Caricatures by Marlene
Overview
I create caricatures with personality for parties, events, advertising and promotions around the Chicagoland area and via the Internet. Each drawing is as unique as the person being drawn, so why settle for the usual big head with funky little bodies? My background in writing, voice acting and artistry will bring personality and fun into your drawings so that guests can take home more than a piece of cake as a memory of your event. Not in Illinois? I can create gift caricatures and caricature/cartoon art for the web via the Internet. Please note, I have a 1 hour minimum.
Reviews
93 reviews
Elise M.
April 22, 2024We loved Marlene!
We had the best time with Marlene!!! She was funny, kindhearted and incredibly talented and all the kids loved getting to take home a caricature of themselves! Definitely a highlight of the party!
Hired as: Caricaturist
Caricatures by Marlene
Thank you so much. It is such a joy to draw children and implant a joyful memory. Kids enjoy selecting from my pre-printed bodies.
Joan K.
December 5, 2020Fantastic
Marlene was fun to work with and with absolutely stellar artistic talent. We are a stickler for details and she came thru beautifully. Very happy customers we are! Bravo!!
Hired as: Caricaturist
Caricatures by Marlene
Thank you and Ho Ho Ho! Not a Grinch!
Alexis R.
November 2, 2013Marlene is fabulous!
Marlene was great! She is so talented and so patient with children. From the moment she arrived there was a line. Marlene stayed longer so all of the children could have their drawings, she didn't want to disappoint them, what a great heart she has! Thank you Marlene for helping to make X-Cite Night a great success!
Hired as: Caricaturist
Caricatures by Marlene
Thanks so much for your glowing review. It's means so much to me and it's what I love to do, to make people happy with the work I do, which isn't really work. It's fun!
Tracie T.
September 29, 2026Marlene was great
Marlene made the experience wonderful. Every sketch was personalized fitting the personality/character of the person. She was on time, set up and drew the crowd into her corner. High praises for her work. Marlene had a great rapport and fit right into our reunion group.
Hired as: Caricaturist
Lauren M.
September 26, 2026Great for Children and Adults!
We loved Marlene! Her artwork is amazing too! The kids and adults loved it and it was a great party favor for our guests! Marlene was super professional, communicative and kind! I would definitely hire her again! Thank you so much Marlene!
Hired as: Caricaturist, Children’s Party Entertainment
Booking information
Price range: $125 per hour
Languages: English
Insurance: $10 - I have liability insurance through K and K Insurance.
About
Caricatures or voice overs - it's all about communicating an idea! View my samples and listen to the audio demo available at this site.
With a background in art education and a diverse art background in graphics & illustration, and scriptwriting and voice acting for puppetry, I like to bring a lot to the table when doing my caricatures. I graduated with a degree in art education from Southern Illinois University at a time when art teaching jobs were scarce, so my path took off in a different direction, and while I do cartoon and caricature workshops and presentations, working with the public is what I love and caricatures are what I do. I have a working background in production and advertising art and illustration and have some book illustration to my credits. I've done my time serving on the board of the Graphic Artists Guild of Chicago as treasurer and served 2 years as treasurer of the National Caricaturist Network (people trust me with their money) and today bring my own brand of family-friendly humor to my caricature work around the Chicagoland area and even into Wisconsin.
Additional booking notes
I just need a table and chairs near an electrical outlet for my tabletop lamp, should the room be dimly lit or we are working outdoors in the evening. My minimum booking time is 1 hour for events that are 20 miles from me and my minimum is 2 hours for further distances.
