345: Art School At Age 40 with Southside Frank

·49 min·4 clips

Southside Frank went back to art school at age 40 after turning down a scholarship at 17.

Blueprint hosts an interview with Southside Frank, a fellow hip-hop artist and friend from Columbus. Frank explains he started drawing as a child, inspired by his father, but never considered art as a career due to lack of role models in his community. In high school, he was offered a scholarship to Columbus College of Art and Design but turned it down because he couldn't see a viable path. He spent years working odd jobs and in the hip-hop scene, feeling unfulfilled. In his late 30s, after seeing friends succeed in animation, he reapplied to CCAD and received another scholarship. Frank attended art school at 40, finding advantages in his age, such as confidence from hip-hop performance experience. He discusses the structure of school helping him complete projects and meet deadlines. Post-graduation, Frank collaborates on community projects, including Poctober zines highlighting Black punk history with Reagan. He recently held a successful art show at The Citadel, selling paintings and zines. Frank reflects on the importance of community and networking for artists. He advises older individuals considering art school to weigh the need for structure against self-study options. The episode includes sponsor mentions for Cookbook's album 'Portland Angeles 2' and an ad for coaching services.

As heard by us

A candid, grounded conversation about art school, lost confidence, and learning how to study later on.

Southside Frank's story lands as a patient look at an artist who arrived at art school after a long route through hip-hop, work, parties, and years of keeping drawing nearby without making it the center.

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Why you'd press play

You want a later-in-life art-school story with hip-hop roots and just enough hard-earned self-doubt.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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