A
couple weeks ago Netflix released a new documentary series titled, Abstract. The series consists of eight
episodes, each episode following a famous designer that is well-known in a
specific design medium. While not all design mediums are shown in the
documentary, the series does give its audience a nice range to explore. From
illustration to footwear to cars and then stage, each episode leaves it
audience inspired
The
first purpose of the show, I believe, is to inform people of the many different
mediums of design and then show how they all have a very similar method to
being done while also having special elements that make it unique. Then the
second purpose is to inspire their audience at the end of each episode. The
first purpose is mostly achieved by the audience and their ability to pick up
on the similarities between each design medium since the show never explicitly
says that they’re similar. Then the second purpose is achieved through at the
end of each episode when each designer leaves with a sort of tip for designing.
The tone of the designing tip is pretty motivational and leaves the viewer with
a sense of motivation to start designing.
As a
wannabe stage designer, being able to see how someone in the professional world
goes about turning an empty stage into a scene out of a movie is really inspiring.
At the end of the stage design episode, the designer, Es Devlin, basically
tells the audience that most people don’t remember the set design of a show or
concert, but rather the message the performer is projecting. She continues by
saying that it’s our job as set designers to make the performer stand out so
people want to listen to their words. At first I was a little taken back by
Devlin’s bluntness but then I kind of felt really inspired to start designing
sets. Her message made me feel that I had the power to make someone’s words
mean something by creating an image/performance that helped back up the
performer’s message.
