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 getting louder

⚡️The real reason criticism hits artists harder than most people

⚡️Tom's personal story: the "clean lines" advice that cost him two years of joy

⚡️Claire's 3-step framework for handling feedback without going into freeze or spiral

⚡️How to assess whether advice actually deserves your attention

⚡️Why trying to please everyone is the fastest route to becoming forgettable

⚡️The Picasso, Matisse + Basquiat reminder every artist needs to hear

⚡️Why community matters more than ever when you're putting your work out there

Key takeaway: Your power is in your centre. When you know your vision, your values, and where you're taking your art ~ the noise stops landing so hard.

🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts

📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube

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HOST: Tom Gerrard

✦ IG | @artcareeracademy and @tom-gerrard

✦ Watch on Youtube | / @artcareeracademy

✦ Website | artcareeracademy.com and tom-gerrard.com

GUEST: Claire Bradshaw

✦ Instagram | @artcareeracademy @_clairebradshaw_

✦ Website | https://www.artcareeracademy.com

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https://www.artcareeracademy.com/creative-cashflow-guide