5 Films and Documentaries to inspire creativity

Working from home and social distancing is a recipe for binge watching TV (especially with the amount the Drag Race ‘suite’ of programmes has been releasing). I find that the more mindless TV you watch, the less inspired and motivated you become to get up and create. 

For the creative who is in search of inspiration here are some series and documentaries I’ve been watching to keep being inspired… and a few on my list to get to next. Any others you’d add to the list?

1. Abstract: the art of design (2017)

A brilliant docu-series that steps inside the process and thinking of innovative designers in a variety of creative fields. An inspiring look into how design impacts every aspect of life. 

2. Iris (2014)

Iris Apfel is known for her affinity for colourful and bold items. This film shows her incredible work ethic and adventurous zest for life. Even at an old age Apfel continues to source items of inspiration herself, using them to inform her iconic curated styles. For some reason, it’s not on Netflix anymore but keep an eye out as it’s supposed to be back soon.

3. Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things (2016)

This film is all about living a slow lifestyle, having what you need. It speaks of beauty and function, expanding on the well known William Morris quote: “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” A reminder that what you create should have a function and purpose – that “simplicity is key”.

4. The September Issue (2009)

I first gave this a watch at university and its worth a re-watch just for a dose of the legend that is Grace Coddington. The documentary takes you through the preparation of one of the biggest issues of Vogue magazine, giving you an insight into Editor in Chief Anna Wintour, and the inner workings of the fashion industry. The dedication to innovation and staying ‘on brand’ is impressive. Seeing the story (and hilarity) behind collections and the images created for the issue is inspiring and takes you into the world of fashion – where art and commerce meet.

5. Print – the Legend (2014)

This was quite slow moving, but an interesting watch and look into the ‘business’ side of good design and ideas. The documentary follows the development and evolution of developing the home 3D printer and the upscaling of an idea into a business model and manufacturing process. The documentary even speaks into the ethics of what should you design and how people use and abuse open source content.

Others on the list to watch:

The Creative Brain (2019)

Exit through the Gift Shop (2010)

Tidying Up with Mary Kondo (2019)

Helvetica (2007)

Rams (2018)