Casey Pipetti is a graphic artist and children’s book illustrator. Her artistic creations range from friendly farm animals to historical figures dressed in period costumes.
A graduate of Hollidaysburg Area Senior High School, she returned to her hometown in 2023 after spending five years in Pittsburgh and making a name for herself in the graphic design scene by working for several “startup technology companies,” she said.
Today, she’s a “full-time” content designer at World Family English, a Disney licensee that helps students learn English as a second language and improve their fluency. Like many of her employees, she works from home and focuses on creating visuals for teachers’ lesson plans.
“I get to use my illustration skills. My previous roles have been more in the marketing and commercial side, which I don’t mind, but I’ve always enjoyed and am more comfortable with animation and I can be more creative,” Pipetti said.
She continues to do freelance illustration work and has illustrated four children’s books for two different authors.
Children’s book illustrator Casey Pipetti works in her Hollidaysburg home. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski
“I always wanted to make children’s books,” Pipetti said. Growing up, she read “tons of books” and said she was drawn to the illustrations and images.
“The difference between children’s book illustration and typical graphic design work is more about expression. When you do children’s books, you can really focus on fun colors and creating little worlds within the scene and can use more traditional drawing and painting skills. I work digitally but still apply the fundamentals and can tell a story through artwork.”
While completing her art degree at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a professor recommended Homer City author Leigh Heidenthal. Heidenthal was looking for an illustrator to bring her first children’s book, “A Brother for Benny,” to life.
“It was so easy to work with her. I could make suggestions and she took everything and added her own creative touch,” said Heidenthal. The children’s book tells the adventures of a deer family.
“She was so open and her creativity is amazing. She makes them look lifelike. You can see the expressions on the deer’s faces and she gives them emotion so you can see what they’re thinking.”
Casey Pipetti works on an illustration for a children’s book in her Hollidaysburg home. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski
The first book was followed by Sister Trouble for Ella, which continues the adventures of the deer family. Both are now published by Indignor House Inc.
Pipetti is working on her third collaboration with Greensburg author Scott Watkins, who brings American history to miniature format with “On Your Horse, Mr. Revere!” and “Independence? Consider it Declared!” Both are self-published by Ingram Spark.
“I’m so incredibly grateful to her because she has this incredible way of reading the stories, somehow making sense of my somewhat disorganized vision, and then bringing the story to life,” Watkins said. “Her artwork is such a great mix of dynamic, detailed, and fun. It makes it so easy to engage kids, and adults are always delighted. Casey is also just such an authentic artist and person. She’s always responsive, on point, and delivers. Her care shines through the work, and I believe that, along with her ability to bring vision to life so efficiently and in such a wonderful way, contributes to her success.”
Pipetti describes her art as “quirky, vintage 1950s style. I like primary colors and a retro vintage vibe,” she said. “I like to make big googly eyes and make everything look happy, cute and colorful.”
Her paternal aunt, Carole Pipetti, has many cards and drawings from her niece in the house. The artist also made her stickers to help her with her scrapbooking.
“I’m really proud of her,” she said. Pipetti’s art “makes me happy,” Carole Pipetti said.
Even as a student at Charles W. Longer Elementary School, Pipetti knew she wanted to pursue art.
“I still walk past the school and think, ‘Oh man, I went there as a kid and wished I could do that, and now I’m actually doing it,'” she said.
Growing up, she drew “constantly.” When asked what advice she would give to young artists, she said they should learn patience and perseverance. She watched her peers get opportunities and wondered why she didn’t get any herself.
“The only way to fail is to give up. I know that sounds cheesy, but if you stick with it and you’re really, really serious, opportunities will come your way. You have to be patient. If you stick with it and you’re passionate about it, you’ll find the paths you’re looking for. You just have to be patient.”
The Pipetti File
Name: Casey Pipetti
Age: 31
Residence: Hollidaysburg
Family: Parents, Richard and Arlene Pipetti; brother, Anthony; aunt, Carole Pipetti; partner, Tyler Mumau
Education: Hollidaysburg Area Senior High School, Class of 2011; Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art with a concentration in Graphic Design from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2015
