THE ART OF DESIGN: CHRISTOPH NIEMANN
So the other day something awesome happened. I decided to be adventurous on Netflix for once.
I've already whizzed through Riverdale (highly recommend you give it a watch, I'm addicted after 1 day, it's cracking), and another really amazing thing I've happened across, is this: Abstract: The Art of Design... series. This 8 part Netflix original focuses on the broadbrush topic of design, honing in on key and contrasting designers who bring different approaches and outlooks to the topic. Each episode is dedicated to one designer, who essentially dictates the entire documentary and makes it into a unique, captivating and creative presentation of who they are, what they do, and why they do it.
The Christoph Niemann episode in particular was a real gem, (hence my reason for writing this blog post).
A German illustrator, graphic designer and children's author, Christoph studied in Germany before moving to one of his favourite cities, New York, to build his career in the city of a thousand dreams. After receiving the success he deserved, including working for the coveted New Yorker, he moved back to the brilliant, quirky, eclectic Berlin where he now lives with his family.
To delve inside the mind of Christoph Niemann was a real treat because he approaches design in such a different way to me. He's so innovative, meticulous, self-aware, theoretical, and so resolutely invested in every single step of the design process. I loved learning about how he works and how he thinks. Christoph lives and breathes design, and to view the world through his creative lenses made me feel so inspired and re-energised.
What's more, all those beautiful cinematic shots that helped illustrate and construct an idea of Chrisoph's world reminded me of the magic, presence and intelligence of art and design. They are the pillars around which our every day lives revolve, adding such aesthetic beauty, functionality and structure. The world is an artistic mecca, a heady visual feast, a dazzling, seamless masterpiece. And I'd never really appreciated that till now.
As someone who loves art and design, I found it so interesting to get into the head of another creative, and understand what makes them tick. What inspires them. How do they approach creativity. Why do they do what they do and how do they do it? What does it mean to them. And most importantly: can I learn something from them? This series provides you with all this exploration and insight, and in such a creative, compelling way too.
And if you're someone who has a creative streak whirling and sparkling through your veins, I really do believe it's so important to expose yourself to the mind's of other creatives, because it helps you to dream bigger. Grow in creativity. Be open minded to other ways of expressing yourself and conducting yourself. See the world with fresh eyes. And the Abstract... series is the perfect way to do that. Or heck, if you're just looking to indulge in some really stunning, cinematic film making to give those neurotransmitters in your brain an almighty buzz, then get ya'self on Netflix and give Abstract: The Art of Design a go.
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