Maker We Love: Social Living

Maker We Love: Social Living

Are you a fan of mixed-media and collage art? If so, this maker is for you! Social Living is all about living a happy and full life and being inspired by your surroundings. Read more about Darrin and his creative process below. 

Maker:

Darrin Milliner, Creator &  Designer of Social Living

Neighborhood:

I recently moved to the Observatory Hill area of Pittsburgh a few years ago.

Tell us about your brand and why it’s the best

Social Living is all about living a happy & full life! However that may be for you. Social Living embraces this by focusing on finding the inspirational, educational, and empowering aspects of everyday life. Taking every opportunity to absorb various subjects that spark emotion and action, then bringing them to the forefront of the art, all in an attempt to highlight the importance of the separate worlds that surround each of us on a daily basis. The dream is to offer people new perspectives by providing unique high-quality art. Carefully curated for you.

What is your background and the story behind why you started Social Living?

When creating, I start with a basic idea that is inspired by my surroundings. I'm very moved by social interactions and etiquette, architecture, film, skateboarding, music, nature, and exploring other cultures. I use a combination of illustrations, paper collage, mixed media, and computer-aided design to create my work. Focusing on color theory, large shapes, and text to grab the viewers' attention.

After years of refining my artistic work, I started to share more of my work in as many ways as possible. Creating Social Living in late 2017 was a big push forward, as well as being awarded an Emerging Artist recognition at the Three Rivers Arts Festival in 2018. Since then I have kept the momentum by regularly exhibiting at artist markets throughout the state, group gallery exhibits, hosting popup shops for my work, participating in artist talks, and collaborating with other artists in the area.

I think at my core I am really just an artist or someone who is meant to create, whatever that may be. I feel that from a young age I have always been creating and always exploring how to produce things that aren't already in existence. I don't think I'll ever stop doing that and I'm not sure if I ever can.


What one product do we need to know about and why?

The “Life is Beautiful” print is one of my earlier designs with Social Living and is still one of my favorites. It has a simple, yet powerful message.

The minimal design with bold shapes to draw the viewer's eye, gives a modern feel to any space or home. Sometimes I try to make pieces that can bring a sense of empowerment and gratitude when seen, I think this is one of those pieces.

In three words, Why do you love Pittsburgh?

Community, Activism, Art

How can people find out more about Social Living?

Feel free to check out more of Social Living artwork on our website: SocialLiving.us or on our instagram: instagram.com/social.living

 

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