It is a pleasure to introduce you to the amazing world of graphic designing, where imagination and symbolism come together to tell a story! If you’re looking for ways to unlock your imagination and raise your design skills, then you’re in for a treat. There’s a lot of great documentaries about graphic design that can be found, including how designers came to be, and the evolution of different design movements.
From the fantastic to the confronting, here is a list of 10 must-see documentaries that explore both the beauty and the principles of design. Whether you’re interested in exploring the most inspiring documentaries or discovering the most recent logo design trends for overall graphic design trends, these films are an absolute must-see for anyone passionate about design. These graphic design documentaries will provide a spark to your love of graphic design and help you to think outside the box, whether you are a seasoned professional or a curious novice. Join us as we explore the power of documentary graphics that help make our visual world.
Helvetica
In Helvetica we follow the history and journey of one of the most influential typefaces of all time into the world of typography. Did you know that there are over 2 million companies using Helvetica in their branding worldwide? On every corner, every street sign, almost every logo, and typography is everywhere, yet we rarely stop to consider how it affects us every day. In graphic design education, Helvetica is a staple for having stood the test of time at 60 years. Think of how this font is clear and neutral, conveying messages well in today’s world of fast paced life.
The Pixar Story
In The Pixar Story, we take you behind the scenes of Pixar Animation Studios, where we unveil the secrets behind its success. Over the last 86 years, the company has won over 26 Academy Awards and grossed more than $12 billion worldwide at the box office. This documentary covers how Pixar has worked tirelessly to use storytelling and innovative design to change the animation. Learning how Pixar does what they do may help graphic designers to reach further and strive to experiment new ways of storytelling in visuals.
Art and Copy
In Art and Copy, we understand the role of advertising and the analysis of the graphic design in taking people’s behavior as consumers. The documentary highlights successful campaigns that have brought in billions in sales and disproves the myth that effective design cannot shift perceptions and provoke desire. It features industry insights, stressing the synergy between art and copy and reminding designers that a great visual can be the lifeline or fatal blow of a campaign. This is important to anyone who wants to make a big difference through graphic design.
Logorama
A unique animated short using logos to tell its story in a satirical manner is Logorama. In fact, over 2,000 brand logos are showcased in this film, making us think about how far brands have penetrated our lives. The clever narrative of the film leaves us to question the relationship we have with brands, and the environment they create. It’s a reminder to graphic designers of the power of branding and how design affects identity in the marketplace.
The Artist
The Artist is a film that both adopts the silent film era and traces the world of visual storytelling. It shows us that 75% of silent films were lost because they deteriorated and did not get saved. This documentary is for graphic designers who need to value the craft of visual communication, and remembers that an image is capable of putting across deep emotions without words. Storytelling is something that any good designer must take into account the aesthetics presented when dealing with the effects that visuals have in our everyday lives.
Bauhaus Spirit
In Bauhaus Spirit, the Bauhaus movement is picked up on, revolutionizing design and architecture. The Bauhaus school was founded in 1919 and has shaped the work of countless designers and artists. Did you know that the Bauhaus principles are still shaping up today’s design? For example, over 30% of today’s design education programs build on Bauhaus principles. The documentary looks at how the movement focuses on functionality and simplicity can lead contemporary graphic designers to produce effective, purposeful designs.
Rams
Ram’s is a documentary about legendary designer Dieter Rams, someone who has radically impacted how products are designed, with his minimalist approach. ‘Good design is as little as design as possible’, as he famously said. This philosophy still grounds up in today’s hectic world where 80% of consumers want simplicity. Rams’ work with Braun and other brands shows the power of minimalism and functionality and the possibilities of the much less campy. This is vital to understand how we can design things that aren’t just visually appealing but also usable by the user.
Paula Scher: Graphic Design (Abstract: The Art of Design)
In this episode of Abstract: The Art of Design, Paula Scher discusses her vibrant approach to graphic design. She’s had over 40 years of experience, and is also a fan of bold visuals and creative storytelling in design. Her work has shaped many famous brands, including the Public Theater in New York, showing how powerful visuals can make a brand. Scher’s insights encourage design inspiration and new ideas, to think unconventional and risk taking and push the boundaries of convention design to effectively bring impact.
Print the Legend
In Print the Legend, we go deeply into the world of tattoo art and tattoo graphic design. According to this documentary, more than 45% of the people of the average United States have at least one tattoo and that number is only growing. The film explores the stories behind tattoo designs and how they form a canvas for personal expression. This film teaches us the importance of storytelling in graphic designers’ work. This also illustrates how good designed visuals have the ability to make people feel a certain way and make an impression that will last. Knowing what designs represent can assist web designer or any other designer in producing more impactful creations.
Sign Painters: The Movie
Sign Painters: The Movie looks at the art of hand painted signs really well. Did you know there’s a 25% resurgence in popularity for hand painted signs because of the rise of vintage aesthetics? Talent sign painters and the love required to become a master, is featured in this documentary. This emphasizes the uniqueness hand painted signs give to a brand. This film is a note to graphic designers about the intrinsic value of craftsmanship in a digital world. Learning how to rediscover the use of traditional techniques in illustrations can inspire equally innovative design solutions as well as a deeper understanding of the artistry of graphic design itself.
Top Graphic Design Trends to Watch in 2024
As we approach 2024, the graphic design climate is experiencing a whirlwind of change. Graphic trends to watch out for is the maximalism trend, in which everything is bolder—from color to pattern. So designers can be more imaginative and expressive about their personality and creativity. 3D Typography is another trend, making the typography look 3D and thus gaining visual interest. This can help messages grab, engage viewers more effectively. Furthermore, designers are still influenced by sustainability, deciding between eco-friendly materials and processes. This will not only improve your work but it will also make you relevant in doing graphic design in the fast paced world.
Key Graphic Design Insights for 2024
To be a designer in 2024, understanding the key insights of graphic design is a must. Inclusive design is top priority, which is more concentrated with regard to accessibility for all users. To make visuals more welcoming, designers are bringing in a variety of perspectives. Secondly, the use of AI tools is changing the design process from developing more quickly and with more original ideas. It’s possible that this new era will be just fine with designers that can adapt to these technologies. Last but not least, motion graphics are on trend as they are able to catch the attention of the audience with active visuals. Designers can leverage these insights to create work that cuts through the noise, and persuades their audiences. Therefore, when beginning a graphic design project, partnering with a logo design firm can assist in producing engaging and powerful designs that are unique.
Conclusion
At the beginning of 2024, the world of graphic design keeps evolving. Already 68% of designers get behind bolder visuals, including maximalism. Conversely, over half of the designers are innovating faster with the introduction of AI tools into their workflows. It is important to have inclusive design — with 70% prioritizing accessibility and diverse perspectives. Next comes the fact that motion graphics are captivating more and more audiences and a whopping 80% respond positively to them. Designers who keep up with this trend can craft impactful work that is relevant in today’s quickly changing visual landscape.
