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 episode of Bench Talk, Tom Gerrard reconnects with Los Angeles-based artist Kristopher Raos for an in-depth conversation about making the leap from graffiti to a sustainable studio practice, the alchemy of materials, and why keeping your work accessible matters. Kristopher hasn't painted graffiti in five years — not because he fell out of love with it, but because he channeled that same energy into his studio work. What started as a "more practical solution" to painting on the streets has become a thriving full-time career, complete with gallery representation, museum exhibitions, and a deeply experimental material practice. In this conversation, Tom and Kristopher explore: ⚡️ Why the transition from street to studio felt natural (not like a compromise) ⚡️ How Kristopher deliberately left text behind to create distance from "street artist turned gallery artist" labels ⚡️ The materials he works with: cel vinyl, gouache, acrylic, and experimental processes ⚡️ Separating binders from pigments to achieve ultra-flat, saturated surfaces ⚡️ Why he doesn't use spray paint on canvas (and the lessons learned early on) ⚡️ The graffiti writer's "alchemy" mindset applied to traditional materials ⚡️ Looking at the LA landscape for source material instead of spots to paint ⚡️ Why Kristopher keeps his work affordable and accessible to multiple audiences ⚡️ The importance of pricing work so emerging collectors can participate ⚡️ Working with Charlie James Gallery and experimenting outside market pressures ⚡️ Having work in museum permanent collections (Buffalo AKG, California institutions) ⚡️ The reality of being a full-time artist in your 40s (and why it's the prime years) This episode is a masterclass in intentional career-building, material experimentation, and staying true to your roots while evolving as an artist. 🎧 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: Kristopher Raos ✦ Instagram | @kristopher_raos ✦ Website | https://kristopherraos.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