Abstract: The Art of Design | Paula Scher: Graphic Design | FULL EPISODE | Netflix

Step inside the minds of the most innovative designers in a variety of disciplines and learn how design impacts every aspect of life.
In this episode: Graphic designer Paula Scher paints with words, developing the visual language of iconic brands and institutions around the world.
US Rating: TV-14; May not be suitable for ages 14 and under.
For more information and educational resources, please visit:
media.netflix.com/en/company-...
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Abstract: The Art of Design | Paula Scher: Graphic Design | FULL EPISODE | Netflix
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[@zilingloo9769]

"I am driven by the hope that I haven't made my best work yet."

[@MarcusBoyDS]

really hard

[@armenlena]

We need more creative tv shows like this

[@danielmasoomi5794]

watch The Futur - BUILDING A BRAND - the are fantastic

[@itsmecaldo]

@@danielmasoomi5794 will do!

[@nemuko777]

IKR

[@ilizrdz]

Agree!

[@be_rajeevkumar]

me to also

[@echtoon]

Any design students/designers just pumped about this?

[@gabrielwillames]

teacher said to watch ;)

[@mrbard1]

Self learning design myself. She is a amazing woman.

[@kayaeki]

@@mrbard1 sameeeeee!

[@alanmorales2943]

I´m not a designer but I love how is the process to create something so special.

[@KH0LRA]

yes lol, rewatching it for a reflection rn!

[@caku93]

That intro is on another level, too

[@sadbadmac]

I think it's incredibly confusing for an artists profile... Like are those her designs? If not why are you showing them? It just unfocussed imo but the rest of the documentary was good.

[@kixr1]

Just nominated for an emmy

[@seltinusjulio]

Too long actually

[@PaulMcCannWebBuilder]

Yea, i wonder if the animator consulted her. I'd be really nervous animating her work without her input.

[@kingoffifa6023]

No joke. I tell you 🥳🤯👌

[@HarishVangara]

I like Three things here 1- How an election failed with bad typography 2- A graph on How meetings happen and what how you can turn to your benefit 3- Driven by the hope, that I haven't made my best work yet.

[@iderayoub]

I have to say that the election did not fail because of typography but because of the way information was laid. So it's more of information and graphic design rather than typography.

[@theshuriken]

@@iderayoub you got it right.

[@BadlyNamed]

The ballot box literally had numbers associated with the choices. Bad design, yes. But an operating error as well.

[@fadwaazhari7477]

@Dyc_e It means that you need to know how to lead a meeting with clients if you don't want your propositions to die because of too much criticism (the part starting at 34:33 on the video)

[@grffn]

"my father actually thought art was stupid, and serious people became engineers." this is one of the most relatable things i've heard.

[@Q_QQ_Q]

yeah

[@user-nr7tp8bt6t]

Me too!! But I don't care and I am gonna become the artist I want to be🙎

[@Q_QQ_Q]

@The Teenage Sketchbook why

[@user-nr7tp8bt6t]

@@Q_QQ_Q that's just coz the society I live in, is shaped to be that way where creativity is considered that it won't lead you to anything in life and therefore, we r forced to opt for mainstream careers like engineering and medical unwillingly

[@tekiero]

my mind tell me that

[@leminhan1231990]

I almost cried when I watched this episode. That gives me more courage to continue what I'm doing right now.

[@ehmo8706]

Yes keep going. I just watched the intro and I knew I should keep perfecting my art. We can do it!! If we don’t fail we don’t learn, once we learn something we’ll learn something new and add it to our knowledge:) keep going keep going

[@har00nsaeed93]

@@ehmo8706 TAHNK YOU!

[@stevemadden9100]

Loser

[@T.E.P.]

Yeassss keep going Takes a tight team to overwhelm the client with ideas It’s the only way Can’t do it alone

[@SusieOtto]

I'm a designer 20 years into my career and still feel like an imposter everyday. This was inspiring. We are always growing and learning and I need to be more confident in myself.

[@TheJacklwilliams]

@@rorybjorkman We are all, imposters, together and alone. Everything I've ever done I felt this to the core. Yet coming out the other side I found myself as someone else.

[@i_observe9846]

Feels scary. As a first year student in a Design course, I'm feeling an impostor every single day of my life...

