Top 5 Documentaries on Design
If you’re looking to exercise your brain and expand your mind, but also crave the comfort of your PJs and personal hideaway, checking out a new design documentary may be the perfect solution. Take a step back from the pencil, stylus, or mouse you wield on a daily basis,.
This list is composed of essential documentaries about design of all forms and fashions. Whether you claim yourself to be a casual hobbyist or a seasoned professional, these films offer insight into the expansive, ever-evolving industry. Grab a glimpse into the careers and personal lives of some of the world’s most influential designers and innovators, and allow their stories to educate and inspire you to greatness. Or at the very least, they’ll give you a new source of entertainment.
Helvetica (2007)
If you’ve ever been curious about the intricacies of typography design, Helvetica is the perfect place to start. This independent film by Gary Hustwit goes into great detail about the process of creating type and how impactful one typeface can be on our lives across the globe.
Beyond the examination of how type interacts and effects our lives, Hustwit explores the creative process and thoughtful choices from a collection of talented designers. Designing successful type is more than constructing aesthetic variations on a shape, taking into consideration ideas and principles of psychology and how they can effect this visual form of communication.
Fun fact: Helvetica had its World Premiere at the SXSW Film Festival in March 2007!
Exit Through the Gift Shop (2010)
Exit Through the Gift Shop follows a quirky Los Angeles thrift shop owner named Thierry Guetta and his strange transformation from documentary filmmaker to street artist.
During his journey, Guetta attempts to locate and befriend the legendary graffiti artist Banksy, who has a global reputation for his political works, social commentary, and anonymity. Banksy takes control of the documentary and turns the camera around on Guetta, and the film switches focus on documenting Guetta’s attempts at street art instead.
Any creative professional will appreciate how the film, which is as satirical and thought-provoking as Banksy’s iconic work, pokes fun at the subjective nature of art. The film premiered in 2010 at the Sundance Film Festival and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. In years since, conspiracy theorists have pushed the belief that Banksy’s movie might be just another one of his many pranks. We’ll leave it up to you to decide!
Art & Copy: Inside Advertising’s Creative Revolution (2009)
This 2009 film by Doug Pray looks inside the world of renowned advertising agencies and the creative minds who shaped them.The 1960’s brought the advertising industry’s creative revolution, and with it, the first merging of words and images as an advertising technique. You’ll also get a look into several well-known agencies, including Wieden + Kennedy, DDB Worldwide, and TBWA\Chiat\Day and their response to the evolving industry.
Famous advertisers are interviewed about their own work and their impact on American culture, discussing what they consider “good” or “bad” advertising and what it means to merge art and copy in an effective, culturally relevant marketing strategy.
You’ll even see the conception stories of how several famous campaigns we still know today – ”Where’s the Beef?,” “Got Milk?,” “Just Do It,” and “Think Different.”
Milton Glaser: To Inform and Delight (2008)
This documentary delves into the life of the mastermind behind the iconic “I love New York” logo, Milton Glaser. Through interviews, you’ll learn about this notable American graphic designer and co-founder New York Magazine, touching on highlights from his studies, to his professional work, to his inspiration.
Design and Thinking (2012)
Design & Thinking is a feature-length documentary on the idea of “design thinking” and its impact on businesses and society.
“Design thinking” is a borrowed term to reject design as simply fashion or style, instead highlighting the creative thinking process. The phrase was established as an answer to daily life questions and everyday business challenges. The film explores the conflicting viewpoints of design thinking such as: What does it do? Why is it here? Who does it help?
Are there any design documentaries you enjoyed that you don’t see on our list? Let us know in the comments below!
