Bench Talk

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...

👉🏼 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...

👉🏼 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...

👉🏼 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 tal...

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 foun...

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...

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 ar...

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, th...

👉🏼 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 runnin...

👉 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 lo...

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...

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...

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.

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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...

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
• Ho...

👉 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 reactin...

👉 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 c...

👉 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 colle...

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)
- Th...

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.

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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...

👉 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.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS:

In this episode of BenchTalk, I'm joined by artist Loribelle Spirovski for a deep dive into Sydney Contemporary 2025.

As first-time exhibitors, Loribelle and I share our impressions of Australia’s biggest art fair - from booth placement strategies to the works that stopped us in our tracks.

We talk about the role of art fairs in shaping art careers, the difference between seeing art online vs in the flesh, and what it’s like navigating critique in the art world.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS:

- The atmosphere and layout of Sydney Cont...

Street artist CTO (Peter Seaton) joins us for an unfiltered conversation about street art, graffiti politics, and painting walls across Melbourne and beyond.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

- His shift from psychedelics and self-discovery into murals
- Learning rope access to paint massive walls safely (and why swing stages scare him)
- Balancing illegal vs legal murals — and why most people don’t know which is which
- How art can be activism, alchemy, and a way to shift collective consciousness
- The Melbourne street art scene and graffiti beef
- The futu...

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 p...

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 ful...

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.

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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
⚡️...

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?

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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 (c...

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.com

GUEST...

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...

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 

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WANT MORE?

👉Download free cheatsheet to boost your creative cashflow:
artcareeracademy.com/creative-cashflow-guide

👉 Watch our free mast...

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 ra...

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...

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:

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.

...

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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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 gr...

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.

 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 ther...

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 y...

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:

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

Links from the episode

Guardian article

Red Carpet Rollers

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 

Connect with The Art Career Academy