[@VincentForDesign]

What helps me to tackle this is focusing on how my work can help people as a solution, instead of comparing myself with peers. Because context matters, what worked for others may not work for my client, and it shapes my design too.

[@i_observe9846]

@@VincentForDesign true

[@freepalestinegaza619]

YEAH SAME MADAM but you have a more experience teacher

[@vastvoids]

"Designing the logo isn't the hard job, it's persuading a million people to use it" logo design/redesign in a nutshell

[@revira77]

thats why UX research is vital

[@soundstructuremedia]

Exactly cuz I can do this all day long but with no groupies it isnt impactive

[@nofapSally]

No one knows what they want until you’re done and suddenly they have 50 billion ideas and particulars.

[@ruffsnap]

100%.

[@PaulMcCannWebBuilder]

"You don't need to see the logo to know what it is." Identity design in a nutshell.

[@ravivar.]

She had me at typography is painting with letters, I knew this is going to be something great

[@Toasterable]

Ravi Thakur better known as graffiti

[@Dave1507]

I thought "No, that's writing a book, or a story, not typography on its own."

[@rojanshrestha5103]

36:36 no design work is ever complete without the client asking to "make it bigger". Even such a legend designer get that comment, I think I feel better everytime I hear that.

[@gabbymanoban7459]

yeah that is why she made an illustration about the meeting stuff and that is so accurate as hell!!

[@statuslounge9407]

We need more of such content for the sake of art, artist and art-lovers

[@jackeggen7779]

watching on youtube instead of watching on my netflix account. idk there is something kinda rebellious about it

[@desaturated6049]

I think mainly is because of the comments section make the video a lot more colourful.

[@rubencanete1211]

@@desaturated6049 that's absolutely the reason why I'm here reading others insight about topics that I found interesting gives me a sense of warmth.

[@anonymoussurfer8319]

You wanna feel rebellious? Tread the murky waters of the cyberspace as a pirate, searching for that virtual loot.

[@charliecross2]

Same. Take that Netflix!

[@lunaamore20]

When she mentioned her father's reply to her painting, "No, i've never did anything that creative" & she just paused and smiled, i'm like "aaawwwwww". I'm here cuz our teacher asked us to watch, now i'm more intrigued to binge watch the other episodes of this series hehe

[@Okaykhong]

bro same, now I'm wondering if we have the same teacher.

[@ikw4384]

sameee

[@artthatsnice8817]

same here

[@salenafatima7116]

same!

[@jessicamelissacanelao208]

my teacher also asked me to see it and I loved it

[@firequacker3871]

When Paula ended with " I'm driven by the hope that I haven't made my best work yet, making stuff is the heart of everything, that drive never goes away, what can I make next? ", it reminded me to continue growing and learning, that there is always room for improvement. The excitement of challenging yourself as you get good in anything you do, cause that's how you'll truly enjoy what you are doing.

[@bobbobby2092]

Please make another graphic design-oriented program featuring Michael Bierut.

[@tomslater2062]

Agreed!!!

[@mamanche]

I'd watch it so many times

[@audreyrhaisa9576]

YESS

[@susanharkema2888]

The look on her face when she shared the map story with her dad was everything. Love this story!

[@phongleai8173]

client in my country : - i want it look modern, vintage, retro, golden, colorful, power, lovely, luxury, ... in 5 minutes !

[@nothumanlol]

and cheap

[@stephenwondal7048]

client in my country: "omg, why theres only 3 colors on the design? i paid a lot for this project."

[@finnickgreen8107]

and demand to change a lot but finally choose the first thing

[@gabrielwillames]

make it pop.. 😂

[@prolattee]

Can you make it black But also colorful?

[@jeesus97]

We need more seasons pls, of UI, UX design, innovation

[@Golden_Kelsi]

As a graphic designer who moved to New York during the COVID outbreak to pursue my "dream" Thanks for sharing this my goddess-Paula Scher!!

[@gemma8096]

Did you immigrate or move from another part of the US?

[@McCloud23892]

Thank God for wifi, you can work from anywhere

[@TinLeadHammer]

As a graphic designer... what? Where is the verb?

