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👉 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 reacting to chaos, her practice seeks to create calm, grounding and presence ~ both for herself and for those who encounter her work. Together, Jasmine and I explore: ⚡️ Creating art from dreams and the subconscious ⚡️ Geometry as metaphor for human experience ⚡️ Art as a way to regulate the nervous system ⚡️ Stillness, meditation, and embodied creative practice ⚡️ The responsibility of caring for a long-term body of work ⚡️ Moving from painting into sculpture and immersive installations ⚡️ Redefining success, sustainability, and wellbeing as an artist ⚡️ Why discipline, structure, and patience matter in a creative life This episode is for emerging and established artists who want to understand where the art world is heading and how to position yourself for long-term success without chasing trends or losing your creative soul. 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube Loved this episode? Hit subscribe and give us a 5 star review. This means so much, thank you! ------ HOST: Tom Gerrard ✦ IG | @artcareeracademy and @tom-gerrard ✦ Watch on Youtube | / @artcareeracademy ✦ Website | artcareeracademy.com and tom-gerrard.com GUEST: Jasmine Mansbridge ✦ Instagram | @jasminemansbridge ✦ Website | https://www.jasminemansbridge.com/ ------- WANT MORE? 👉 Get our free Visibility Guide to learn how artists are getting seen by gallerists and collectors right now! https://www.artcareeracademy.com/visibility-guide 👉 Want to learn how Tom and our art students make a great income from their art? Get a copy of our free cheatsheet here; https://www.artcareeracademy.com/creative-cashflow-guide 👉 Join the Going Pro waitlist for March 2026 — our signature live program for visual artists. https://www.artcareeracademy.com/waitlist

👉 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 career. KEY TAKEAWAYS: ⚡️ Why making great art is only part of building a career ⚡️ How reflection creates clarity, confidence, and better decisions ⚡️ The lessons learned from exhibitions, murals, relationships, and slowing down ⚡️ What to consciously stop, continue, and start in 2026 ⚡️ How artists can plan for growth without burning out ⚡️ The importance of patience, consistency, and long-term thinking This episode is ideal for artists who want to move forward with intention, not pressure ~ and who are ready to build a career that supports both their creativity and their life. 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube Loved this episode? Hit subscribe and give us a 5 star review. This means so much, thank you! ------ HOST: Tom Gerrard ✦ IG | @artcareeracademy and @tom-gerrard ✦ Watch on Youtube | / @artcareeracademy ✦ Website | artcareeracademy.com and tom-gerrard.com GUEST: Claire Bradshaw (Art Career Academy) ✦ Instagram | @artcareeracademy @_clairebradshaw_ ✦ Website | https://artcareeracademy.com ------- WANT MORE? 👉 Get our free Visibility Guide to learn how artists are getting seen by gallerists and collectors right now! https://www.artcareeracademy.com/visibility-guide 👉 Want to learn how Tom and our art students make a great income from their art? Get a copy of our free cheatsheet here; https://www.artcareeracademy.com/creative-cashflow-guide 👉 Join the Going Pro waitlist for March 2026 — our signature live program for visual artists. https://www.artcareeracademy.com/waitlist 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 🎥 Watch the full conversation on YouTube

👉 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 collectors and returning market confidence, to AI's growing influence, immersive gallery experiences, and the increasing power of community, this conversation offers a clear-eyed look at what artists actually need to understand right now. KEY TAKEAWAYS: ⚡️ Why making great work is only part of the equation ⚡️ How AI is reshaping art-making (and what that means for you) ⚡️ Why human-centred, imperfect work is rising in value ⚡️ The shift toward multi-income artist careers ⚡️ How galleries, collectors and artists are evolving ⚡️Why community is becoming more important than visibility alone This episode is for emerging and established artists who want to understand where the art world is heading and how to position yourself for long-term success without chasing trends or losing your creative soul. 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube Loved this episode? Hit subscribe and give us a 5 star review. This means so much, thank you! ------ HOST: Tom Gerrard ✦ IG | @artcareeracademy and @tom-gerrard ✦ Watch on Youtube | / @artcareeracademy ✦ Website | artcareeracademy.com and tom-gerrard.com GUEST: Claire Bradshaw (Art Career Academy) ✦ Instagram | @artcareeracademy @_clairebradshaw_ ✦ Website | https://artcareeracademy.com ------- WANT MORE? 👉 Get our free Visibility Guide to learn how artists are getting seen by gallerists and collectors right now! https://www.artcareeracademy.com/visibility-guide 👉 Want to learn how Tom and our art students make a great income from their art? Get a copy of our free cheatsheet here; https://www.artcareeracademy.com/creative-cashflow-guide 👉 Join the Going Pro waitlist for March 2026 — our signature live program for visual artists. https://www.artcareeracademy.com/waitlist 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 🎥 Watch the full conversation on YouTube

