Made for TV: Netflix takes on the world of design
In a new eight-part series titled Abstract: The Art of Design, the television titan explores the works of the world's top creatives




Netflix will give the design world the "Chef's Table" treatment, as a new series offering unprecedented insight into some of the industry's leading names hits the online streaming service on 10 February.
Abstract: The Art of Design will follow the successful formula of the in-house produced foodie docu-series, delving behind the scenes of some of the finest creative minds today, tracing the successes and challenges that have shaped their thinking and remarkable careers.
It is divided into eight programmes, each focusing on a different artist, along the way covering a diverse range of disciplines. The first episode visits the studio of American graphic designer Paula Scher, who began her career creating album covers for Atlantic and CBS Records and later became known for her bold use of typography. The following turns its attention to illustration, as Christoph Niemann explains pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Elsewhere, it goes on set with Platon as he photographs famous names, which in the past have included politicians such as Barack and Michelle Obama, Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, as well as celebrities spanning music, film, the arts and more. A different art form altogether is explored with Nike footwear designer Tinker Hatfield, bringing together figures such as the company CEO Mark Parker and NBA champion – and collaborator – Michael Jordan to dissect the impact of his decades-long career.
Other names featured include Ralph Gilles, automotive specialist and former senior vice president of design for Chrysler; Danish architect Bjarke Ingels, whose forward-thinking practice is known for its unconventional take on structure and form; Es Devlin, who has created visual concepts for theatre, pop music, film and fashion shows; and British interior designer Ilse Crawford.
Abstract: The Art of Design is on Netflix from 10 February; netflix.com
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Democrats: How to rebuild a damaged brand
Feature Trump's approval rating is sinking, but so is the Democratic brand
-
Unraveling autism
Feature RFK Jr. has vowed to find the root cause of the 'autism epidemic' in months. Scientists have doubts.
-
'Two dolls': Can Trump sell Americans on austerity?
Feature Trump's tariffs may be threatening holiday shelves but they've handed Democrats a 'huge gift'
-
The Four Seasons: 'moving and funny' show stars Steve Carell and Tina Fey
The Week Recommends Netflix series follows three affluent mid-50s couples on a mini-break and the drama that ensues
-
'Severance' and the best tech dystopia shows
The Week Recommends If the Apple TV+ hit increased your appetite for bleak futurism, you have additional options
-
Movies to watch in April, including 'A Minecraft Movie' and 'The Legend of Ochi'
The Week Recommends An all-timer video game gets a wacky adaption, Ryan Coogler makes a vampire flick and a new fantasy puts practical effects back in the spotlight
-
Adolescence and the toxic online world: what's the solution?
Talking Point The hit Netflix show is a window into the manosphere, red pills and incels
-
Stephen Graham's best TV and film roles
The Week Recommends From Line of Duty to Adolescence, these are the prolific actor's must-watch projects
-
TV to watch in March, including 'The Studio' and 'Paul American'
The Week Recommends A true crime story adaptation, a reality show about the ultra-American Paul brothers and a new late night series from John Mulaney
-
Adolescence: Stephen Graham's 'powerful', 'poignant' Netflix drama
The Week Recommends Four-parter about a father grappling with the horrific actions of his son is an 'arresting and disturbing watch'
-
Meghan Markle's new Netflix show and the media backlash
Talking Point With Love, Megan offers fresh insights into her 'mind-bogglingly exclusive lifestyle' in California