Bench Talk

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.

Episodes

Apr 22, 2025

18 min

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

Apr 22, 2025

18 min

Apr 8, 2025

47 min

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.  

Apr 8, 2025

47 min

193 - John Murray

Mar 24, 2025

Mar 24, 2025

1 hr 42 sec

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.  

Mar 24, 2025

1 hr 42 sec

Mar 4, 2025

1 hr 4 min

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

Mar 4, 2025

1 hr 4 min

Feb 12, 2025

16 min

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

Feb 12, 2025

16 min

Feb 4, 2025

1 hr 6 min

Episode #190. Saxon Quinn is an Australian painter based in northern NSW. In this episode we discuss his prolific output and the many international and domestic exhibitions he has each year. And how he works his career from a regional location.
In this interview Saxon discusses his artist mother Dianne Coulter as being a big inspiration on his work. You can see her work here www.diannecoulter.com
You can find Saxon on instagram here @saxonjjquinn
And his website www.saxonjjquinn.com
 
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Are you 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 https://www.artcareeracademy.com/going-art-pro-course-live-feb25.  Our 2 month signature program Going [ART] Pro LIVE is open for enrollment right now. The next cohort begins w/c 17th February. Join us!

Feb 4, 2025

1 hr 6 min

Jan 15, 2025

26 min

Plan Your 2025 Like a Pro with Claire Bradshaw
In this episode, I’m excited to welcome back business and mindset coach Claire Bradshaw from The Art Career Academy. Together, we dive into a powerful process for planning your 2025 with intention and clarity.
Claire takes the reins, asking me thought-provoking questions that you can apply to your own art business. So grab a pen and paper, settle in, and follow along as we guide you through creating a roadmap for your most successful year yet.
 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
3 crucial questions to reflect on 2024
3 key prompts to help you plan for 2025
How to choose your guiding “word of the year”
Don’t just listen—take action! Use this episode as your personal workshop to set yourself up for a thriving 2025.
 
Connect with The Art Career Academy
Instagram: @artcareeracademy
Website: artcareeracademy.com
 
Links Mentioned in the EpisodeJoin the FREE masterclass: "Uplevel Your Art Career"Sign up here  artcareeracademy.com/masterclass-jan25

Jan 15, 2025

26 min

Dec 11, 2024

1 hr 37 min

Episode 188 features New York based video and performance artist David Henry Nobody Jr. We discuss his 3 decade career and his evolution as his performance works found their way from galleries to cyberspace.
Connect with (David Henry Nobody Jr
      Instagram @davidhenrynobodyjr
      Find out more davidhenrybrownjr.com
 
Links from the episode
        
Guardian article
Red Carpet Rollers
 
Short on time in your studio or want to maximise the time you have? Get this free guide
 
Interested in our program Going [ART] Pro to build and grow your art career, your way? Check it out here 
 

Dec 11, 2024

1 hr 37 min

Nov 25, 2024

28 min

This is the 3rd Q&A episode in our series with The Art Academy where we take questions from our community and then provide our thoughts and recommendations to help you to grow your art career.
 
Things You’ll Learn in this Episode 
 The first steps to take to start your art career
The difference between an artist and a career artist
How to know where you're 'there' & have 'made it' in your art career
Connect with The Art Career Academy
 
Instagram: @artcareeracademy
Website: artcareeracademy.com
Find out more about the Going [ART] Pro Self Led program and secure the intro pricing before the 2nd Dec at artcareeracademy.com
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

Nov 25, 2024

28 min

Nov 12, 2024

56 min

This episode go back to 2016 when I caught up with the Danish artist HuskMitNavn. We discuss his art practice, style and his path so success as a fine artist, street artist and graffiti writer.
Connect with HuskMitNavn
      Instagram @huskmitnavn1
 
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Short on time in your studio or want to maximise the time you have? Get this free guidehttps://www.artcareeracademy.com/free-supercharge-workbook
 
Interested in our program Going [ART] Pro to build and grow your art career, your way? Check it out here
https://www.artcareeracademy.com/going-art-pro-course-self-led
 

Nov 12, 2024

56 min

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