[@Jello_Tenn]

Anyone else watching this for a homework assignment

[@eliotero9335]

For an open forum

[@Puffy_jpg]

Yep watching this the day it’s due lmao

[@kethecreator]

Yes, and I can’t look away! So inspirational!

[@user-gp1rg6sk9z]

no but when i walk outside i see tags and throws everywhere thats my street philosophy

[@mbuotidemdickson8295]

I'm here 😂

[@dinab7417]

Thanks Netflix please make more seasons of this great show

[@AndreyUrman]

I'm a a graphic designer at the start of my journey and this video was amazing! An in-depth look into the ups and downs, the creativity proccess and the business aspect of a famous artist and graphic designer is all I could ask for! Please make another episode about graphic design!

[@ArtisBlue]

Yes! We need more episodes about graphic design.

[@har00nsaeed93]

sammeee...i have a goal to learn calligraphy, graphic design and coding to perfect and persue digital design

[@macdaniel6019]

As a young designer, this is so inspiring to watch 🥺🥺

[@denislunyov5890]

She is a legend! She basically created what we now see every day on ads in any format. Absolute legend!

[@designideaschannel]

Paula Scher really inspiring me when she said "typography is painting with letters". Another great episode of Abstract. Great work Netflix.

[@tanyasawlani]

I have never seen such depiction of art work. Really amazed. We often neglect our surroundings. It really takes an artistic approach to make such simple things look beautiful. Only a creative person can do that. It would be a blessing for someone to look things in that extraordinary manner. Art is not ordinary, it is magical. Paula Scher, you're a true legend. What a talented personality.

[@allihbansuan4858]

Taking a moment to actually notice the art of graphic design, you would get to enjoy a whole new world of information shown in a way that can be very shallow but have all these different meanings at the same time. Watching Paula Scher work is inspiring. She puts this much emphasis on an artform that is often overlooked, leading the charge on the evolution of typography in New York. I hope I get to be like her someday.

[@htunsunny7096]

I feel like you can see the warmth in her face when she mentions how her dad reacted to her map - "No, I never did anything that creative." warms my heart tbh

[@MusicThatBindsUs]

She spoke my mind in so many ways as to what goes inside my mind when I design, present, and persuade the clients.

[@kaycgrocks]

I'm a fresh designer, 1 year into my career and I found this so exciting and inspiring, her work is beautiful. I love her graph on a meeting, very insightful and helpful, im definitely going to take what she said into consideration when showing others my designs

[@akadon37]

WE NEED MORE SERIES LIKE THIS. For any art field, people could easily understand how art is made if they see from the perspective of the artist. Paula Scher has a fantastic life as a designer, and her impact to New York was impeccable. It just shows exactly how art and design can shape anything, from an individual to the society, or even the entire atmosphere. Nobody should underestimate this kind of profession at all, if New York shines with lots of typography, and mostly would take a person like Paula Scher to contribute so much to the beautiful city.

[@pachcompany]

This lady (Ms.Scher’s), She’s an Icon! She’s a Legend. Graphic Design for 21 Century Wouldn’t be the same without talents and brave people like her ❤ I felt so motivated after watching it that I stand up from my bed and started instantly drawing ideas for my job ❤️❤️❤️thank you Ms.Paula Scher

[@thecoffeedesigns]

Its documentaries like this that inspires others to start an unconventional journey...... I am really glad I took the time to watch it.

[@MindPalaceASMR]

Here I am, returning to graphic design after 10 years of graduation and working as an illustrator. Guess things have always been connected no matter the profession, you always keep on learning/pursuing art.

[@paulinejeine5024]

Ever since I knew what typography was, I instantly fell in love with it. It’s exactly like what Paula said, it’s painting with letters. I’ve always been fascinated how letters can be presented in so many styles and matched with ingenious illustrations. That being said, I’m still continuously learning the ropes to graphic design and this just inspires me to continue that process of playing and learning and creating something every day.

[@lcm4546]

I loved this one too. It really shows how energetic, vulanic, dynamic, ironic and strong she is. And the "diagram of a meeting" is gold!

[@kvn4668]

This documentary really demonstrates the importance of archiving exceptional design. It's also very personal in the manner that this artist presents their own life, aspirations, and even anxieties, and how all of this encourages and inspires them to make a great piece of art.

