Marlene graduated from the country’s premier ad school, the ArtCenter College of Design, in Pasadena. She then rose up the ranks of several agencies in Los Angeles, working on accounts from NEC Electronics to Tag Heuer watches. When Montana called, she joined Spiker Communications as Senior Art Director and was a driving force behind the agency’s work for clients such as St. Patrick Hospital (now Providence St. Pat's), First Security Bank and The Stock Farm. After more than a decade as an employee, Marlene spread her wings and launched Hutchins FreeRange Creative, where she hatches focused strategies and creative, campaign-worthy ideas for her clients.

Clients who work with Marlene in a collaborative process, gain an understanding of “why” their brand exists, who their audience is, and what problem they solve. This strategic focus results in clear communication. Discovering your “why” is essential to customer resonance, loyalty, and a brand’s growth.

Marlene’s work has appeared in the CLIO awards, the Lulu awards, and the Addys (Montana and Northwest). Her award-winning brand-focused materials range from website design and development, to print and broadcast production, including the supervision of budgets and the creation of bulletproof, drum-tight artwork. In her few off hours, Marlene plays guitar and belts the blues with an ever-growing group of local and nationally known musicians.