What I learnt in 9 years of podcasting

In this celebratory episode, hosts Tom Gerrard and Claire Bradshaw reflect on the journey of the podcast over the past nine years, marking the milestone of 200 episodes. They discuss the origins of the podcast, the connections made through interviews, the impact on listeners, and the evolution into the Art Career Academy. The conversation highlights the importance of taking action, building community, and the rewarding experiences that come from pursuing one's passion in the arts.
 
HOST: Tom Gerrard✦ IG | @artcareeracademy and @tom-gerrard✦ Watch on Youtube | / @artcareeracademy ✦ Website | artcareeracademy.comGUEST: Claire Bradshaw✦ Instagram @artcareeracademyLoved 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 the waitlist for the next LIVE round of Going [ART] Pro program for emerging artistshttps://www.artcareeracademy.com/waitlist

BENCH TALK #199 | DREZ - Art, Music & Staying Human in a Digital World

In this conversation, Drez shares his artistic journey from graffiti in Melbourne to becoming a recognized fine artist. He discusses the evolution of his work, the balance between his music and art careers, and the importance of maintaining a human touch in his creations. Drez reflects on the differences between street art and studio work, his first sales, and the momentum they created. He also talks about his upcoming exhibition, 'Saturation Point,' which aims to immerse viewers in color experiences. In this conversation, Drez shares his journey as an artist, discussing the balance between freedom and commitment in art representation, his experiences with exhibitions both locally and internationally, and the evolution of his artistic practice. He reflects on the differences between mural and studio work, the challenges of creating sculptural pieces, and the importance of community engagement through mural festivals. Drez also provides insights into his creative process, future aspirations, and the significance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance as an artist.------KEY TAKEAWAYS:- How graffiti shaped Drez's artistic voice- The impact of COVID on his transition from music to visual art- Why keeping the "human touch" matters more than ever in a digital world- His first art sales—and how they fueled his momentum- Navigating the shift from murals to sculptural works- The story behind his upcoming exhibition ‘Saturation Point’- Finding the right gallery representation (and what made him say yes to Magma Gallery)- The physical demands of large-scale work—and why fitness is part of his art process- Why mural festivals matter, and the value of creating outside commercial constraints- His dream of integrating art directly into architecture------
HOST: Tom Gerrard✦ IG | @artcareeracademy and @tom-gerrard✦ Watch on Youtube | / @artcareeracademy ✦ Website | artcareeracademy.comGUEST: DREZ✦ Instagram @d.r.e.zLoved 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 the waitlist for the next LIVE round of Going [ART] Pro program for emerging artistshttps://www.artcareeracademy.com/waitlist

Bench Talk - 198 - Artsurdity

Bench Talk #198 - Artsurdity.
Tom Gerrard and Wayne Lim discuss some of the absurd things happening in the art world right now including Salvatore Garau, the Italian artist who sold an invisible sculpture for $18k.
 
HOST: Tom Gerrard
✦ IG | @artcareeracademy and @tom-gerrard
✦ Subscribe to Channel | www.youtube.com/@ArtCareerAcademy
✦ Website | artcareeracademy.com
 
GUEST: Wayne Lim
✦ YouTube  @futurehistoryx 
 
-------WANT MORE?👉Download free cheatsheet to boost your creative cashflow:artcareeracademy.com/creative-cashflow-guide👉 Watch our free masterclass: Up-level your art career artcareeracademy.com/masterclass-replay-uplevel-sl

197 - Hoxxoh - The artist who paints with sound waves

In this episode, we dive into the vibrant world of Miami-based muralist HoxxoH, as he shares his creative evolution from high school musician to one of the pioneers of Miami’s street art movement.We talk about how architecture shaped his approach to design, what it was like working with El Mac, and how projects like Primary Flight and Wynwood Walls changed the landscape of public art.HoxxoH opens up about the role of music in his art, the tools he builds himself, and how he balances the controlled environment of the studio with the raw unpredictability of mural work.------KEY TAKEAWAYS:- HoxxoH’s journey from music to murals.- Unpack the meaning behind his name and how it shapes his artistic identity.- Learn how architecture influences his creative process and project planning.- Discover how collaborations, especially with El Mac, helped refine his techniques.- Explore the evolution of Miami’s art scene and the impact of Wynwood Walls.- Understand the tension between commercialisation and authenticity in public art.- See how HoxxoH balances structured studio work with the chaos of street painting.- Hear how music and sound directly influence his visual rhythm and tools.- Learn about the shift toward supporting living artists and meaningful collector relationships.- Reflect on the personal and therapeutic side of creating with intention.------HOST: Tom Gerrard✦ IG | @artcareeracademy and @tom-gerrard✦ Watch on Youtube | / @artcareeracademy ✦ Website | artcareeracademy.comGUEST: HOXXOH✦ Instagram @hoxxoh✦ Find out more at: https://hoxxoh.com/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:artcareeracademy.com/creative-cashflow-guide👉 Watch our free masterclass: Up-level your art career artcareeracademy.com/masterclass-replay-uplevel-sl