[@ysathecat]

This documentary really shows us how much graphic design has integrated itself with our everyday life. We see it everywhere, and as a student, it has helped me become more sensitive towards the simple things around such as typography and such. It has reminded me that behind every design we see, is a passionate and skilled artist putting their thoughts into their work.

[@someonenothere8818]

"You're not changing somebody, you're making them a more perfect vision of where they started". My god, if only clients, or even my boss, understood. I swear, it may feel like change, but IT'S NOT. I'm a designer, not your therapist or emotional support buddy.

[@kramermentor5306]

The diagram of a meeting part was pure gold, I have had that happen to me so many times. to the point where I decided I hated presenting to large boards. you placed a whole new perspective on it, that made me see what I need to do now, or at least how to deal with it. thank you.

[@gocarlogo]

I’ve watched all the Abstract series on Netflix and here i am watching it again on KZbin and i just love reading the appreciation for the content in the comments section.

[@chrismichaelis7259]

Saw this when I studied graphic design in school. Very helpful!

[@karolcat]

As an aspiring graphic designer, this was awesome and so inspiring to watch! Thank you for sharing this, it is amazing how typography can speak on so many levels! It can certainly work for the good or bad. Some people may not notice it but graphic design has such a big purpose in transmitting messages!

[@mechavez07]

i fell in love with typography in a very young age. my dad noticed that my penmanship is good and i can copy people's handwriting. then, one day he bought me a typography book that changed my life. from then on i fell in love with the art of letters even more. watching here in her realm is euphoric for me.

[@sachinnbeats]

This is one complete Graphic design course 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@joemarsalcedo3249]

The documentary was inspiring, choosing your passion more than fitting in with society. I was amazed by the typography and how it changes as time passes by. It's also impressive how Paula could handle any typography, indeed a work of art.

[@tonmoykarmoker1900]

I love to watch this type of Documentaries for inspiring me as a Graphics Designer student.

[@jessie1999ful]

I think this documentary was fantastic. I love how simple things such as how a text looks can move people and bring out such strong reactions and emotions. Graphics design may seem simple but it's a powerful tool in our society today and this documentary helps prove that. It makes me want to learn about it more and hone my skills and become better in the field, truly a informative documentary

[@jeardi]

It's amazing how a letter arrangement can portray a specific mood or emotion.

[@themanwhoknewtoomuch6667]

I am 40. I was always fascinated with art all my life. Just found out about her from this video. Goes on to show you can be a queen and a creative genius with an empire but in modern days of competition you can still be unknown even if your art is seen by millions! Great video!

[@suntzu6122]

Oh, shes a wizard. Ok. Brilliant work. Also their relationship is great

[@yourgirlshen4176]

Graphic Design really is powerful and magical. Imagine, a mere visual presentation can get you curious, wonder, amazed, and entertained about what it intends to tell you or what message it conveys. The process of making Graphic Designs is a lot of hard work and truly majestic. Being able to create unique, original, and creative designs with typography and illustrations is remarkable.

[@rabbiyaabid3246]

seeing this makes me teary because i love typography and seeing her and her work and her passion just amazes me .

[@TheWerewolfJesus]

The "diagram of a meeting" at 34:33 is such an insightful way of explaining the thing that happens every time. Since I first saw this, I've noticed in every meeting when it enters that "rebuttal" phase and thought of Paula Scher.

[@sakibahsan7395]

I'm also a intermediate level of Graphics Designer, How much I learn from this video what I couldn't learned last 5 year of experience... Thanks Netflix

[@michaelproctor9921]

This documentary made me realize that theres more to typography than I initially thought. Paula Scher is definitely someone I'll be looking up to and gaining inspiration from.

[@sethtripoli1172]

Inspiring and motivating. I am young, new, and inexperienced when it comes to graphic design and I have so much to learn from legends such as Paula Scher.

[@doctor-dan]

Best lesson I can learn form this is about the level of expectations curve. Design is personal and has infinite faces but learning how to put up with customers and manage the relationship with them is what most of the times saved me, especially because often Design is a gamble (just like Paula sais there is not proof it it'll work, it's about perception), you don't know if it's gonna work and that's when your true relationship with your customers will make the difference. Great episode, loved it!

