Interview with Fashion Illustrator Jennifer Lilya

 Professional Fashion Illustrator Jennifer Lilya at home in her gorgeous NYC art studio.

You’ve seen her fabulous illustrations in Elle Magazine, WWD, Edelman/T.J. Maxx/Marshalls, for Katy Perry, Dolce & Gabbana, STILA Cosmetics & More!
Find out how this beautiful blonde dancing Queen is kickin butt in the fashion industry & sketchin’ names… 

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!

 
thank you Jennifer! YOU are so inspiring & motivating!  
Check out Jennifer’s beautiful website here! Jennifer Lilya
GOGOGO!! xo  Birdee