ABSTRACT: THE ART OF DESIGN.

Jacob Ham

DATE

20th February 2017

Introduction.

Having premiered on February 10th, Abstract; Art and Design focuses on following eight famous artists and designers from all different mediums. Set across eight 45 minute episodes, this Netflix Original show is both an eye-opening watch and rather inspirational. Each episode is completely different from the last, however all resolving around the main idea of how design brings everyone closer in many ways.

What can be learned?

From learning the process of Tinker Hatfield's famous "Air Jordan 20's" to learning the journey of Young Architect Bjarke Ingels. Abstract offers an insight to the mind of the eight professional documented throughout the series. Hearing a well known designer show and explain their process of starting/finishing work is something that really inspired me. Often seeing someone else's work and how they got to the end goal can make you as a designer, constantly question your development.

This leading to myself developing more and more ideas, which is rather benefited when working with clients as the more concepts and developments I produce the more they have to choose from.

Best episode?

Each episode is inspirational but there is one that really hit home and motivated me more. Episode six focuses on Paula Scher and her life as a designer. The episode covers the elemet of Graphic Design and how she started as a designer. She discusses how "All messages are different and they are everywhere". This quote stood out to me, for the reason that sums up design. Everyone gets messages from looking at the same design, often different ones.

The episode also covers what should not be done when working with design, she discuses the ballot box of Palm Beach in 2001, where the list of the names of the ballot are spilt accross two pages. The design caused a majoirty of the county to vote for a Anti Semite all down to the design giving the wrong message and misleading people.

Paula Scher

Paula is the owner of Pentagram Design in New York, Pentagram is a studio that who work, have probably graced your eyes some time without knowing. Pentagram have designed for major corporations such as Citi Bank, Coca-Cola and 55 Pier. Pentagram are also reasonable for the design, used for the front and back cover of "Lawrence King" books known as "Logos" and "*Symbols".

Conclusion.

In conclusion, I highly recommend Abstract to anyone looking to see a second perspective at their work, with also becoming inspired by art and design. learning how to see things from a different angle helps to expand on your work even more, making decisions you did think were possible.

Abstract has an episode that any designer can relate to regardless of the medium and seeing other art forms and how they are perfected makes me want to expand the horizons and try something new.