Services offered
Upcoming booked events
August 2027
07
Saturday
Wedding Reception
8:00pm - 11:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
October 2026
31
Saturday
Children’s Birthday Party
3:30pm - 5:30pm
•
Bolingbrook, IL
November 2026
14
Saturday
Christmas Party
7:30pm - 9:00pm
•
Orland Park, IL
Past booked events
October 2026
04
Sunday
Wedding Reception
11:30am - 3:00pm
•
Lisle, IL
September 2026
26
Saturday
Reunion
7:30pm - 9:30pm
•
Joliet, IL
20
Sunday
Children’s Birthday Party
1:00pm - 3:30pm
•
Plainfield, IL
13
Sunday
Birthday Party
5:00pm - 6:30pm
•
Oak Brook, IL
13
Sunday
Corporate Event
12:00pm - 3:00pm
•
Arlington Heights, IL
12
Saturday
Bridal Shower
4:00pm - 6:00pm
•
Gary, IN
August 2026
30
Sunday
Birthday Party
4:00pm - 6:30pm
•
Northbrook, IL
22
Saturday
Children’s Birthday Party
3:30pm - 5:00pm
•
Gurnee, IL
15
Saturday
Children’s Birthday Party
10:30am - 12:00pm
•
Winfield, IL
08
Saturday
Wedding Reception
7:00pm - 11:00pm
•
Schererville, IN
01
Saturday
Wedding Reception
6:30pm - 9:30pm
•
Mokena, IL
01
Saturday
Dinner Party
2:00pm - 4:00pm
•
Chicago Heights, IL
July 2026
31
Friday
Wedding Reception
7:00pm - 10:00pm
•
Oak Park, IL
25
Saturday
Birthday Party
3:00pm - 6:00pm
•
West Dundee, IL
18
Saturday
Birthday Party
4:30pm - 6:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
June 2026
20
Saturday
Festival
4:00pm - 7:30pm
•
Northbrook, IL
07
Sunday
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Party
11:00am - 3:00pm
•
Buffalo Grove, IL
May 2026
23
Saturday
Graduation
3:30pm - 6:00pm
•
Lake Geneva, WI
16
Saturday
Birthday Party
5:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Palatine, IL
April 2026
25
Saturday
Wedding Reception
6:00pm - 10:00pm
•
Lake Villa, IL
March 2026
21
Saturday
Birthday Party
6:30pm - 8:00pm
•
Lemont, IL
February 2026
20
Friday
Corporate Event
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Lincolnshire, IL
January 2026
03
Saturday
Baby Shower
6:30pm - 9:30pm
•
Chicago, IL
02
Friday
Cocktail Party
6:00pm - 7:30pm
•
Chicago, IL
December 2025
18
Thursday
Corporate Event
12:00pm - 3:00pm
•
Lombard, IL
12
Friday
Christmas Party
6:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
11
Thursday
Christmas Party
4:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
November 2025
08
Saturday
Birthday Party
3:30pm - 5:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
07
Friday
Nonprofit Event
5:30pm - 7:00pm
•
Elgin, IL
October 2025
31
Friday
House Party
7:30pm - 9:00pm
•
Geneva, IL
25
Saturday
Halloween Party
6:30pm - 9:00pm
•
Grayslake, IL
11
Saturday
School Assembly
7:30pm - 9:00pm
•
Highland Park, IL
September 2025
27
Saturday
Birthday Party
6:30pm - 8:30pm
•
Downers Grove, IL
August 2025
30
Saturday
Religious Celebration
12:30pm - 3:30pm
•
Darien, IL
23
Saturday
Cocktail Party
7:00pm - 8:30pm
•
Schaumburg, IL
22
Friday
Anniversary Party
5:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Batavia, IL
17
Sunday
Corporate Event
11:00am - 2:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
16
Saturday
Wedding Reception
7:30pm - 9:30pm
•
McHenry, IL
09
Saturday
Wedding Reception
7:00pm - 10:00pm
•
Elgin, IL
07
Thursday
Corporate Event
4:30pm - 6:30pm
•
Chicago, IL
July 2025
26
Saturday
Birthday Party
7:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Hammond, IN
13
Sunday
Birthday Party
4:00pm - 5:30pm
•
Chicago, IL
12
Saturday
Birthday Party
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Oak Lawn, IL
05
Saturday
Birthday Party
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
June 2025
21
Saturday
Children’s Birthday Party
7:30pm - 9:30pm
•
South Barrington, IL
08
Sunday
Children’s Birthday Party
5:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Elmwood Park, IL
07
Saturday
Birthday Party
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Deerfield, IL
May 2025
03
Saturday
Convention/Trade Show
6:30pm - 9:30pm
•
Chicago, IL
April 2025
26
Saturday
Dinner Party
7:00pm - 8:30pm
•
Naperville, IL
19
Saturday
Children’s Birthday Party
11:00am - 12:30pm
•
Glencoe, IL
March 2025
29
Saturday
Children’s Birthday Party
1:00pm - 3:00pm
•
Morton Grove, IL
22
Saturday
Children’s Birthday Party
4:00pm - 7:30pm
•
Plainfield, IL
February 2025
23
Sunday
Teen Birthday Party
