inspire designers to explore insights from documentaries

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of design and creativity with these insightful documentaries. Delve into the creative process, discover the driving forces behind design, and explore the profound impact it has on our world.

These documentaries are not just a source of inspiration, but a valuable resource for your professional growth as a designer.

Gain inspiration and valuable insights as you uncover the personal journeys of the talented individuals shaping the world of design.

The documentaries stories are not just about their work, but about their passion, struggles, and triumphs, making them relatable and inspiring.

The 10 documentaries are:

Abstract: The Art of Design

Abstract: The Art of Design is a Netflix original documentaries series that highlights design artists. The document series was created by former Wired editor-in-chief Scott Dadich.

Released on Netflix on February 10, 2017, the first season profiled illustrator Christoph Niemann, Nike shoe designer Tinker Hatfield, stage designer Es Devlin, architect Bjarke Ingels, automotive designer Ralph Gilles, graphic designer Paula Scher, photographer Platon, and interior designer Ilse Crawford.

In 2019, Netflix announced the second season, released on September 25, 2019.

The Pixar Story

The Pixar Story, directed by Leslie Iwerks, is a documentary of the history of Pixar Animation Studios. An early version of the film premiered at the Sonoma Film Festival in 2007.

The Pixar Story is not just a documentary about the history of Pixar Animation Studios. It’s a journey that takes viewers behind the scenes, revealing the creative struggle and determination that fueled the next-level animation technology revolutionising Hollywood. It’s a must-watch for any designer looking to understand the power of perseverance in the creative process.

Helvetica

Directed by Gary Hustwit, this documentary delves into the history and impact of the ubiquitous typeface, Helvetica. It not only celebrates the font but also examines how typography and graphic design influence our culture.

Objectified

Also directed by Gary Hustwit, this film explores consumers’ relationship with manufactured objects and the designers behind them. It’s a visual feast of industrial design eye candy, showcasing how products impact our lives.

Floyd Norman: An Animated Life

Directed by Michael Fiore and Erik Sharkey, this documentary blends interviews and archival footage to tell the fascinating story of Floyd Norman, the animator.

Floyd Norman, the man, paved the path for black creatives in show business.

When Floyd Norman was a kid, he heard he could never have a career at Disney’s studio. “They don’t hire blacks,” his peers told him.

Norman was adamant and confident of his talent, and within a few years, he was animating The Jungle Book as Disney’s first black employee. While working under Walt Disney, Norman floated between animator, layout artist, storyboard artist, and writer until he was let go in 1965.

Creative Brain

THE CREATIVE BRAIN takes audiences on a journey with neuroscientist and best-selling author David Eagleman to meet accomplished professionals from across the creative spectrum, unravel the creative process, and encourage all of us to be more creative.

“Creativity is not about making something out of nothing,” Eagleman argues. “Instead, it’s about refashioning what already exists.”

Why Man Creates

Saul Bass, a renowned designer, created a timeless short film that delves into the essence of creativity, the creative process, and various approaches to both. Despite being produced in 1968, the captivating visuals continue to inspire even today.

The Artist Series by Hillman Curtis

In this video series, Hillman Curtis interviews top designers and design firms. One episode features “grunge typographer” David Carson, who broke design rules and became influential in the 1990s. Other interviews include Paula Scher, Stefan Sagmeister, Malcolm Gladwell, and the legendary design firm Pentagram.

Exit Through the Gift Shop

Made by graffiti artist Banksy, this documentary follows L.A. thrift shop owner Thierry Guetta’s journey from street art documentarian to street artist. It humorously pokes fun at the subjective nature of the art industry and features other artists like Space Invader, Shepard Fairey, and Banksy himself.

The 100 Years Show

The 100 Years Show chronicles the misfortune of Herrera’s talent being overlooked because of her gender and nationality. However, the story is inspiring as it illustrates Herrera’s creativity and the power of art to stay alive for a lifetime.

Carmen Herrera, a world-renowned painter, minimalist works are on exhibit at major institutions such as MoMA and Tate Modern. London’s The Observer dubbed her the “discovery of the decade.”

Read more articles exploring the dynamic interplay between design, user experience, artificial intelligence, and technology here.