Tara, mic in hand
Tara Lee Byrne is an Administrative Assistant for the jcpenney account at SaatchiNY.
WHAT DO YOU DO AT SAATCHI & SAATCHI?
Well I’m the team assistant for one of the most, awesome, fast-paced retail accounts around. I help make one team one dream happen. Logistically.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?
My first job was helping out the starter swim group at my local swim club. At age eleven I reckoned it was time to start earning the big bucks, so I applied for a summer job. They were kind enough to agree. I earned 16 Irish pounds a week, so it was sodas and chips all ‘round, on me.
WHAT LED YOU ON THE PATH YOU’RE ON TODAY?
A love for art, adventure and New York City. After graduating from U.C.D. Dublin in Ireland, I knew I wanted to relocate to NYC. I found my way to 375 Hudson Street and haven’t looked back!
IF YOU WEREN’T IN ADVERTISING, WHAT CAREER WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO TRY?
I’ve always been fascinated by architecture and was super close to taking it at school. Looking at New York buildings like this makes me think it’s a career I’d love to try…
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE YOUTUBE VIDEO?
So many classics. Many of which aren’t too serious, right? What I love about YouTube is the bizarre clips you stumble upon. This one never gets old for me:
TELL US SOMETHING SURPRISING ABOUT YOURSELF:
I was born in Queens, raised in Ireland, and am fluent in German.
WHAT ARE YOUR LOVEMARKS?
My Lovemarks are Ryanair, Google, Topshop jeans, Soul Cycle, and my little sister.
FAVORITE CHILDHOOD TELEVISION PROGRAM?
Can I go with a film instead? The Secret Garden, directed by Agnieszka Holland. I believe I was eight when I fell in love with this magical movie.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE CREATIVE PURSUIT?
I help my struggling artist friend shoot and produce her films! Her most recent project has won Best Experimental Film at the 2010 Los Angeles Film & Script Festival, along with being selected for the Boston Underground Film Festival and the NewFilmmakers NY Film Festival Winter Series 2011. The film is offline until festival season is over, but you can check out the trailer here.
WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN?
Well in winter, I love to check out museums, shows, restaurants, and I explore my new neighborhood – Brooklyn! In summer I attend all the outdoor shows I can and take day trips to the beach and parks. My newest adopted NY hobby is Soul Cycle!
WHAT WAS THE LAST SONG YOU PLAYED ON YOUR IPOD?
Let’s see … Beirut – “Nantes’ From their 2007 release, The Flying Club Cup. Beautiful album! -
WHAT BLOGS/MAGAZINES/BOOKS/PAPERS/WEBSITES CAN YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT?
I have some friends who are very talented writers/ artists:
For comic relief, I turn to a comical satirical blog from the old country: Broadsheet
BOOK THAT YOU’RE CURRENTLY READING?
Right now I’m reading The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay By Michael Chabon
A GUILTY PLEASURE FOR ME IS:
Cheese! I adore all types of cheeses, shopping for cheese and of course having cheese together with wine…
WHAT IS THE GREATEST INVENTION IS IN YOUR LIFETIME AND WHY?
The internet. Sir Tim Berners-Lee is living proof that nothing is impossible.
HAVE YOU EVER WON A TROPHY?
I used to be quite the tennis player, training on regional squads! Other (dusty) trophies in the cabinet are for public speaking: German debating, Drama and Irish Dancing.
WHAT’S THE LAST GREAT TRIP YOU WENT ON?
I traveled the Dalmatian Coast from bottom to top. Which is one of the most beautiful, untouched places left in Europe (Don’t tell anyone about it!).
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ARTIST/MUSICIAN/DESIGNER?
My favorite musicians right now are the Minneapolis band- Gayngs. My all-time favorite is surely the Beatles!
WHEN’S THE LAST TIME YOU GAVE A STANDING OVATION?
Saturday’s rugby win for Ireland!