Birdee And The Beat

 1. QUICK Fashion Emergency! It’s 10pm..who will you call? Kathie Lee or Hoda?

 I am more like Hoda in my approach to clothes; They are for function, not fashion.  Hoda is a great dresser, but she doesn’t spend much time thinking about what to wear.  So, if it was a question about what I should wear to something, I would probably ask Kathie because both Hoda and I would end up saying…“sure, that goes together” because we want to get the dressing part over.

 2. Sunshine on your shoulder or Rainy Afternoons?

  I will make the most of either, but I love the sun.  I am seasonally affected, so natural light instantly puts me in a good place. 

 3. Plaid or Argyle?

 Argyle because it is easier to wear.  It will be a sweater or socks and there you go.  When you venture into “plaids,” you are picking between shirt, pants, socks, head bands, etc. and the odds are that I will try to many at once ha ha.

 4. The Tango or The Hustle?

 The tango…because I can’t get a visual on the Hustle.

 5.  Iowans do _______________ better!

  “boredom” - I always say that people who grow up in active and stimulating places can get bored more easily.  You take someone that has been in a place where “nothing happens,” and they will find a way to make the most out of a situation that may be “boring” to someone else. 

 You are the most fun & talented sidekick on morning television! Tell us about your transition from behind the scenes production coordinator to On The Air beautiful starlet..

 Wow, that question is so flattering!  My answer is bound to disappoint after that flattery (thank you!)  I joined the show in 2002 as the production coordinator.  I had originally come to NYC to try my hand at comedic acting.  Working behind-the-scenes in television was, not only paying the rent and for my acting classes, but I considered it doing my “homework” on the business.  When our website launched and the show was pushing for more digital content, I started a celebrity vlog called “Backstage Pass” where I interviewed musical guests while they were at the show.  As indicated by the name, I was trying to give someone sitting in Iowa an idea of what it is like behind the cameras.

 Manhattan is a LONG way from Iowa. What are a few things you miss from home & what Manhattan fabulosities could you now NEVER see yourself living without?

 I miss the sweet corn, driving past the corn fields between towns, driving a car, Dairy Queen, and Taco Johns.  I miss the safety/security of a small town.  Sometimes, I even miss the much slower pace.  My dad says that what I miss is a “time” and not a “place.”  I think he is right in that assessment.  In the years that I have been in NYC, I have come to realize that it hasn’t only been NYC changing me, but some of the qualities that I already had, finding their match in the city.

 Although you shine in front of the camera, you are still producing several of The TODAY Show’s morning segments. Tell us about a typical work day balancing act!

 I have producers for most of what I do on camera, and thank goodness for that.  I learned early on that there are so many moving parts, so without the producer checking on everything, I stand to make more mistakes or miss something.  I spend my morning at the studio for the show.  If I have a shoot, then I head out into the field and usually that takes the better part of the day.  If I don’t have a shoot, I head back to my desk and do everything from search/pitch ideas, work out logistics for an upcoming shoot, brainstorm a script with a producer, interact with our 4th hour fans on Facebook and twitter, track audio for a story that we have already shot, general email correspondence, expenses, etc.  I would say that the show is only a small part of a day.  It may be the most fun, but there is always so much more to do.

 What are your hobbies when you’re not bringing fun, useful & insightful news to the morning viewer world?

 I play on a co-ed volleyball team.  I played in college, so finding teams to play on over the years has been such an outlet for me.  I also LOVE reading.  Every night, I try to reserve 30 minutes to an hour to check out in a good book (usually fiction.)  I have 2 chihuahuas, Peter and Trixie, so spending time with them (at dog run, taking a walk, or just snuggling) is always a treat.
 

 What can we expect for the remainder of 2012 at The Today Show with Kathie Lee & Hoda? AND where can we find more Sara Haines!?

