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Bench TalkAuthor: 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. Im 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. Language: en-us Genres: Arts, Visual Arts Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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BENCH TALK Podcast #216 | Elliott Routledge
Episode 216
Tuesday, 31 March, 2026
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 along the way and learned to trust his instincts even when commercial viability wasn't guaranteed. In this conversation, Tom and Elliott explore: ⚡️Why Elliott doesn't call himself a "street artist" anymore: ⚡️How to navigate imposter syndrome when transitioning into the gallery world ⚡️The evolution of Elliott's condensed, elongated text-based works ⚡️Why he kept certain bodies of work "on the back burner" for years before showing them ⚡️How one interior designer's enthusiasm gave him the confidence to finally exhibit his text pieces ⚡️The importance of creating work you love, even if you don't think it will sell ⚡️Working across multiple mediums and styles without feeling scattered ⚡️How mentors shaped Elliott's gallery career ⚡️Being featured in the Australian Abstract art book ⚡️Balancing fatherhood, studio time, and a relentless creative drive This is a interview is all about artistic integrity, creative courage and the long game of building a sustainable art career without compromising who you are. 🎧 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: Elliott Routledge ✦ Instagram | @funskull ✦ Website | https://www.elliottroutledge.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
