PODCAST · arts
Bench Talk
by 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.
Episodes
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#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...
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#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…
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#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…
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#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...
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#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…
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#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…
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#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,...
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#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...
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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...
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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…
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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…
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BENCH TALK Podcast #206 | LORIBELLE SPIROVSKI - Sydney Contemporary 2025: Highlights
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…
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BENCH TALK Podcast #205 | CTO - From Psychedelic Highs to Mural Heights
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...
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BENCH TALK Podcast #204 | ART CAREER ACADEMY - 3 Common Mistakes Made By Career Artists
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...
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BENCH TALK Podcast #203 | TOM ADAIR - Art, Innovation & Navigating Today’s Art Market
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...
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BENCH TALK Podcast #202 | ART CAREER ACADEMY - Q&A: Pricing, Prints & Unsold Work
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...
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BENCH TALK Podcast #201 | [ARTSURDITY] - Celebrity Artists: Are They Legit or Just Rich Hobbyists?
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...
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BENCHTALK PODCAST #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…
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BENCH TALK Podcast #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...
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BENCH TALK Podcast #198 | [ARTSURDITY] - Absurd things happening in the art world right now
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…
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BENCH TALK Podcast #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,...
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BENCH TALK Podcast #196 | JASMINE CRISP - Art Isn’t Just for Galleries
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…
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BENCH TALK Podcast #195 | ART CAREER ACADEMY - 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…
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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...
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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…
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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…
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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...
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190 - Saxon Quinn
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...
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188 - Art Career 2025 Vision and Planning
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...
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188 - David Henry Nobody Jr
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...
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187 - Art Career Q&A #3
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...
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186 - HuskMitNavn (classic ep)
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 ----------------- Short on time in your studio or want...
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185 - Shaun Hossack
Episode 185 featuring Shaun Hossack from Juddy Roller. We discuss Shaun's rise throughout his career to managing the production of some of Australia's largest mural projects and mural festivals. Connect with Shaun Hossack and Juddy Roller at • Instagram @juddyroller • Find out more at...
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184 - Art Career Q&A #2
Tom Gerrard sits down with Claire Bradshaw from the Art Career Academy to discuss another round of artist Q&A The three topics covered in this Episode Creating stable income as an artist Maximising your time in the studio Art and AI Connect with (Guest) Instagram @artcareeracademy Find out more…
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183 - Christopher Zanko
Episode #183. I catch up with Australian painter Christopher Zanko to discuss his hand carved paintings, his printmaking roots, being a two time finalist of the Wynne prize and his recent exhibitions. Looking to uplevel your art career so that you feel confident and clear on the pathway forward…
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182 - Rhys Lee
Episode #182. I catch up with Australian painter Rhys Lee to discuss his oil paintings, his graffiti roots, global exhibitions and his recent show in Brisbane with Edwina Corlette. Looking to uplevel your art career so that you feel confident and clear on the pathway forward AND experience…
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181 - D*Face (Classic episode)
This week I bring you another classic episode from back in 2019 when I caught up with British artist D*Face. We discuss his role in the birth of street art, his career and running his gallery Stolen Space. Looking to uplevel your art career so that you feel confident and clear on the pathway...
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180 - Art Career Q&A #1
This week we introduce a new segment to Bench Talk. Tom Gerrard sits down with Claire Bradshaw from the Art Career Academy to discuss some frequently asked questions from the Bench Talk inbox and discussions from within the Art Career Academy's momentum group. Tom and Claire discuss: The…
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179 - Ben Frost
For episode #179 I sit down with Australian pop artist Ben Frost. We discuss his street art roots, AI, exhibiting in the USA and many other areas of his career. Looking to uplevel your art career so that you feel confident and clear on the pathway forward AND experience creative and financial...
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178 - Roger Gastman
Episode #178 I sit down with American curator, art dealer, filmmaker, and publisher Roger Gastman. Roger's career within the arts focuses on graffiti and street art. He got his start producing While You Were Sleeping magazine and continues till this day making fine art books. In 2011 he produced...
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177 - Lauren YS (classic episode)
This week I dig into the archives and pull out a classic episode from back in 2018. We hear from Los Angeles based artist Lauren YS. I caught up with Lauren while she was visiting Melbourne for her exhibition at Juddy Roller. We discuss her work, muralism and traveling for art.
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176 - Rhys John Kaye
Episode #176 - Tom Gerrard sits down with Melbourne based artist Rhys John Kaye. They discuss Rhys' graffiti roots, his time spent living on Korea, his transition to oil paint and the growth of graffiti in the fine art world.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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.
HOSTED BY
Tom Gerrard
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Bench Talk have?
Bench Talk currently has 220 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Bench Talk about?
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...
How often does Bench Talk release new episodes?
Bench Talk publishes regularly with 220 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Bench Talk?
You can listen to Bench Talk on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Bench Talk?
Bench Talk is created and hosted by Tom Gerrard.
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