Who is it?

Katie Klimacek is an illustrator and multidisciplinary artist based in Chicago, IL.

Her artwork is a blend of her signature oddball humor and her day-to-day observations and inner thoughts. She is known for her screaming faces and large, bulging eyes that have become the cornerstone of her work. Some people find them strange, but Katie finds them rather delightful.

Katie prides herself on her ability to improvise with non-conventional materials. She believes in making art accessible to all by using repurposed supplies to keep costs low and frequently dropping “free art” around the city.

Her work has been featured in The Dope Art Show, Blnk Haus, and Project Logan. She is a 2022 nominee for “Best Visual Artist” in Chicago Reader’s Best Of competition. She has a forthcoming show at Rev Billy's Chop Shop in Lincoln Square. 

Katie has experience designing event posters, podcast art, and social media posts for local businesses, national organizations, and Chicago performers and musicians. She loves working collaboratively to bring a client's vision to life and use her art to enhance a brand's personality. 

Katie grew up in Utica, New York. She has been exploring her world of weird and make-believe for as long as she can remember. In addition to her visual art, Katie has performed as an improv and stand-up comedian in Albany, NY, and Chicago, IL. She has trained in the Second City Writing Program and Columbia College Chicago's Comedy Studies program. Her visual art and graphic design are infused with the humor and collaboration she learned in these programs.