Abstract - Netflix - Graphic design

This documentary series "Abstract: The Art of Design" explores the many aspects of design within each forty minute episode.

I watched this in order to become more aware of women within graphic design, there are a few prominent names within the design, Paula Scher being one of them. Over the years she's created a lot of impactful design has been showcased on a variety of platforms and purposes. 

It was refreshing to watch her work within the more physical side of art rather than just having her focus on one sole medium with her design, we get to see a glimpse of her book of American wood type work made by Rob Ray Kelly's which has served as a big inspiration for Scher, particularly with her work for the Public Theater. 

Paula Scher was the first designer to create a new identity and promotional graphics system for The Public Theater in In 1994. 

Another big aspect of her work is within the paintings she creates. They are extremely intriguing, what's most notable about them is the amount of detail to them, they're satisfying in the way that they are created with extremely intricate detailing and the consideration of shape. 

She was heavily inspired by art deco and Russian constructivism incorporating these outmoded typefaces into her work, using the constructivist vocabulary within the form of her work. 

I'm driven by the hope that I haven't made my best work yet - Paula Scher 

This was my favourite thing that she said in the documentary. Motivation and staying focused is something everyone struggles with especially within creative fields, sometimes when I have negative perceptions of my work I like to think of these encouraging words. 

I found watching this episode to be really inspiring I hadn't been very aware of Paula Scher's work or her as a person but I was able to understand her practice and the evolution of her motives and style. By watching this documentary I was able to see the various different aspects of design, what motivates different people, how they work, what inspires them etc, it was overall very informative in many aspects.