Mark Trinham: Building Sustainable Art Practice Through Environmental Values and Collaboration

Mark Trinham has spent 30 years building a thriving full-time art practice without formal business training—creating large-scale public artworks, running a successful collaboration company, and maintaining creative independence. 

In this conversation, Mark reveals how he moved from illustration and graphic design into public art and sculpture, developed a sustainable business model that keeps him booked 18 months ahead, and learned when to say no after decades of saying yes to everything.

You'll discover how Mark positions accumulated expertise in environmental connection and place-based storytelling as premium capability, why collaboration amplifies rather than dilutes artistic voice, and how he's now creating space for fine art practice after 30 years of commissioned work. 

This isn't intended to be a motivational interview about following your passion—the intent is to provide you with the practical insight into what it takes to build recognised expertise, navigate pricing without business training, and sustaining creative work across several decades. And, to actually do that and succeed as an artist.

Resources Mentioned, all in Australia

Organizations & Networks:

• Regional Arts Victoria
• Surf Coast Arts - Torquay

Venues & Creative Spaces:

• Ashmore Arts, Torquay
• Cowrie Market, Torquay

Projects & Artworks:

• Torquay Mosaic Sundial (1995) - Mark's first public art project
• Diamantina Shire Land Art, near Betoota
• Wildlife Collector Cards Project (2009-2014) - 135 A3-sized realistic paintings of local wildlife for Landcare

Publications:

• Bush Tails, The Quest - written by Ali Cork, illustrated by Mark Trinham

Music:

• Moonah (band) recently released fifth CD "Ghost Country" (EP). 
• Lucy and The Night Sky - Nine-piece band that Mark and his Moonah bandmates backed as supporting musicians.
• Nightjar Independent Arts Festival - Arts market with food vendors and live music

Contact & Portfolio:

• Instagram: @marktrinham - Mark's primary platform for current work updates and posts
• Facebook:

Practical ideas for independent professionals building practice on their own terms. Arrives Tuesday. Subscribe free at wisepreneurs.com.au