My 5 favourite YouTube series for Creatives in Lockdown (free)

1) Vela by John John Florence

A summary for those who don't know who John John is - He's a back to back two time World Surf League Champion, he lives on the North Shore of Hawaii and when he's not winning titles, mastering Pipeline, he sails.

"Vela" follows JJ, Nathan (brother) and friends on a month-long trip to the outer islands surrounding Hawaii. Expect to see lots of diving in crystal clear water, some kite surfing, regular surfing, and even a trip to one of the world's most pristine coastal environments. It's one of those series that makes you wonder why life is so unfair, but I kind of like to delve into that sometimes - gives me something to aspire to.

Whilst you're here check out a more surf focused series called "Twelve" for even more ocean-based goodness.

2) The Midnight Hour by YETI

Yes I embedded the link to the Jack Johnson one. But this series doesn't just include surf folk. It's music-focused and the series features musicians such as Margo Price, Terry Allen, and Ryan Bingham.

Even if country music isn't your thing, this series has loads to offer for those interested in the creative process, songwriting, and performing. Each episode is a candid discussion that reveals the most intimate truths about each artist's upbringing and lifestyle.

I'm sure this series will speak to you somehow. Music is a universal language.

3) CineStill Frames by CineStill - Great for photographers

This series is a gold-mine for photographers. 12 episodes, 12 artists, endless creative discussions and insights into their process. If you don't know who CineStill are - they make some awesome 35mm and 120mm colour films that are made from Kodak movie film. The results they produce are impressive actually, I'll link to a page for you to check it out and get some.

Anyway, each episode is kind of like a mini version of Netflix's "Abstract" (which if you haven't seen and you're a creative, get on it). It's not just about the 35mm film stock, it's their whole story and I really find it useful for my own work to see what other artists are doing and seeing how they got where they are today.

4) Patagonia's YouTube Channel

This one is less of a series, more of a "I'm just going to put you on to this".

Patagonia has a YouTube bank of short films, feature films, documentaries all for free and ready to watch. I've embedded the link for "Life of Pie" - it's about a lesbian couple who start a pizza shop and love mountain biking.

Why is it for you? Because you like pizza, you like seeing wholesome communities and of course you like scenic mountains and deserts being enjoyed by two beautiful souls on bicycles. It's so good, in fact, that I looked into starting a pizza place right afterwards.

5) Small Living (The lock-down series)

Created by the Channel NeverTooSmall, this series brings you into the tiny homes of artists, architects and awesome folk from all over the atlas.

It's good if you like to re-arrange your room or flat every 3 weeks or so and get new exciting houseplants that you're sure make you feel more "zen".

It's also good for keeping yourself in a good head space, getting design inspiration and it works as a reminder that we're all in this Covid thing together. And it's going to be OK.

So there's what I'm watching, I hope you like them too and found this article useful! If you did, leave a comment or tip if you wish. Stay Safe. Stay Entertained.