[@D_cider]

I'm impressed, I've always wanted Netflix to do something like this.

[@KatherineSinahon]

I'm almost done with pharmacy school but there's just this voice that tells me to pursue my true passion which is art.. it's very difficult especially with a family that does not see art as a legitimate career. I keep thinking that I'll study again in the future with my own money. I'm thrilled with the idea but at the same time, I'm scared that it's too late for me.

[@andano4055]

It’s not to late to start working on what you enjoy! Even if you don’t change careers and become a world famous artist, you can still create art for yourself and enjoy doing so. It’s okay to be scared, but sometimes you’ve gotta take a few steps forward and just try your best!

[@lifeofapotato4595]

Damn, eventho im not a graphic designer, i'm juts as a creative/photographer and dealing with clients' meetings, when she explains "the meeting's timeline" , it speaks a lot to me

[@Juan0003]

This woman!!! She's such an inspiration!

[@maykelanjelo9153]

Art drives me and seeing this is really fantastic. It makes me more passionate about my craft and be driven that I can make something revolutionary in the future. Thank you 💖

[@Agl_dsgns]

Thank you Netflix we aspiring designers need more things like this thank you

[@_alyscxz]

I want to meet her in real life🥺 I’m currently doing design and I’m in high school. She’s dominating my mood board at the moment.

[@maxando3444]

This documentary left me surprised and impressed by how complex the process of creating simple designs is and how typography can say a lot more than illustrations. It made me appreciate more the advertisements and posters I see.

[@ismyalak1419]

I am a graphic designer, and I watched the best video today.

[@EnygmaV]

if you love modern designs, this is a must watch.

[@micahyllauson7199]

This documentary was insightful and inspiring to watch. Behind every graphic design, there is so much more than what meets the eye of a common individual. As Paula Scher stated, there is the act of weaving little bits of information to make bigger things, which I think perfectly sums up what graphic design is.

[@seanbeukman9563]

How awesome. I am a graphics lecturer in Cape Town and shared this with my colleagues now. Such an excellent set of precious insights to inspire our staff and students. THANK YOU PAULA!!!

[@davidfitcher2953]

Her designs have extremely rich female treats, which are chaotic, diverse and emotional Love how she reflects who she is in her designs.

[@yomommastupid]

so you are saying women are chaotic, diverse and emotional? do you know her personal to judge her personality? beyond all she simply has studied the art of graphic design

[@davidfitcher2953]

Funky Doolittle offended? Lol

[@daynehaworth9258]

And beautiful, special and inspiring

[@leeoh9499]

A very inspiring documentation of the life of Paula Scher. For a student like me to witness her life story was very motivating and inspirational. The documentary showed the processes of how a graphic design business functions and how ideas are gathered and worked on which was awesome to see. She explained well how signs, posters, etc. speaks to people and how it impacts people which was very insightful for a student like me. Im not one for watching documentaries but this was very much worth watching.

[@jlupus8804]

Who else thinks Paula's episode on graphic design is waaaaaay better than that other guy's episode on graphic design?

[@DOCDOCFLAMINGOS]

I had not heard of her by name or picture, but after watching I could see that I had actually seen, appreciated, and loved so much of her work not ever having the knowledge it was hers. It might be possible that she has already made her best work and if that's the case it's totally fine, because I have no douvt she will continue to make good work!! ***** Lastly very funny to myself that I only ever saw space ships on the Boston album cover, never that they are actually guitar shaped spaceships!! And lastly I'm a total junkie for typography also!!! Thank you!

[@funkay1]

Those hand painted maps are insane!!! 😱

[@jomarturtoga5150]

The introduction was awesome, typography is really awesome!

[@SereneMornings]

This was so inspiring not only from designing purpose but from all aspects. The documentary is compiled so beautifully.

[@JacobNorwood1]

This was a great doc. It really showed shy Paula is so talented. A lifetime of working hard and loving design.

[@englishbus777]

It´s incredible how important fonts are. So, when you see the way of thinking about typography, you realize the important job of Paula Scher. Thank you for subtitles...

[@HatchDuo]

Love this documentary-glad yall posted it on KZbin for more to see the value of design 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@sadeems6521]

‘I`m driven by the hope that i havn`t made my best work yet’ , wow!

