About Chrome Dome Studios

Who is caricature artist Charlie James?

Old man. Draws things.

As a high school art teacher for over 25 years, I’ve continued creating my own art on the side–mostly cartooning and illustration. One of the highlights of my day job, though, has always been drawing caricatures of my students for grins. In 2011, I turned that hobby into a paying gig when I got hired caricaturing professionally at the St. Louis Zoo as a way to supplement my summer income. That zoo job led to drawing at live events–wedding receptions, after-proms, corporate conventions, as well as holiday, birthday, & company parties. 

Commissions started rolling in, too. Anniversary gifts, graduation presents, family portraits–I’ve drawn them all. In 2017 I started drawing people as Krampus, the Alpine goat-demon, and that has turned into a fun holiday tradition with clients using the artwork on their holiday greeting cards or just to hang on the wall every December.

I live near St. Louis with my wife, two kids, and two cats. I also play the banjo, much to the dismay of my wife, two kids, and two cats.