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) - The mindset needed to stay calm and focused - How to market your show before, during, and after opening night - Why professional documentation is a must - How to build long-term relationships with collectors and galleries ------------ HOST: Tom Gerrard ✦ IG | @artcareeracademy and @tom_gerrard_ ✦ Watch on Youtube | / @artcareeracademy ✦ Website | tom-gerrard.com & artcareeracademy.com GUEST: Claire Bradshaw ✦ Website | artcareeracademy.com ✦ Instagram | @artcareeracademy Loved this episode? Hit subscribe and give us a 5 star review. This means so much, thank you! ------- WANT MORE? 👉 Get our free Visibility Guide to learn how artists are getting seen by gallerists and collectors right now! https://www.artcareeracademy.com/visibility-guide 👉 Join the Going Pro waitlist — our signature program for visual artists. https://www.artcareeracademy.com/waitlist 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 🎥 Watch the full conversation on YouTube

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, 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 most deeply with buyers ⚡️ The mindset every artist needs to go professional Sarah also shares advice on finding representation, staying consistent with pricing, and the number one daily habit every professional artist should have. ------ HOST: Tom Gerrard ✦ IG | @artcareeracademy and @tom-gerrard ✦ Watch on Youtube | / @artcareeracademy ✦ Website | artcareeracademy.com and tom-gerrard.com GUEST: Sarah Hook (Fletcher Arts) ✦ Instagram | @fletcher_64 ✦ Website | https://fletcherarts.com/ Loved this episode? Hit subscribe and give us a 5 star review. This means so much, thank you! ------- WANT MORE? 👉 Get our free Visibility Guide to learn how artists are getting seen by gallerists and collectors right now! https://www.artcareeracademy.com/visibility-guide 👉 Join the Going Pro waitlist — our signature program for visual artists. https://www.artcareeracademy.com/waitlist 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 🎥 Watch the full conversation on YouTube

👉 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. ------ KEY TAKEAWAYS: ⚡️ Why creating great art is only 30% of the equation of a professional art career today ⚡️ How to build an online presence that goes beyond social media ⚡️ How to approach relationships with collectors, curators & galleries ⚡️ Why waiting to be “discovered” keeps artists stuck ⚡️ How to create your own opportunities (and momentum) Whether you’re just starting out or ready to elevate your visibility, this conversation will help you see your art career from a strategic, empowered perspective. ------ HOST: Tom Gerrard ✦ IG | @artcareeracademy and @tom-gerrard ✦ Watch on Youtube | / @artcareeracademy ✦ Website | artcareeracademy.com and tom-gerrard.com GUEST: Claire Bradshaw ✦ Instagram | @_clairebradshaw_ & @artcareeracademy ✦ Website | artcareeracademy.com Loved 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. https://www.artcareeracademy.com/waitlist 👉 Get our free Visibility Guide to attract collectors and gallery interest https://www.artcareeracademy.com/visibility-guide 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 🎥 Watch the full conversation on YouTube

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. ------ KEY TAKEAWAYS: - The atmosphere and layout of Sydney Contemporary 2025 - Standout works from Vincent Namatjira, William McKinnon, Cybele Cox, Zach Langdon-Poll and more - Reactions to Damien Hirst’s $1.2m butterfly piece - The challenges of art fairs - overwhelm, criticism, and family feedback - Why artists keep coming back to exhibit ------ HOST: Tom Gerrard ✦ IG | @artcareeracademy and @tom-gerrard ✦ Watch on Youtube | / @artcareeracademy ✦ Website | artcareeracademy.com and tom-gerrard.com GUEST: Loribelle Spirovski ✦ Instagram | @loribellespirovski Loved 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. https://www.artcareeracademy.com/waitlist 👉 Get our free Visibility Guide to attract collectors and gallery interest https://www.artcareeracademy.com/visibility-guide

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 future: sculptures, installations, and big walls in America This episode is part philosophy, part technical deep dive, and part raw honesty about what it takes to live and breathe street art today. ------ HOST: Tom Gerrard ✦ IG | @artcareeracademy and @tom-gerrard ✦ Watch on Youtube | / @artcareeracademy ✦ Website | artcareeracademy.com and tom-gerrard.com GUEST: Peter Seaton (CTO) ✦ Instagram | @ctoart Loved 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 2026 intake and unlock early access, exclusive bonuses & the best price. https://www.artcareeracademy.com/waitlist 👉Download our free cheatsheet to boost your creative cashflow: https://www.artcareeracademy.com/creative-cashflow-guide

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.com GUEST: Claire Bradshaw ✦ Website | artcareeracademy.com ✦ Instagram | @artcareeracademy 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

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.com GUEST: 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 artist Whether 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.com GUEST Claire Bradshaw (Art Career Academy) ✦ Instagram @artcareeracademy ✦ Find out more at www.artcareeacademy.com Want 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-aug25 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

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 status Whether 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.com GUEST: Wayne Lim ✦ Website | https://www.youtube.com/@futurehistoryx ✦ Instagram | @futurehistory.co Loved 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 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: Claire Bradshaw ✦ Instagram @artcareeracademy 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 the waitlist for the next LIVE round of Going [ART] Pro program for emerging artists https://www.artcareeracademy.com/waitlist

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.com GUEST: DREZ ✦ Instagram @d.r.e.z 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 the waitlist for the next LIVE round of Going [ART] Pro program for emerging artists https://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