Bench Talk

In this episode of Bench Talk, I'm joined by Claire Bradshaw from the Art Career Academy to unpack the three most common mistakes artists make — and how to avoid them.From hiding away in the studio and neglecting visibility, to overlooking the business side of art, to relying too heavily on Instagram, Tom and Claire share practical strategies and mindset shifts that can help emerging artists build a sustainable, professional career.If you’ve ever wondered how to put yourself out there, balance creativity with business, or create long-term success beyond social media, this episode is packed with valuable advice.What you’ll learn:- Why visibility is essential for career growth- How to overcome fears of putting yourself out there- Why being an artist also means running a business- Alternatives to relying solely on Instagram- Building long-term, sustainable art practices🎙 About Going Pro Live:Enrolment is now open for Going PRO LIVE, the Art Career Academy’s signature 3-month program designed to help artists go professional with clarity, confidence, and community. Early bird closes August 26th. Doors close September 1st.👉🏼 Join us - http://artcareeracademy.com/going-art-pro-course-live-aug25------------HOST: Tom Gerrard✦ IG | @artcareeracademy and @tom_gerrard_✦ Watch on Youtube | / @artcareeracademy ✦ Website | tom-gerrard.com & artcareeracademy.comGUEST: Claire Bradshaw✦ Website | artcareeracademy.com✦ 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

In this insightful episode, I sit down with Tom Adair, an artist known for his bold techniques and evocative works, to explore both his creative journey and the changing landscape of the art world.Tom opens up about his inspirations, first art sales, and dream projects. We also dive deeper into the realities of today’s art market: navigating digital platforms, understanding collectors’ evolving tastes, and finding strategies that help artists thrive long-term.Whether you’re an artist navigating the market or an art lover curious about the intersection of creativity and commerce, this episode is full of inspiration and practical wisdom.------KEY TAKEAWAYS:- Tom's First Art Sale: A multimedia mirror piece that launched his career- Balancing Art & Life: Intuition, family, and sustainable creativity- Dream Projects: Immersive installations & a future museum retrospective- Inspirations: Artists including Howard Arthur & Darren Sylvester- Art Market Insights: Valuation, trends, and the role of innovation in shaping the future of art commerce- What’s Next: From becoming a dad to launching a kids’ wear brand------HOST: Tom Gerrard✦ IG | @artcareeracademy and @tom_gerrard_✦ Watch on Youtube | / @artcareeracademy ✦ Website | artcareeracademy.comGUEST: Tom Adair✦ Website | https://www.tomadair.com.au/ ✦ Instagram | @tomadair_✦Thought Forms Gallery - https://www.thoughtformsgallery.com.au/ ✦ Imagine(Cowboys) Book - https://www.thoughtformsgallery.com.au/shop/p/imaginecowboys-tomadair Loved this episode? Hit subscribe and give us a 5 star review. This means so much, thank you!-------WANT MORE?👉 Join the next round of Going Pro LIVE — our signature program for visual artists. Earlybird pricing until 26th Aug, we begin on Sept 1st. Limited spots available.http://artcareeracademy.com/going-art-pro-course-live-aug25👉Download free cheatsheet to boost your creative cashflow:https://www.artcareeracademy.com/creative-cashflow-guide

Pricing artwork, navigating unsold pieces and deciding how many prints to release - these are questions every emerging artist faces. In this episode, hosts Tom Gerrard and Claire Bradshaw from the Art Career Academy share practical strategies and mindset shifts to help you build a sustainable art career.------WE COVER:⚡️ How to price your work with confidence — and why most artists undervalue themselves⚡️ Smart, resourceful ways to handle unsold artwork after exhibitions⚡️ How to decide the right number of prints for a release⚡️ Why limited editions can boost value⚡️ How marketing impacts print sales success⚡️ The long-term perspective you need to thrive as an artistWhether you’re exhibiting for the first time or looking to refine your pricing strategy, this conversation will help you approach your art career with confidence and sustainability in mind.------HOST: Tom Gerrard✦ IG | @artcareeracademy and @tom-gerrard✦ Watch on Youtube | / @artcareeracademy ✦ Website | artcareeracademy.comGUEST Claire Bradshaw (Art Career Academy)✦ Instagram @artcareeracademy ✦ Find out more at www.artcareeacademy.comWant to fast track & uplevel your art career? Join our FREE Masterclass on 19th August to learn the 5 step framework to build demand & generate sustainable income - without sacrificing your authentic artistic vision. Book your spot here 👇🏼 https://www.artcareeracademy.com/masterclass-aug25Loved 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

Can fame buy you credibility in the art world?In this episode of Bench Talk, Tom Gerrard and Wayne Lim dive into the curious world of celebrity artists. From Ed Sheeran’s abstract paintings to Jim Carrey’s expressive works, the guys ask: are these stars adding to the art world—or just playing pretend?------KEY TAKEAWAYS:- Why celebrity art gets so much criticism- The emulation phase all artists go through- How fame affects provenance and value- The personal journey of making art (celebrity or not)- Whether joy and expression should trump skill or statusWhether you’re an emerging artist or just curious about art and fame, this episode unpacks the often absurd yet fascinating intersection of celebrity and creativity.------HOST: Tom Gerrard✦ IG | @artcareeracademy and @tom-gerrard✦ Watch on Youtube | / @artcareeracademy ✦ Website | artcareeracademy.comGUEST: Wayne Lim✦ Website | https://www.youtube.com/@futurehistoryx✦ Instagram | @futurehistory.coLoved 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. Be first to hear when doors open for the September intake and unlock early access, exclusive bonuses & the best price.https://www.artcareeracademy.com/waitlist👉Download free cheatsheet to boost your creative cashflow:https://www.artcareeracademy.com/creative-cashflow-guide

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.
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

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

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

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

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.