This list doesn’t include books because we want to focus on faster sources of information. All the films and podcasts are general-purpose—they’ll be useful for anyone who works with creativity: designers and typographers, PR and SMM managers, content creators, and more.
Helvetica, 2007
“Helvetica” is a documentary about typography and graphic design. At its core is the story of how the famous Helvetica font family was created. The film highlights the beauty, simplicity, and wide application of Helvetica. It also features a great rock and electronic soundtrack.
Objectified, 2009 and Urbanized, 2011
These two films continue the design trilogy by Helvetica’s creator Gary Hustwit.
“Objectified” is a story about industrial design and ergonomics, and about our relationship with mass-produced objects and the designers behind them. It features iconic figures in the industry: Chris Bangle from BMW, Paola Antonelli from MoMA, and Dieter Rams from Braun. Full of interviews and insights into the creative process.
“Urbanized” focuses on architecture, urbanism, and city design. It’s about the strategy behind public space planning. For example, did you know that the number of benches and amount of greenery on a long street can influence a pedestrian’s mood?
Design Thinking, 2012
Thoughts on design from the top minds. Professors from Harvard and Berkeley, experts from Microsoft, Google, and Coca-Cola share their views on problem-solving, innovation, and changing the world through design.
A worthy continuation of the trilogy from the same creators: “Maker” (2014) and “Hanzi” (2018). In “Maker,” designers are part of the “Maker movement” and discuss how they are transforming the world.
Milton Glaser: To Inform and Delight, 2008
Milton Glaser is one of the most renowned graphic designers in the U.S., co-founder of New York Magazine, and creator of the iconic I Love NY logo. In the film, Milton shares his thoughts on inspiration and technique, sketches on camera, and shows his work. Interviews with his colleagues and friends add valuable insight.
Press, Pause, Play, 2011
Tagline: A Film about Hope, Fear and Digital Culture. Built around interviews with digital-era creatives like Ólafur Arnalds, Moby, and Apparat. The film explores art and information in the digital age—music, video, photography, and a ton of great ideas and themes.
Beautiful Losers, 2008
A completely captivating story about the 1990s New York creative scene. A blend of hip-hop, graffiti, and skateboarding. It’s not directly about professional design, but it’s full of atmosphere and energy.
Sign Painters, 2014
A deep dive into the American tradition of hand-painted signs. The film focuses on lettering and typography. It starts in the 1980s when signs, murals, banners, and billboards were mostly painted by hand. The big question: how has the hand-drawn sign tradition evolved, and what future awaits this type of design and advertising?
Podcasts
Entrepreneurs, Monocle Radio
"Entrepreneurs" is a podcast about ideas and innovations in progressive business. It features stories from thought leaders at Google, Microsoft, Nike, Airbnb, and more. Topics include technology, well-known brands, and startups.
How I Built This, Guy Raz
In this podcast, you’ll hear from the founders of successful companies as they share their journeys in a “How I Built This” format. Insights, tech, ideas, and inspiration from entrepreneurs and creatives behind brands like TRX and Urban Decay.
The Joe Rogan Experience
Joe Rogan is a living source of inspiration. He’s done MMA, stand-up comedy, and for years has hosted this podcast where he chats with fascinating guests in an open, free format. Expect to hear from UFC fighters, biomechanics PhDs, and Elon Musk smoking a joint mid-interview.
Next X
Insights, innovation, and trends. Topics include the environment, Gen Z, cannabis, and more. Lots of interviews with leaders of cutting-edge brands.
The Barneys Podcast
This podcast features influencers from a wide range of industries. Guests include fashion designer Rick Owens, Victoria Beckham, and Thom Browne. A diverse show with diverse perspectives.
Liba/Liba
“It’ll either work or it won’t” — this podcast by Lika Kremer and Katya Krongauz covers how to launch your own business. Business plans, resource management, creative strategies, and more.
The Money's In
A podcast about money—how to save it, where to invest it, and how to be financially literate. Hosted by two former journalists from Meduza.
One more top source of inspiration: WAYUP coaching programs. We’ll level up your coding, web, and graphic design skills. We’ll help you get high-paying clients and teach you how to make ~$1,000 a month even while still studying. For example, check out “Freelancer: The Big Game.” It’s for designers, frontenders, and developers. Learn how to work with clients, banks, and payment systems, handle briefs, find startup partners, build your portfolio, and grow your social media.