Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
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based on child development research. How do we rate?
Insightful design docu highlights innovators, has cursing.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Abstract: The Art of Design
What's the Story?
ABSTRACT: THE ART OF DESIGN is a documentary series that reveals how designers from a range of disciplines take abstract concepts and use them to create and build concrete objects and experiences. Each episode features a designer discussing what theories, impressions, and philosophies inspire the creation of their art installations, buildings, costumes, and items we use every day. From car and stage designers to architects and illustrators, each one highlights what abstractions inspire them, how they go about interpreting them in their designs, and the process by which their designs become a physical reality.
Is It Any Good?
This fascinating series shows the process by which designers use critical thinking, as well as their design skills in their respective fields, to produce innovative art and designs. Nike footwear designer Tinker Hatfield, Oscar-winning Black Panther costume designer Ruth Carter, and Ian Spalter, an Instagram user interface designer, are just some of the many innovative individuals who share their thought and design processes, and who highlight some of the personal obstacles faced when experimenting with design ideas. The topic may not interest everyone, but those who want to learn more about the work that designers across the board do, Abstract: The Art of Design will prove itself to be both interesting and insightful.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the difference between being an artist and being a designer. Do the people profiled on Abstract: The Art of Design make these distinctions? Do they matter?
Each designer's work, and the way they go about creating it, is different. Do they have similar ways of taking abstract ideas to create concrete designs? What are some of their shared frustrations when doing so?
TV Details
- Premiere date : February 10, 2017
- Cast : Ian Spalter , Ruth Carter , Tinker Hatfield
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Reality TV
- Topics : STEM , Arts
- Character Strengths : Curiosity , Perseverance
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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