BENCH TALK Podcast

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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.

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PODCAST CHAPTERS

00:00 – Welcome & why January is the perfect time to reflect
01:45 – Why reflection + intention setting actually works
02:20 – Reviewing 2025 goals: travel, murals & artistic growth
04:10 – Question 1: What are you most proud of from 2025?
06:40 – Exhibiting at Sydney Contemporary & solo show reflections
09:20 – Why your biggest wins often aren’t the ones you plan for
10:35 – Question 2: Biggest learnings from 2025
10:55 – Nurturing collector relationships (and why it matters)
12:45 – Slowing down to grow faster as an artist
14:45 – Expanding into new creative industries & collaborations
15:15 – Question 3: What are you stopping in 2026?
16:55 – Question 4: What will you keep doing?
19:00 – Question 5: What will you start doing?
20:10 – Top 3 goals for 2026
22:55 – Challenges ahead: AI, health & sustainability
27:50 – What Tom wants to learn in 2026
30:55 – 10 years as a full-time artist: reflections
31:50 – Word for 2026
33:00 – Why reviewing your reflections each year is powerful
35:00 – Being gentle with yourself on the long-term journey
36:00 – Final thoughts & encouragement

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GUEST: Claire Bradshaw [Art Career Academy]

✦ Website | artcareeracademy.com
✦ Instagram | @artcareeracademy & @_clairebradshaw_

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HOST: Tom Gerrard

✦ IG | @artcareeracademy & @tom_gerrard_
✦ Subscribe to Channel |    / @artcareeracademy  
✦ Website | artcareeracademy.com

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© 2026 Art Career Academy. All rights reserved. Content from Art Career Academy & BenchTalk Podcast is protected under copyright law.

Legal Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Art Career Academy & BenchTalk are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Tom Gerrard, Claire Bradshaw or the Art Career Academy.

This channel and podcast is for educational purposes only. The host claims no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the information presented herein.