Gianna Salermo
Hi, I’m Gianna, an illustration student at Parsons School of Design, graduating in May 2025. I specialize in children's books, creating cute, funny, and heartwarming artwork. I’m inspired by the simple joys in life, especially the love of pets, childhood, and moments that make me laugh. My influences include Adventure Time, Hello Kitty, and classic Disney, all of which blend fun, magic, and cuteness in a way I strive to capture.
What I want most with my art is to bring a little more warmth into the world. There’s always room for more good, so I focus on the things that make me happy. I love to laugh, and that’s why I’m drawn to creating fun, lighthearted children’s books.
In addition to being an illustrator, Im a dog mom, big sister, face painter, and entrepreneur. I founded and manage Wish Upon a Party, a children’s entertainment company in NJ, managing 20-30 events per month. This experience has shaped my skills in leadership, organization, problem-solving, and more.
Currently, my two favorite children’s books are I Hate Unicorns by Alex Willan and The Man Who Didn’t Like Animals by Deborah Underwood. While researching children's books, these two made the biggest impression on me. I love the bold, glittery artwork and the ironic plot of I Hate Unicorns. As for The Man Who Didn’t Like Animals, I’m drawn to its beautiful portrayal of how animals find their way into our lives and change us.
