Up-and-coming actor, photographer, and influencer Oliver Blank is the versatile, multitalented Atlanta native building a vibrant career across the arts. Growing up as a competitive cheerleader and tennis player, he is well versed in splitting his time between disciplines and finding passion in several sectors at once.
Now spending half his time in Los Angeles, he is perhaps best known for his role in Apple TV+’s Swagger, a series inspired by Kevin Durant’s youth basketball experience on the AAU circuit. But when he’s not acting, he’s growing his budding photography career and artistic style, experimenting with 90’s style editorials and conceptualising with friends.
We had the opportunity to hear from Oliver about his origins in both acting and photography, career goals, and what motivates him.
Read the interview…
What influences you to create?
The biggest influence in my creative journey is undoubtedly my friends. Having a circle of peers who share the same passion for fashion and creativity is truly special. Our weekly gatherings, whether for planning photoshoots or brainstorming ideas, are what fuel my drive to create.
How did you first discover your passion for photography?
You’ll laugh, but I was a cheerleader for five years in middle school and high school. My trusty Canon Rebel was a constant companion during practices and competitions, always snapping pics of friends and rival teams during breaks. Upon moving to LA, I transitioned those skills into a different domain. My photography skills are primarily self-taught, with some guidance from friends. I’d often find myself engrossed in social media, marvelling at other people’s work and wondering, “how did they achieve that look?” This curiosity led to countless hours spent on YouTube, delving into various cameras, printers, and scanners.
How would you define the style of your work?
Although I’m hesitant to confine my work to a single style, lately, I’ve been drawing significant inspiration from the 80s and 90s fashion. In fact, anything pre-2000s has been a primary source of inspiration, influencing not only my shoots but my personal style too.
What is your process in conceptualising a shoot?
Collaboration lies at the heart of my shoots. The joy of working with friends is incomparable. Our sessions, often extending into the wee hours, are filled with mood-boarding and planning until we crystallise a concept that aligns with both the client’s vision and the comfort of the subject. The linchpin of my process is transparent communication, ensuring everyone is on the same page regarding the final objective.
Which photographers have been inspirations in your artistic direction?
Some photographers that immediately come to mind are Nadia Lee Cohen, Petra Collins, and Alana O’Herlihy. Their distinctive styles resonate so strongly that I can instantly recognise their images, whether on Pinterest or Instagram. Their ability to create such a recognisable signature is truly admirable. Goals, right?
How did you first get into acting?
My introduction to acting was serendipitous, given my school’s proximity to an acting studio. I attended a high school designed for students needing flexible schedules, mine being cheerleading, while others pursued singing, sports, or acting. As senior year approached and college seemed less appealing, I took a chance on acting. Beyond learning the craft, acting provided a sanctuary from my battles with depression and anxiety, allowing me a brief escape into different roles and narratives.
How do you find time and incentive to be multifaceted across disciplines?
Journaling has become an invaluable tool for me. I jot down fleeting ideas, maintaining journals both at home and in my car. This habit not only preserves my thoughts but also gives clarity to my present focus and long-term aspirations.
What are your interests outside of your work?
Lately, I’m on a major food quest, thanks to TikTok. Always on the lookout for the next cool spot in Silver Lake and Los Feliz. And, shoutout to Courage Bagels! Besides that, I’m low-key obsessed with interior design. For now, my place screams minimalism (read: a green couch and a floor bed, lol). And fashion? The world is a massive runway, and every day is like a treasure hunt. From vintage finds in tucked-away thrift shops to that unexpected accessory in a local store, there’s always something fresh waiting to be added to my collection.
What are your career goals?
My aspirations are as diverse as my interests. In acting, I dream of being part of an A24 film and frequently manifest this goal through journaling. In photography, I’m all about building a tight-knit team that goes beyond the usual stylist, and hair and makeup crew. By bringing in everyone from lighting pros to assistants, we not only connect better but also achieve our best creative results. In the realm of fashion, my immediate ambition is to foster relationships with revered brands I love.
