This documentary upgrades my thinking in the best way

Welcome back (or hello for the first time if that's you).

This is super random, but I’ll share anyway. I'm sitting at my dining room table writing this. It's a table (and bench) I am sadly going to have to get rid of and sell; there is no space in my new place moving into in the next few weeks (I have a buyer, thank goodness).

But I do want to give it its moment, because it's an amazing piece of furniture from Sundays. Suuuuuuper expensive (I thought I would own it forever). Maybe my favorite piece of furniture I’ve ever purchased. Check out Sundays; their stuff is great; super nice quality and materials. Worth it if you ask me, esp if you plan on keeping it for a while.

Anyway, let’s dive in; excited to share this week’s topic with you.

I am not a Creative. I’m not a designer, I don’t build brand identities per se. I don’t build or design consumer products. I‘m not an illustrator. My opinions on fonts and which ones suck and which ones are great are backed by no evidence and no research or experience.

I remember as a kid, whenever I had free time in school, I would doodle. I always had a pen, pencil, or marker in my hand. I was big on writing out my name in bubble letters too. I also remember in college I made name tags for my friends’ dorm room doors in bubble letters; I remember owning a collection of a bajillion Sharpies to make those name tags. Fun times.

I've always had that creative / artistic ‘bug.’ I’ve always been drawn to why things are designed the way they are. I remember too, going through a phase where I wanted to become an architect. Whatever it might have been in the design/creation space, I was interested in it. I just never actioned on it as a career. Why? I’m not sure. But I do wish I was more informed on my options while in high school; I definitely don’t think I took advantage of the resources available to me at the time.

Anyway, I’ve stayed interested in this world to this day; design, typefaces, learning about different graphic designers, looking at the mis-shaped address numbers plastered on the concrete of an apartment building, the fonts used for storefront signage—whatever it might be, I’m intrigued by why things are designed the way they are. And to that point, I love hearing how Creatives think and work.

There is a Netflix documentary I am constantly coming back to. One that helps me recharge, creatively. Every time I watch it, it feels like I am listening to the stories with a new lens and perspective.

The documentary: Abstract: The art of design

Each episode highlights a different designer. It shows how they work, how they think about design, and what they’ve contributed to the industry and broader world. It’s fascinating.

My favorite episodes include:

• Paula Scher, Graphic Designer

• Christoph Niemann, Illustrator

• Ilse Crawford, Interior Design

• Ian Spalter, Digital Product Design

• Jonathan Hoefler, Typeface Design

Every time I put on one of these episodes, I gain a new and unique perspective on how to see the world. And it reminds me how much work goes into everyday objects and design that we may not think twice about. For example, Paula Scher designed the identity for The High Line and The Public Theater in NYC. Christoph Niemann designed a cover for The New Yorker. Ilse was the principal designer for the Cathay Pacific airline lounges. Ian Spalter pokes fun at the time when Instagram changed it's iconic app icon design to what it is today (what many said reminded them of color gradients used in Microsoft Office products). It's always refreshing when the design team behind apps that 1+ billion people use, can laugh too. Jonathan Hoefler shows us the process of designing his own typeface (is that not the coolest thing??? C’mon!)

They all bring something unique and different to the world in our everyday products and encounters. Watching this series is like a brain refresh. It forces me to think about things differently and in new ways. Sure, it’s not that deep, it’s just a documentary. So maybe something happens subconsciously. Who knows.

Check out the documentary if you can. And if you don’t have a Netflix subscription, I think a few episodes are on Youtube.

What kinds of things do you turn to for a ‘creative reset’? Who are some designers you admire? What makes them unique or special to you?

Thanks for reading and for being here. I don’t take for granted that you care what I have to say. Or even if you don’t care, and you’re still here; thanks for being a fan anyway. ❣️

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