Watch Abstract: The Art of Design

Abstract: The Art of Design is an original Netflix documentary series that follows the journeys of some of the most creative designers in various fields of design. From architecture to shoe design, from photography to graphic art, Abstract showcases the life and work of passionate and innovative designers who shape the world we live in.

The first episode introduces us to Tinker Hatfield, an iconic shoe designer for Nike. Tinker takes us through his creative process and reveals how he brings his ideas to life, starting from a concept sketch to a finished product. We see his office shed, filled with sketches, models, and shoes, where he works on his latest designs. Throughout the episode, Tinker shares his thoughts on the importance of storytelling, the impact of technology, and the power of imagination.

In the second episode, we meet Platon, a renowned portrait photographer. Platon's work has been published in magazines such as Rolling Stone, TIME, and Vanity Fair, and he has photographed numerous world leaders, activists, and celebrities. In this episode, we learn about Platon's approach to photography, which goes beyond capturing the subject's appearance. Platon aims to capture the essence of his subject's personality, their emotions, and their story. Using his extensive knowledge of human psychology and body language, Platon creates images that reveal the inner worlds of his subjects.

The third episode centers on Ian Spalter, a user interface designer who has worked for companies such as Instagram and YouTube. Ian shares his insights on how technology can be used to create experiences that are both engaging and accessible. He explains how design principles can shape the way we interact with digital products, and how user feedback can be used to improve the user experience. We see Ian at work, collaborating with his team to design a new product, and we hear from his colleagues about his leadership skills and his ability to inspire the team to produce their best work.

In the subsequent episodes, we meet other designers, such as Ralph Gilles, a car designer for Fiat Chrysler, Bjarke Ingels, an architect who designs large-scale projects, and Es Devlin, a stage designer who works with musicians such as Beyoncé and Adele. Each designer has a unique approach to their craft, but they all share a commitment to excellence, innovation, and creativity.

What sets Abstract apart from other documentary series is its ability to bring the audience into the creative process. We see how designers experiment, make mistakes, and push boundaries as they work to turn their visions into reality. We get insights into their thinking, their research, and their inspirations. We see how they collaborate with others, how they deal with setbacks, and how they celebrate their successes.

The series also explores the relationship between design and culture, showing how design shapes and is shaped by the society we live in. We see how designers respond to the challenges and opportunities presented by changes in technology, politics, and the environment.

The visual style of the series is as innovative as the designers themselves. Each episode is shot in a different aesthetic, using techniques such as animation, time-lapse photography, and 360-degree video to create a dynamic and immersive viewing experience. The music, composed by Jeff Beal, is also an integral part of the series, adding to the emotional impact of the stories.

In conclusion, Abstract: The Art of Design is a must-see for anyone interested in creativity, innovation, and design. The series raises important questions about the role of design in our world, and it inspires us to explore our own creative potential. Whether you are a designer yourself or simply curious about the world of design, Abstract is a journey worth taking.

Abstract: The Art of Design is a series that ran for 2 seasons (14 episodes) between February 10, 2017 and on Netflix