3:30pm - 5:00pm
•
Plainfield, IL
01
Saturday
Birthday Party
7:30pm - 9:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
January 2025
25
Saturday
Birthday Party
5:00pm - 6:30pm
•
Woodstock, IL
December 2024
15
Sunday
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Party
2:30pm - 5:00pm
•
Northbrook, IL
14
Saturday
Christmas Party
7:30pm - 11:00pm
•
Itasca, IL
October 2024
23
Wednesday
Corporate Event
7:00pm - 9:30pm
•
Downers Grove, IL
19
Saturday
Personal Occasion
12:30pm - 2:30pm
•
Glencoe, IL
18
Friday
Dinner Party
7:00pm - 10:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
16
Wednesday
School Assembly
10:30am - 1:00pm
•
Oak Park, IL
06
Sunday
School Assembly
12:30pm - 3:00pm
•
Evergreen Park, IL
September 2024
14
Saturday
House Party
3:00pm - 5:00pm
•
Lincolnwood, IL
07
Saturday
Birthday Party
8:30pm - 10:30pm
•
Oak Brook, IL
August 2024
31
Saturday
Children’s Birthday Party
5:00pm - 6:30pm
•
Bartlett, IL
24
Saturday
Birthday Party
7:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Elgin, IL
24
Saturday
Children’s Birthday Party
2:00pm - 4:00pm
•
Harwood Heights, IL
11
Sunday
Children’s Birthday Party
3:00pm - 5:00pm
•
Lake Zurich, IL
10
Saturday
Children’s Birthday Party
4:00pm - 5:30pm
•
Oak Brook, IL
July 2024
27
Saturday
Wedding Reception
5:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
20
Saturday
Corporate Event
12:00pm - 3:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
14
Sunday
Dinner Party
4:00pm - 7:00pm
•
St Charles, IL
June 2024
23
Sunday
Children’s Birthday Party
11:30am - 1:30pm
•
Arlington Heights, IL
22
Saturday
Graduation
5:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Downers Grove, IL
15
Saturday
Festival
4:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Northbrook, IL
08
Saturday
Festival
7:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Barrington, IL
06
Thursday
Graduation
5:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
02
Sunday
Dinner Party
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Wheeling, IL
01
Saturday
Camp Event
10:30am - 12:30pm
•
Elmhurst, IL
May 2024
25
Saturday
Anniversary Party
3:00pm - 6:00pm
•
Crystal Lake, IL
06
Monday
Corporate Event
5:30pm - 9:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
April 2024
28
Sunday
Children’s Birthday Party
2:00pm - 5:00pm
•
Elgin, IL
21
Sunday
Children’s Birthday Party
2:30pm - 4:30pm
•
Glenview, IL
March 2024
16
Saturday
Children’s Birthday Party
12:00pm - 1:30pm
•
Barrington, IL
10
Sunday
House Party
11:30am - 2:30pm
•
River Forest, IL
February 2024
16
Friday
Birthday Party
7:30pm - 9:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
January 2024
21
Sunday
Birthday Party
1:30pm - 5:00pm
•
Mokena, IL
13
Saturday
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Party
12:30pm - 3:30pm
•
Oak Park, IL
December 2023
15
Friday
Corporate Event
6:30pm - 9:30pm
•
Chicago, IL
15
Friday
Corporate Event
12:00pm - 3:00pm
•
Lombard, IL
03
Sunday
Children’s Birthday Party
11:30am - 1:30pm
•
Burr Ridge, IL
October 2023
21
Saturday
House Party
5:30pm - 8:00pm
•
Palos Park, IL
20
Friday
Birthday Party
10:00am - 11:30am
•
Oak Park, IL
14
Saturday
Teen Birthday Party
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Plano, IL
07
Saturday
Personal Occasion
4:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
September 2023
30
Saturday
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Party
7:00pm - 11:00pm
•
Highland Park, IL
16
Saturday
Children’s Birthday Party
2:00pm - 4:30pm
•
Batavia, IL
09
Saturday
Festival
3:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Northbrook, IL
August 2023
19
Saturday
Corporate Event
12:00pm - 3:00pm
•
Libertyville, IL
July 2023
29
Saturday
House Party
5:00pm - 6:30pm
•
Cary, IL
28
Friday
Corporate Event
7:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
28
Friday
Camp Event
12:30pm - 2:30pm
•
Elk Grove Village, IL
23
Sunday
Children’s Birthday Party
3:30pm - 6:00pm
•
Chicago Heights, IL
15
Saturday
Religious Celebration
5:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Hanover Park, IL
01
Saturday
Reunion
2:00pm - 4:30pm
•
South Elgin, IL
June 2023
22
Thursday
Retirement Community Event
3:00pm - 6:00pm
•
Racine, WI
17
Saturday
Fair
4:00pm - 7:30pm
•
Northbrook, IL