We will have more “did she just say that?” moments and “are they REALLY drinking those?”  We love shaking things up and hitting the road, so get ready for more location shows.  More than anything, the fun and crazy will continue.  Kathie Lee and Hoda are two of the most fun-loving, smart, and energized people that I know.  I have the best seat in the house. 

Thank You Sara!!   Carry on the Fun & The Crazy!
GOGOGO
 

 Birdee

Five Quick Stats with FABU Fashion Illustrator Jennifer Lilya:

1. Vintage Halston or Bob Mackie circa 1978??   Halston all the way!

2. The Hustle or The Tango?
The Hustle- I’m a dancing queen.

3. Sunshine on your shoulder or Rainy afternoons?
Sunshine all day, every day!

4. Best Make Out Song ever Written?
‘Do Me Baby’ by Prince. A little more than making out, but it’s Prince!

5. Chihuahuas make life?? Zany & Adorable!

 

 With clients including Elle, WWD, Dolce & Gabbana & Katy Perry (just to name a few)..you have reached a level of success that most illustrators only dream about!!  Was this journey always your lifelong dream?  Did you always imagine such mega success? 

It’s totally cheeseball, but ever since I was a little girl, all I wanted to do was draw pretty pictures. I always had a fantasy of mega-success, but achieving it is another story. I’ve worked my butt off & I’ve been lucky so far, but there’s still a ton of work I want to do!

 I love the femininity of your illustrations & the happiness they exude. They are all at once modern & fresh as well as vintage & classic !!  I read that you are a huge Audrey Hepburn fan (a fact we both share!)  Do you often find yourself seeking inspiration from days gone by & the more ladylike times of the 50’s? 

 Thanks! I adore Audrey- she’s such the style icon. I love the silhouettes (and illustrations) of the 50s & 60s- classic & girly. Also the great lines & fun looks of the 60s. While my work is current with each season, I definitely draw most of my inspiration from the past.  I’m insanely inspired by 1980s looks, music & art.

 The FUN you experience while creating is clearly evident within your beautiful creations!!  After all these years, is it still a means of escape for you? And what are some of your hobbies when you’re away from the Art Studio??

 It’s all about fun & fitting in my clients’ needs within that. It’s what I do almost every day, so it’s not so much escaping, but just living life pretty awesomely through art. If I wasn’t having fun doing it, my art wouldn’t look the way it does.

 Hobbies? A huge hobby of mine is collage- that’s actually a means of escape because it’s so different from illustration. Taking tiny pieces of color & texture & type, then turning that into a final beautiful product that tells little funny stories- I can get lost in it for hours and days. Outside of my studio I love going to rock shows, gallery shows/museums, going to the beach all summer long, camping, having game nights with friends, spending time with my husband, as well as visiting family & friends in CT.

Speaking of art studio…your space looks FABULOUS!!!  Tell us a bit about your new diggs!!!  And I read that you are the proud owner of a “lovingly mean” chihuahua.  What’s his name & Is he your studio buddy?? 

 Thanks! We had to move unexpectedly in February since our landlord was awful & rain was literally leaking into my studio ceiling. This is the first place we saw & fell in love with it. My studio is filled with sunshine & plenty of space to work & store all of my supplies. It’s still a work in progress, but give it a year from now & the walls will be filled with more art & notes & random bits of inspiration.

 Tweak is my 12 year old Chihuahua. He loves me, a few friends & pretty much hates anything else that gets in his way. It’s pretty hysterical since he’s so tiny & cute. He was an abused rescue, so he’s had trust issues since we adopted him at 8 months, but he’s my pal. He follows me everywhere, hangs out under my drawing table or sunbathes in the middle of my studio every afternoon. I also spoil him beyond belief.

Where can we find more Jennifer Lilya magnificence for Spring/Summer 2012?  We don’t want to miss a thing…

 I’m currently working with a few interesting clients on their logos & blog art. I was just asked to do more live sketching events for Stila Cosmetics across the US. I’ll be posting those dates as everything is finalized. I’m also part of a big fashion illustration exhibit this fall- details on that to follow shortly!