Artist Profile Page

Daria Milas

Inner Animal: Whale Shark

A graphic designer working in New York City, Daria studied Visual Communication Design at the Hartford Art School in Hartford, Connecticut. She is passionate about learning all she can about the ocean and what lives in it. Anyone who knows her could probably sum Daria up with one or more of these four words: hockey, comics, sharks, and art!

What inspired you to take part in our Artist Collaboration Program?

I actually discovered the Pela Case company through a friend of mine. Her name is Nicole Lentini (@no_space_for_waste) and she’s an absolute inspiration to anyone trying to live a zero-waste lifestyle. Through her I saw Pela’s request for artist collaborations. Once I researched them and saw what their product was and what kind of organization they were, I knew I needed to be involved!

Tell us about your level of environmental practices in your home, community etc?

Though my positive impact may still be small at the moment, I still do as much as I can to live a “greener” life. My impact grows greater every day thanks to my mother who inspires me to do more and more for the environment.

Why do you think it's important to be environmentally friendly today?

Unfortunately, I think environmental issues take a backseat to a lot of other issues these days. I believe people don’t worry about them as much because they don’t always see the outcomes firsthand, or they feel like they can’t make a difference. Like most problems, ignoring it will not make it go away.

Where did the inspiration come for the case you designed?

As I mentioned before, I am a huge comic book fan. My artistic style tends to reflect that as well. I knew I wanted my mermaid to be bold and stand out on her case.

What is one thing you do in your life, that makes a positive impact on the environment?

At the moment, I am really big into composting. The amount of food people waste every day would shock you, and it almost always ends up in a landfill. It’s not easy when you live in a big city like New York, but I make it a point to drop off my waste every week.

What suggestion would you give to someone who wanted to live more 'green' but overwhelmed on how?

Start small! Take baby steps and work your way up. Something as simple as incorporating a reusable water bottle into your daily routine could make a huge difference in the long run.

What is your favourite quote?

"Our lives are not our own. We are bound to others, past and present, and by each crime and every kindness, we birth our future." - David Mitchell

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