May 2023
27
Saturday
Wedding Reception
5:30pm - 10:00pm
•
Wheeling, IL
21
Sunday
Corporate Event
1:00pm - 3:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
13
Saturday
Personal Occasion
5:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Northbrook, IL
April 2023
15
Saturday
Children’s Birthday Party
2:00pm - 5:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
March 2023
25
Saturday
Birthday Party
5:30pm - 8:30pm
•
Grayslake, IL
18
Saturday
Children’s Birthday Party
3:00pm - 5:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
11
Saturday
Nonprofit Event
3:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
January 2023
28
Saturday
Children’s Birthday Party
1:30pm - 3:00pm
•
South Elgin, IL
December 2022
03
Saturday
Personal Occasion
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
October 2022
15
Saturday
Children’s Birthday Party
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Forest Park, IL
08
Saturday
Children’s Birthday Party
12:30pm - 2:00pm
•
Barrington, IL
September 2022
17
Saturday
Religious Celebration
1:00pm - 2:30pm
•
Orland Park, IL
11
Sunday
Teen Birthday Party
12:30pm - 3:00pm
•
Skokie, IL
10
Saturday
Birthday Party
4:30pm - 6:30pm
•
Glenwood, IL
August 2022
27
Saturday
Wedding Reception
8:00pm - 10:30pm
•
Vernon Hills, IL
27
Saturday
Retirement Community Event
10:00am - 2:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
06
Saturday
Fair
11:30am - 2:00pm
•
Schaumburg, IL
July 2022
30
Saturday
Festival
1:30pm - 3:30pm
•
Buffalo Grove, IL
28
Thursday
Festival
1:30pm - 3:00pm
•
Buffalo Grove, IL
23
Saturday
Wedding Reception
1:30pm - 4:00pm
•
Elgin, IL
17
Sunday
Children’s Birthday Party
12:30pm - 2:30pm
•
Bartlett, IL
June 2022
30
Thursday
Corporate Event
10:00am - 2:00pm
•
Schaumburg, IL
May 2022
07
Saturday
Children’s Birthday Party
2:00pm - 3:30pm
•
Chicago, IL
01
Sunday
Children’s Birthday Party
3:30pm - 5:00pm
•
Elgin, IL
April 2022
30
Saturday
Religious Celebration
3:00pm - 4:00pm
•
Lake In The Hills, IL
March 2022
06
Sunday
Birthday Party
1:00pm - 3:00pm
•
Naperville, IL
November 2021
27
Saturday
House Party
5:00pm - 6:30pm
•
Round Lake Beach, IL
20
Saturday
Wedding Reception
6:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Oak Brook, IL
October 2021
30
Saturday
House Party
6:00pm - 10:00pm
•
St Charles, IL
September 2021
04
Saturday
Quinceañera
6:00pm - 10:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
04
Saturday
Children’s Birthday Party
1:30pm - 4:00pm
•
Roscoe, IL
August 2021
28
Saturday
Wedding Reception
7:30pm - 9:30pm
•
McHenry, IL
14
Saturday
Wedding Reception
6:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Michigan City, IN
14
Saturday
Campus Event
1:00pm - 3:00pm
•
Aurora, IL
01
Sunday
Children’s Birthday Party
2:00pm - 5:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
July 2021
24
Saturday
Birthday Party
9:00pm - 11:00pm
•
Calumet City, IL
04
Sunday
Wedding Reception
6:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Plainfield, IL
03
Saturday
Wedding Reception
7:30pm - 10:30pm
•
Chicago, IL
June 2021
26
Saturday
House Party
5:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Orland Park, IL
26
Saturday
Children’s Birthday Party
2:00pm - 2:45pm
•
Naperville, IL
05
Saturday
Children’s Birthday Party
4:00pm - 5:00pm
•
Gurnee, IL
March 2021
06
Saturday
Birthday Party
7:00pm - 9:00pm
•
McHenry, IL
December 2020
01
Tuesday
Surprise
6:00pm - 7:00pm
•
St Charles, IL
October 2020
10
Saturday
Wedding Reception
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
St Charles, IL
September 2020
12
Saturday
Wedding Reception
3:30pm - 4:30pm
•
Gary, IN
July 2020
26
Sunday
Bridal Shower
12:00pm - 2:00pm
•
Harvard, IL
25
Saturday
Graduation
2:00pm - 4:00pm
•
New Lenox, IL
May 2020
12
Tuesday
Birthday Party
6:00pm - 6:30pm
•
Chicago, IL
March 2020
07
Saturday
Birthday Party
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Schaumburg, IL
01
Sunday
Nonprofit Event
4:00pm - 5:30pm
•
Algonquin, IL
February 2020
29
Saturday
Bridal Shower
1:00pm - 4:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
January 2020
18
Saturday
Launch Party
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
11
Saturday
Children's Birthday Party
4:30pm - 6:30pm
•
Chicago, IL
December 2019
