Do you feel like you’ve watched everything on Netflix, Disney+ and Hulu these last few months? I know I’ve had time in quarantine to revisit some faves (Marvel marathon!) and watch a few things I’ve wanted to catch up on.
I shared some of my favorite creative series in my free workbook, How to Get Started as a Graphic Designer and I’ve got a few more to share as well that focus not on design or skills, but on the mindset behind creativity. There’s plenty of talent among these artists, musicians and entrepreneurs, but there’s a passion and spirit that really connects these nine shows and movies you can binge watch for inspiration.
Nailed It
Besides being so funny, I love that contestants aren’t afraid to go for it. They have no skills at baking or decorating, but they do it anyway. I need that kind of confidence. Do you? (Netflix)
Abstract: The Art of Design
This docuseries takes a look at creators in all kinds of fields including a Nike designer, an architect inspired by Lego, and the mind behind a big graphic design firm. They’re all super inspiring, and you see the same kind of motivation in all these different creators. They have big dreams and they believe in their ideas. And they Just Do It. (Netflix)
Making It
Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman host this craft fest that is the opposite of Nailed It. The makers on this show come from all different genres and they’re challenged to create things that might not be in their wheelhouse. But they bring their own skills to the job and rock it. (Hulu)
Shark Tank
What does this show have to do with creativity? It’s all about the entrepreneurs and their ideas. It’s fun to see how people come up with and pitch products that solve problems you didn’t even know you had. And the Sharks have great advice in between all their banter. (ABC, Hulu)
Exit through the Gift Shop
This 2010 documentary about the elusive artist Banksy is so great. It might just all be a hoax, but it’s really fascinating to watch as one fan tries to figure out the Banksy puzzle and finds his own place in the world of street art. I can’t find this one streaming right now, but you can rent it or purchase from AppleTV, Amazon, YouTube and other sites.
One Day at Disney: Eric Goldberg (Ep 1)
This is a Disney Plus short about a veteran animator, who is one of the creators of the Genie. His excitement about what he does and creates is just really adorable – as are his shirts. The streaming service has lots of fun behind-the-scenes docs and shorts about the company and parks that are filled with creativity. (Disney+)
Howard
This documentary is about Howard Ashman, the lyricist behind Little Shop of Horrors, The LIttle Mermaid, and Beauty and the Beast, who died in 1991. This doc shows his passion and process in creating some of my favorite songs. You might want to keep tissues handy. (Disney+)
LEGO Masters
A show about toys? In LEGO Masters, the contestants are challenged each week to build massive creations from cityscapes to Star Wars scenes to fantastical characters. They create from scratch, but a key component is also story development. There’s so much imagination, problem solving, engineering, humor and passion that goes into every build. And sometimes they blow them up! It’s pretty epic.
We Are Freestyle Love Supreme
If you’re like me, you’ve been watching Hamilton (Disney+) this summer. I find the lyrics and story so motivational. But if you really want to see some modern genius, check out this documentary featuring Hamilton’s Lin-Manuel Miranda and Chris Jackson, along with other members of this improv hip hop group. These guys are word magicians and I only wish I’d have gotten to see them live. (Hulu)
What’s inspiring you?
Have you binged any of these movies and series? What are your go to shows and movies when you need a dose of inspiration? Let me know so I can add them to my watch list.
Need more inspiration? Here’s how you can find some on Canva and from the fashion industry.
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