[@FiorellaRivera]

I would love to see more shows like this with graphic designers from all around the world.

[@pachonkyy]

I love this documentary because it is very inspiring. This is my first time watching a documentary about design and I really enjoyed it. It made me realize that typography has more to it and I think that I will start watching more documentaries like these. I am so excited to learn more about graphic design :)

[@asimgiri4269]

This is a goldmine for all the designers out there 💎. Thanks KZbin

[@kayliefromkalopsia]

I used to be ashamed at loving to do calligraphy when I was little. The letters, the curves, and variations captivated me. This gave me the courage to pick it up again

[@eaamatorio4648]

This documentary is impressive and inspiring. This made me learn more and appreciate Typography and how important advertisements and posters are in our lives, it's also amazing how it changes overtime. I like this show, thank you for sharing.

[@jep00005]

This documentary proved itself that graphic design is super influential and it gives a huge significance and relevance to our well-being. Graphic design also showcases how small use of elements could create an impact on how we perceive beauty and our lives.

[@ibanezrg7421]

This is so far from what a designer is expected to do today, and I envy the simplicity. It borders on art, and gigs like this are one in a million now. Students watch this romanticized version of what graphic design used to be and then get absolutely bent over by the realities of what the industry is now. If you're considering graphic design, I highly recommend looking into a more lucrative specialized profession. If it's your dream, chase it. But realize that it's highly saturated and it's turned into a job that you have to consistently pour insane amounts of time into to stay relevant due to the rapid evolution of technology. Burn-out is rampant, and job listings require 3-5 years of Jr. level roles. I'm not trying to shit on what anyone does, but if you're doing research on where to take your career, talk to as many people as possible before taking that leap. I'm 6 years in and realizing that I could have put an equal amount of effort into something that had much less stress, and made considerably more on the salary end.

[@mandarbhatt5532]

I couldn't agree more. From my experience, I say it becomes less about art and more about putting it with the clients over time. Graphic Design is actually a lot of work for very little gain. I suppose the clients that are shown here may respect a designer's opinion since they both are legends at what they do. They would pay well too. But coming to the mainstream designing industry, it's mostly about imitations and negotiations. Most clients need identity logos in a day or two. There is barely any time to think creatively. You design like a machine as long as there is a mutual satisfaction of doing business.

[@i_observe9846]

@@mandarbhatt5532 thanks, guys, needed your insight....as an Indian student, this worries me to no end....sometimes I just wanna give up...

[@rivurie4924]

Inspiring video ♡ I realized how complex graphic design is apart from its aesthetic value. It has to make sense as well. Typography isn't just stuck on what it is but what it can become. Truly, there is art in everything. Thank you for this!

[@musics4me]

Netflix this is one of your best series to date, please renew it for a third season!

[@caroletalktings]

I'm from the 80s:Red, Black & White; Simple Minds album covers; Drawing doodles in my bedroom with overlapping letters; Discovering fineliners. In my 50s and still doodling and creating images, that my eyes don't see my mind create.Inspirational and fun video.👩🏾‍🎨

[@shttc900]

I watch this episode alllllll the time. It's comforting in some odd way.

[@irishyeto7626]

This Documentary has helped me understand and learn more about graphic design. I have learned that graphic design is basically everywhere and that it creates an identity for everything. As a student, this documentary has helped and motivated me a lot.

[@frincedaianpulido3347]

As someone who can't sit still with documentary and long videos, this one made me go against it and listen, watch and enjoy the episode. It thought me a lot of things and made me even more eager to study arts and design.

[@waliabbas4766]

Amazing Doc! really loved the her story.

[@luvaila]

This documentary is really inspiring to all creative designers. This episode gave a lot of relatable emotions and phrases to me. I really enjoyed watching this. More creative "Art of" series please!!

[@twistmotorsports1920]

I do Automotive Films and I agree with the design, it is everywhere! I can visualize scenes in my head by just simply looking at a car.

[@lakshmanankomathmanalath]

What a lady she is !!!! Great!!! Creative work by Netflix. Thank you.

[@sonniefilms]

I learned a lot from this documentary, I understood graphic design and typography even better. I really enjoyed it.