Pixels To Print: Top Netflix Picks for Graphic Designers

As the days of being stuck at home continue on, what better way to pass the time than by binging Netflix, right?! Yes, I know we are definitely all guilty of this by now, and no, I am not here to stop you, but instead to bring some more options to the table.  Movies are a great source for inspiration, and you might not realize it, but Netflix actually offers quite a few inspiring documentaries on creative subjects and movements.  So grab the popcorn, and let’s get movie night started! 

1)  Abstract: The Art of Design

Created by former Wired editor-in-chief Scott Dadich, this docu-series gives two seasons of  forty minute profiles of prominent designers and creatives. Each creative reveals their process and the challenges they face in their work, including people like graphic designer Paula Scher, illustrator Christoph Niemann, and architect Bjarke Ingels, to name a few.  With the insight and information that is beautifully put together into this docu-series, you’ll be sure to get sucked into their worlds!

2) The Creative Brain

An insightful 52-minute documentary that aims to help people find a way forward with creativity.  Neuroscientist and best-selling author David Eagleman meets up with a variety of accomplished professionals from across the creative spectrum and tries to unravel their creative process in a way that makes logical sense. The results are truly fascinating, and will make you think about your graphic design work in a whole new way.

3)  Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things

This 2016 documentary by Matt D'Avella examines the roots of minimalism as a reaction to modern consumerism and media overload, and how it's let to new movements such as decluttering and simplified ways of living.  With minimalism becoming a big trend in graphic design, this documentary will help you to understand the meaning as to where this trend comes from and why.

4)  Jeremy Scott: The People’s Designer

A documentary movie that showcases the life and work of American fashion designer Jeremy Scott. Known for his designs for Adidas and Moschino, Scott has also worked with countless celebrities.  The movie highlights his journey from humble roots on a Missouri farm to creative director of Moschino and all of the hardships and criticism that he faces with his work. It's a fascinating reminder that however good you are, every designer has to deal with criticism and people who don't understand your work. 

5)  Floyd Norman: An Animated Life

Floyd Norman is an American animator, writer, and comic book artist who's worked for pretty much every big player in the business, including Disney, Pixar and Hanna-Barbera. This documentary charts how Norman continues to impact the industry and battle ageism. Running at 1 hour 34 minutes, it's an incredible story of a man who comes across as humble yet charming, incredibly creative yet unassuming and underappreciated, and an inspiration to us all.

6)  I am Sun Mu

This documentary highlights South Korean propaganda artist Sun Mu and his embarkment on a solo exhibition of his work in China, a move that many saw as risky. It follows events as Mu prepares his show undercover, before an unexpected turn of events puts him and his friends and family in danger.

7)  The Toys That Made Us

In this docu-series, we take a look at the creation of some of the world's most iconic toy franchises, including everything from Star Trek and Transformers to LEGO and Hello Kitty.  We are able to see beyond the superficial at how toys are really conceived, designed, and made.