“He saw some of my smaller animations I’ve done, and he thought I’d be able to make a music video for him,” Hoaglund said.

Several months later, Schoepp released the music video for his #MeToo movement-inspired song, “What You Do To Her,” with Hoaglund as lead artist and director of the project.

Part of the Kingsford High School Class of 2014, Hoaglund is the daughter of local residents Gina Hoaglund and Gary Hoaglund.

The younger Hoaglund is in the final semester of her senior year at Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design and expects to graduate in May with a bachelor of fine arts in illustration.

Kingsford native Casey Hoaglund of Milwaukee works on the Power of Words “Welcome” mural at West B Street and Stephenson Avenue in downtown Iron Mountain in June. Hoaglund recently animated the music video “What You Do to Her” for Wisconsin singer-songwriter Trapper Schoepp. (Theresa Proudfit/Daily News photo)

She had done short animated pieces at the institute but said this was her first longer animated video. “I’ve also never paired my animation with music before,” she added, “so it was a lot of learning as I go.”

The song is part of Schoepp’s new album “Primetime Illusion” that will be released Jan. 25.

“What You Do To Her,” featuring Nicole Atkins, tells a story of sexual assault, with lyrics Hoaglund found compelling.

“It takes a strong position in regards to the people that commit sexual assault. Society sees them, and we no longer turn the other cheek to what is happening. The statistics regarding sexual assault are staggering, and it’s a lot more common than one would think. People are really waking up to it and helping to put an end to it. The lyrics send this message directly,” she said.

Hoaglund said #MeToo reflects her life as well. “I’d say the #MeToo movement has really given women an opportunity to show society just how common sexual assault really is,” she said. “I’ve had my experiences with it in the past, and seeing all these women come forward is inspiring. It helps myself and other women dealing with the issue feel like they’re not alone.”

She is most proud of the beginning of the video, “when the faces of the women are morphing. The concept behind it was that anyone we know can be affected by sexual assault, and the morphing of these anonymous women was meant to portray that,” Hoaglund explained. “Visually and conceptually, I feel it worked out well.”

Hoaglund will again collaborate with Schoepp on a second music video in April.

Her other art skills include illustration, pattern design, printmaking and oil and acrylic painting.

While schooling is her priority right now, Hoaglund already has been busy putting her skills to use.

She has worked alongside artist Mia Tavonatti as one of three lead painters on the Power of Words Project murals in downtown Iron Mountain, as well as one in Manistique.

She encourages students who excel in the arts to follow their dreams, adding the senior year of high school is a critical time for those looking to further their education in the field.

And she suggests picking up a sketchbook and doing a ton of observational drawing, as well as imaginative drawing or painting.

“Scoop up every art opportunity that comes your way … get as many eyes on your work as you possibly can,” Hoaglund said. “Dedicate time to practicing your art skills.”

Theresa Proudfit can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 45, or tproudfit@ironmountaindailynews.com.