196 - Jasmine Crisp

In this conversation, Jasmine Crisp shares her artistic journey from her early days in Adelaide to becoming a successful muralist. She discusses her experiences at art school, the challenges of being an artist today, and the importance of personal expression in her work. Jasmine also highlights the supportive nature of the mural community, the impact of female artists in the field, and the balance between her studio and mural practices. Throughout the discussion, she emphasises the significance of health and wellness in sustaining a long-term art career and the accessibility of art through murals. In this conversation, Jasmine discusses her artistic journey, the evolution of her identity as an artist, and the importance of balancing traditional and contemporary practices. She shares insights on art residencies, the significance of art prizes, and her experiences with murals. Jasmine also reflects on her creative process, the joy of experimentation, and her aspirations for the future, including a desire to travel and expand her artistic horizons.------KEY TAKEAWAYS:- Why Jasmine believes dedication and discipline are essential for sustaining a career in art.- Learn how art school shaped Jasmine’s perspective on being a practicing artist.- Discover how she found muralism after school and built connections in a collaborative community.- Explore how her studio and mural practices are merging into one cohesive artistic identity.- Find out how experimentation and personal expression fuel joy and creativity.- Gain insight into the unique learning that happens when painting outdoors.- Recognise the importance of health and wellness in maintaining artistic momentum.- See how female muralists are creating powerful shifts in public art spaces.- Understand how murals increase accessibility and engage broader audiences.- Realise why getting paid for your art is a vital part of valuing your work.------HOST: Tom Gerrard✦ IG | @artcareeracademy and @tom-gerrard✦ Watch on Youtube | / @artcareeracademy ✦ Website | artcareeracademy.comGUEST (Jasmine Crisp)✦ Instagram @jasmine_crisp✦ Find out more at: https://jasminecrisp.com/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

195 - Q&A: Balancing Creativity and Business

In this Q&A style episode of Bench Talk, Tom Gerrard & Claire Bradshaw from The Art Career Academy discuss various aspects of building a successful art career. Together they address the common challenges artists face; such as managing an overflow of artwork, balancing artistic growth with business acumen, and choosing the right art supplies.
If you have a question you'd like Tom & Claire to unpack in a future Q&A episode, send your questions via DM on Instagram to @bench_talk
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KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Managing artwork overflow.
Storage solutions and selling strategies essential for artists.
Balancing creativity and business.
Artists should focus on their unique style while evolving.
Experimentation in art is important but should be balanced with consistency.
Choosing the right art supplies can impact the quality of work.
Engaging with the audience can enhance the art community.
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HOSTS: Tom Gerrard & Claire Bradshaw
✦ IG | @artcareeracademy and @tom-gerrard
✦ Watch on Youtube |    / @artcareeracademy  
✦ Website | artcareeracademy.com
 
WANT MORE?
👉Download free cheatsheet to boost your creative cashflow:
https://www.artcareeracademy.com/creative-cashflow-guide
👉Watch our Uplevel Your Art Career Free Masterclass here:
https://www.artcareeracademy.com/lp-masterclass-uplevel-sl

194 - Jason Jagel (Classic episode)

In this episode of Bench Talk, host Tom Gerrard introduces a classic interview with artist Jason Jagel, who shares insights into his artistic journey, education, and the evolution of his work. Jagel discusses his experiences creating album artwork for the likes of MF Doom and Madlib, and the significance of his figure paintings, and the challenges of maintaining an artistic identity. He reflects on his career milestones, collaborations, and the impact of music on his art. The conversation also touches on the realities of making a living as an artist and offers valuable advice for aspiring creatives.
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Looking to uplevel your art career so that you feel confident and clear on the pathway forward AND experience creative and financial growth?  
 
Check out www.artcareeracademy.com.  The signature 6 week program Going [ART] Pro is open for enrollment right now.  

193 - John Murray

Bench Talk 193, Tom Gerrard interviews Australian artist John Murray, who shares his unique journey through the art world. From his early influences of Disney cartoons to his extensive career spanning over 50 years, John discusses his life in Lightning Ridge, the establishment of his art career and gallery. He reflects on the importance of community engagement through street art and the entrepreneurial spirit that drives his artistic endeavors. He shares his insights on navigating the street art scene, the joy of community engagement, and his experiences painting in India. 
See more of John's work here 
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Looking to uplevel your art career so that you feel confident and clear on the pathway forward AND experience creative and financial growth?  
 
Check out www.artcareeracademy.com.  The signature 6 week program Going [ART] Pro is open for enrollment right now.  

192 - Sandrew - The Outsiders

Bench Talk Ep 192 - has Tom Gerrard sit down with one half of Art Collector duo Sandrew, Andrew King. Over the past 15 years, Sandra Powell and Andrew king have amassed the largest collection of street art in Australia, including artwork by Rone, Barry McGee, Os Gemeos, Adnate, Swoon, Bast, Faile, Paul Insect, Tom Gerrard and a room full of Banksy's to name a few. 
The exhibition runs daily till May 25 and is free. It's located on the corner of Flinders Lane and Hosier lane in Melbourne's CBD. 
This conversation is full of collector insights and great conversations about street art, graffiti and the art world.   
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Connect with The Art Career Academy
Instagram: @artcareeracademy
Website: artcareeracademy.com
 
 
Ready to take your art career to the next level?
Find out more about the Going [ART] Pro Self Led program https://www.artcareeracademy.com/going-art-pro-course-self-led
Short on time in your studio or want to maximise the time you have? Get this free guide - https://www.artcareeracademy.com/free-supercharge-workbook

191 - Q&A: Finding Collectors, Selling Your Art & Exhibition Doubts

In this episode, I’m excited to welcome back business and mindset coach Claire Bradshaw from The Art Career Academy for our regular Q&A segment!
Together, we dive into three key questions from our community, tackling some of the biggest challenges artists face today. We’ll explore strategies to overcome obstacles, shift mindset blocks, and take actionable steps toward your goals.
The questions we’re answering in this episode:
 How do I find collectors? I know I have skills, and I want a successful art career—so why isn’t it happening for me?  If there’s no guarantee of sales, is it worth putting on an exhibition?
We hope you love this conversation! Now over to you…
What’s your biggest takeaway? What can you implement right away?Tag or DM us on Instagram @bench_talk and share your thoughts!
And if you have a burning question for our next Q&A episode, let us know—we’d love to answer it.
Connect with The Art Career Academy
Instagram: @artcareeracademyWebsite: artcareeracademy.com