An Intern’s look into Jennifer Lilya Fashion Illustration

Well my BIG “behind the scenes” news is that I’m an intern now – a fashion intern.  Are my dreams finally coming true or what?  Who for?  None other than the lovely Jennifer Lilya who is the sweetest mentor an intern could ask for.  I interviewed her a while ago, if you may remember.  But I’m going a write a bit more info to fill you guys in.  It’ll be a long one, so pull up a comfy chair, some pillows and a coffee/drink and enjoy!

How’d this come about?
I think in June or July, Jennifer posted a note on her fashion illustration fan page (on Facebook) and I saw it.  First glance I was intimidated and almost didn’t apply – since I didn’t have anything to do with fashion on my resume, but just my strong passion for fashion.  Well I eventually sent her an email and applied, crossed my fingers, and left it at that.  Summer came and went with no announcement, so I kind of thought it was a lost cause.  I still kept in contact with her anyways through DeviantART, and Facebook.  One day just after a nap I opened DeviantART and came across a message from her asking if I was still interested in being an intern for her.  I was thinking OF COURSE, and laughed when she said “let me know if you’d be interested at all, if not, no worries!”  And that’s that!  I’m lovin’ it and still can’t believe it. (:

What is an internship?
First off, it’s definitely not like the stereotype of most fashion interns – (like the photo above, poor barbie) at least my experience isn’t.  I’m not even sure if Jen likes coffee anyways – but it’d be a long trip to NYC for one. Haha.  An internship is usually paid or volunteer work done for a professional – a Magazine Company, a Fashion Illustrator/Designer, etc.  It’s a valuable learning experience for the intern as it shows them a behind the scenes look at what it’s actually like working in the field.  They can even land a job afterwards if any positions are open and their work/work attitude is impressive.  Internships are also used to train potential candidates for jobs.  If you’re in school/or planning on going you can receive credit and recommendations from your boss as well – which also helps you out!  All in all, it’s an amazing opportunity and I’m so grateful to Jennifer for giving me the chance to work with her!

Who’s your boss?
As I’ve said – none other than the lovely, and sweet Jennifer Lilya!  She’s awesome  – go check out her illustrations at her new  blog, you won’t be disappointed!  She’s been published in ELLE, designed a costume for Katy Perry/Johnny Wujek, did illustrations for Timex, Vanity Fair Lingerie, Fashion’s Night Out, Stila, Sephora, Mimma Ninni Italy, Dolce & Gabbana/Swide, Simplicity Patterns, Travel + Leisure, California Closets, Maybelline, LuxGoddess, CHAOS Magazine, Taunton Press/Threads Magazine, Front Row Monthly, The Washingtonian, Style Republic, Dara Lamb, Adiree/A…FWNY, Zubrick Magic & Illusion, Cleveland Magazine, Mpls/St. Paul Magazine, Chumash Casino/brand positive, Guideposts, Bali Intimates/Rafaj, Deutsch, Inc., APCO Worldwide, fatfree studio, Pine Box Rock Shop, One Tree Lane USA, Concepts in Colour, Just Gano Jewelry, Amy Marie Collection, Imagewear Kids, Runway Crochet and many, many more… And has been illustrating fashion since the early 90s after graduating from FIT.  (She’s so inspiring!!)  It’s crazy how much she’s improved since she’s started – I can only hope!

What do you do for her?
I basically contact potential clients to promote her new blog & art on other blogs/fashion sites/facebook, etc. I brainstorm ideas, organize the business part of things, research and make lists, do some graphic design (ads for sponsoring bloggers), and work on some “top-secret” JL projects with her – which will soon be announced!   (like my nifty intern folder below?)

What are the projects you’re working on with her?
Well I’ll give a little sneak peek, as she wants some of the bigger things to be a surprise!   Some of her upcoming projects are; T-shirt designs, Tote-bags, handbag illustrations, some menswear illustrations, more design illustrations for ad-lib apparel, more runway art, calendars, a technique video, Etsy shop, and contests and giveaways!  So stay tuned!

Hope you’re having a fashionable friday! Love you guys! If you have any questions just ask! (: