In "Evergreen Notes from the Wild," artist Mia de Lara debuts a paper collection with IFEX that reminds us of the interconnectedness found in nature.
Illustrator and graphic designer Mia de Lara recently debuted her stationery collection with leading paper distributor International Fine Paper Exchange (IFEX). Taking inspiration from the connections found in nature, “Evergreen Notes from the Wild” is a five-piece collection of planners, calendars, and gift wrappers that aims to highlight the importance of living beings of all sizes.
As a designer, de Lara is versed in exploring and creating sustainable ecosystems in her own practice. In 2001, she established her own design firm where she worked with medium and large media, food, and retail on brand development and identities. She later on founded lifestyle brand Mobu Days, her own line of stationery and paper products that evoke the textured art style of early 20th century design.
De Lara is also a co-founder of Craftsmith Guild, a collective of artists and designers that collaborate over varying projects, from mural designs to commercial interiors. On her own, she continues to work with both local and foreign food and lifestyle brands to work on illustrative identity design as well as design collaborations.
While most of her work is grounded in the practicality of design, de Lara’s illustrations feel transportative. In “Evergreen,” the illustrator sought to celebrate the environment, from the smallest insect to the largest mammal. The subdued tones of branches and leaves are the backdrop to a symphony of creatures all existing within the same space, as if to emphasize their equality and connection to each other.
“Our connectedness makes our every action affect everything around us,” she says. “In each layout you will find short messages on values such as kindness towards all, above all.”
Sustainability has always been at the core of de Lara’s work. She explains that green graphic design is one of her advocacies, after gaining access to the production and manufacturing side through the years. De Lara says that she’s inspired by the possibility of creating design solutions that contribute to the preservation of the planet.
“Around us is what inspires me greatly — plants, trees, wild animals, nature,” she says. “It felt like we were on a mission to say something as each of them took shape. The challenging part was putting into words everything that I wanted to say in the simplest way possible.”
De Lara’s “Evergreen Notes from the Wild” collection with IFEX evokes the illustrator’s sentiments, through stationery and paper products that hope to inspire both creativity and productivity. The 2024 Notebook Planner (P649 each) features 188 fully colored pages with monthly and weekly calendar spreads, as well as two A6 size satin stickers of the artist’s signature illustrations. The hard board cover wrapped with premium book cover has six illustrated designs in total: ivory, navy, rose, heron, monkey, ibis.
The 2024 Desk Calendar (P349 each). It is a 12-page monthly calendar spread that may be propped up on any workspace. The calendar has fully colored handmade illustrations printed at the back of each month. For those seeking out functional art to decorate their walls, the 2024 Wall Calendar (P399 each) may be an ideal choice. Each month also has fully colored handmade illustrations by De Lara, done in the collection’s signature muted tones.
Perfect for those who scribble notes in between typing, the 2024 Weekly Deskpad Planner (P279 each) has 53 weekly spreads, with each page spiral-bound to easily switch through any week. The fully colored handmade illustrations on the cover come in three different designs: ivory, navy, and rose. It’s a perfect match for the Notebook Planner designs, making it an ideal present for esteemed recipients.
And because the holidays are just around the corner, de Lara’s “Evergreen” collection also includes a Gift Wrapper Book (P349 each) featuring her nature-inspired illustrations. The book has 10 folded sheets with five designs, and one set of gift tag stickers. Each page is also perforated for easy tearing.
Grounded in the belief that we are all connected, Mia de Lara’s “Evergreen Notes from the Wild” collection with IFEX reflects the richness of our planet. It is also a reminder of how art and design are mere reflections of nature’s beauty, and that we can treat our home with a little more care and kindness.
The collection is available in the following retailers: National Book Store, Fully Booked, SM Stationery, Paper & Co, Pulp & Pigment, and other leading stationery stores nationwide. Online, the collection may be purchased at the official IFEX Online Store in Shopee and Lazada.