Looking to get inspired? Fortunately if you’re a graphic designer, Netflix has you covered. These are our favorite must-watch documentaries on Netflix that graphic designers should watch.
Design is One: Lella and Massimo Vignelli (2012)
For decades the husband and wife team behind Vignelli Associates was one of the world’s greatest forces in design. This documentary explores the creative relationship of this cross-disciplinary design team. This depiction of two of the most influential designers in the world showcases their interiors, graphics, and other work—including the famous Vignelli Subway Map of New York.
Print the Legend (2014)
Netflix takes viewers inside next technological revolution as they follow the people of MakerBot, a Brooklyn startup racing to develop 3D printing technology for consumers. In this narrative the MakerBot team grows from a small Boerum Hill company as one of the three founders, Bre Pettis, emulates Steve Jobs of Apple. In the end we see MakerBot goes on to capture a fairly large market share, and is then acquired by Stratasys, their main competitor in this space.
Indie Game: The Movie (2012)
This is a truly entertaining documentary that shows the insider experience of creating a hit video game. In this story we meet two teams of designers who are working to create Fez and Super Meat Boy. Although these have both seen incredible success in the indie game world, this documentary shows how grueling the process can be. From pixel painting to corporate meetings, this film shows just how high-stakes the process is by racing alongside the designers as they try to work within budgets and time constraints.
Ai Wei Wei: Never Sorry (2012)
Ai Weiwei is the most famous activist/artist in China. He is well known for his defiance of the Chinese government, and was even imprisoned for his outspoken advocacy work. In this documentary you learn much more about the man behind the reputation, and visit his studio to see his work and hear him discuss his philosophies. This film is a must for anyone interested in how art and activism work together, especially now in the digital age.
Exit Through the Gift Shop (2010)
Just in time for the recent “revelations” about the true identity of Banksy, watch this amazing film created by the man himself. In this documentary eccentric French shopkeeper Thierry Guetta decides to find and get to know Banksy. However, once he does Banksy takes the camera into his own hands and focuses the story on Guetta. Is it a real documentary or just another Banksy hoax? One thing is certain: the film offers a wonderful discussion of street art and art history that anyone in graphic design will enjoy.
Pablo (2012)
See the fascinating story of Pablo Ferro, a self-taught graphic artist and film title designer, told in this documentary. Using a blend of animation and live action film footage, this uniquely personal account shows us how Pablo Ferro used a book to teach himself animation in the 1950s. Ferro then spent the next several decades creating notable works such as the opening of Dr. Strangelove by Stanley Kubrick and the opening titles for the 1995 Gus Van Sant release, To Die For.
Drew: The Man Behind the Poster (2013)
This documentary follows the life and work of Drew Struzan, the renowned artist behind some of the most famous movie posters in history. Struzan hand drew the posters for Back to the Future, the Indiana Jones series, Men in Black, and the original Star Wars trilogy. His story is told via interviews of his family and friends, including ardent admirers like filmmaker Guillermo del Toro.
Did we leave out any of your favorites? Let us know in the comments.