22
Sunday
Children's Birthday Party
1:00pm - 2:00pm
•
Mount Prospect, IL
19
Thursday
Cocktail Party
4:00pm - 6:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
13
Friday
Christmas Party
5:30pm - 8:00pm
•
Wilmette, IL
05
Thursday
Christmas Party
5:30pm - 9:30pm
•
Lake Zurich, IL
November 2019
14
Thursday
Fundraiser
7:00pm - 10:00pm
•
Rosemont, IL
October 2019
26
Saturday
Children's Birthday Party
2:30pm - 4:00pm
•
Carol Stream, IL
19
Saturday
Children's Birthday Party
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Plainfield, IL
July 2019
28
Sunday
Children's Birthday Party
5:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Roselle, IL
27
Saturday
Wedding Reception
9:00pm - 12:00am (Sun)
•
Rolling Meadows, IL
27
Saturday
Wedding Cocktail Hour
3:30pm - 5:00pm
•
Lake Geneva, WI
June 2019
29
Saturday
Children's Birthday Party
6:00pm - 7:30pm
•
Crystal Lake, IL
29
Saturday
Children's Birthday Party
3:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Fox River Grove, IL
22
Saturday
Wedding Reception
7:00pm - 11:00pm
•
Crystal Lake, IL
08
Saturday
Festival
3:00pm - 5:00pm
•
Malta, IL
May 2019
18
Saturday
Wedding Reception
7:30pm - 10:00pm
•
Elburn, IL
April 2019
20
Saturday
Children's Birthday Party
3:00pm - 5:00pm
•
Arlington Heights, IL
16
Tuesday
Corporate Event
4:00pm - 6:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
March 2019
16
Saturday
Children's Birthday Party
4:00pm - 5:30pm
•
North Barrington, IL
January 2019
12
Saturday
Birthday Party
7:30pm - 9:30pm
•
Harwood Heights, IL
06
Sunday
Children's Birthday Party
12:30pm - 1:30pm
•
Glen Ellyn, IL
December 2018
31
Monday
Children's Birthday Party
7:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Palatine, IL
30
Sunday
Children's Birthday Party
4:00pm - 6:00pm
•
Elmhurst, IL
22
Saturday
Children's Birthday Party
8:30pm - 11:30pm
•
Bartlett, IL
11
Tuesday
Christmas Party
7:00pm - 9:30pm
•
Schaumburg, IL
02
Sunday
Children's Birthday Party
2:00pm - 4:00pm
•
Oak Forest, IL
November 2018
17
Saturday
Christmas Party
6:00pm - 10:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
10
Saturday
Children's Birthday Party
1:30pm - 2:30pm
•
Chicago, IL
03
Saturday
Convention/Trade Show
7:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Rosemont, IL
October 2018
13
Saturday
Children's Birthday Party
2:00pm - 4:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
06
Saturday
Teen's Birthday Party
6:00pm - 7:30pm
•
Libertyville, IL
September 2018
29
Saturday
Children's Birthday Party
3:30pm - 5:00pm
•
Flossmoor, IL
22
Saturday
Wedding Reception
7:30pm - 10:30pm
•
Kenosha, WI
08
Saturday
Holiday Party
5:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
August 2018
30
Thursday
Corporate Event
6:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Lisle, IL
18
Saturday
Anniversary Party
7:00pm - 8:30pm
•
Chicago, IL
13
Monday
Corporate Event
5:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Chicago, IL
11
Saturday
Wedding Reception
6:00pm - 10:00pm
•
Spring Grove, IL
Setup requirements
A table and chairs near an electrical outlet if the room is dim. Outdoors, I need to be in the shade.
Testimonials
Marlene did a spectacular job at my son's 1st birthday party. We had over 24 children and she provided each one of them with a portrait that they all enjoyed. Marlene went above and beyond bringing cowboy themed pictures that went along with Nico's theme. We have had her at three family parties this year alone and everytime we are never disappointed. We are looking forward to seeing her again at a another family party in the future!! -Kimberly
– Kimberly L.
I just wanted to let you know how happy we at United Alloy were with you in making our 10 year celebration a huge success. I would highly reccomend you to anyone who needs a great artist and just wonderful personality for thier event. Thank you Marlene!
– Karen S.
"We wanted to thank you again for lending your considerable talent to helping us reach our prospective clients at the Consorta exhibit at the Sheraton Towers on the 18th. Thanks again for being so patient with everyone, and if we can give you a recommendation at any time, all you have to do is ask……"
– Jerry B
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