At the Crossroads: Part 1

31 thoughts on “At the Crossroads: Part 1”

1. Hi Drew,

   I’m going thru some of the same myself, having lost about 1/3 of my business for various reasons, including the economy and people’s fickleness, etc. I’m not sure if God is leading me out of skating and I want to be open to His leading but I think He needs to hit me over the head to make things very clear to me. I ca’t imagine myself out of coaching but am open as long as I’m sure it’s His will. I feel very uncertain…..by the way, you write VERY well. Can you combine your writing skills with your cartooning talents? I’d still like to collaberate on a skating book with you sometime but I don’t think that would help pay the bills right now. Mike and I love you and are praying for you. let’s get together soon 🙂

2. Drew,

   Your talent is beyond compare. Personally, I find it a bit vile that you produce work (yes, it IS work for those that don’t understand) for a local company and they don’t compensate you. It’s my opinion that they need to resolve that in your favor or you cease production.

   Your knack for Colorado sports is legend. I see no reason why 4, 7, 9, Fox, Altitude and more are not knocking your door down to eithe A: have you as an exclusive or B: lock you into a long-term deal while they can.

   Yes, explore the ad and T-shirt aspect, but also you should easily be able to sell direct, local ads on your site. Your name alone is enough to drive the traffic. I can easily see a local ‘furniture’ company, automobile dealers and more paying for the honor to be seen on your site.

   Let me know if I can be of help in this area.

   Best wishes,

   Vicki’s Husband

3. Drew,

   Please see your ‘ad’ on our website.

   Many thanks!

   Vicki’s Husband

4. Thanks, Debbie, for the wonderful comments. It is hard sometimes to know which way to turn. I keep hoping for a UPS guy to show up with “message from God” letter. We find ourselves in similar situations.

5. Drew,

   I like the t-shirt (merchandising) idea. I would love to have the ability to purchase shirts and mugs with your cartoons. I hope you have those products available in plenty of time for the Holidays. I suspect that your products would make the perfect stocking-stuffer for the sports fan who really misses the Rocky!

   Good luck.

   JB

6. And Thanks so much to Vicki’s husband for the kind comments,the amazing ad and the heartfelt blog post on Mile-High-Fan.com. I’m totally overwhelmed by your generosity. You have a great website. I’m going to add it to my blogroll.

7. John,

   Thanks for the encouragement. I do want to ramp up the items available for people to buy. Let me know if there is anything special you want me to add to the store.

8. By the way, be sure to click on John’s name in the comments. He believes in a very worthy cause.

9. Drew,

   I do empathise with you, but then it ain’t a long trip to empathy avenue for I too was ‘layed off’ from a good job 3 months ago. Though unlike you, this was not a job of my dreams for it was more often then not 7 days a week checking on high pressure gas wells. And yes, it could be rather dangerous work, but it did pay reasonably well. With the economy the way it is, natural gas and oil companies have shut their doors on creating new wells. I hope that I do not come off as trying to cry on your shoulder for that is not the reason for the previous blather for there are many folks out here in rural Colorado that are in similar conditions where they had not the ‘best job’ but a decent paying job that has pulled the rug out from under their feet (there is a cartoon idea for ya’). We may not have as many avenues as you do, but we are comforted by knowing that we share a common path ahead of us. But we (the collective ‘we’ being folks all around Colorado) have the opportunity to click on to a place (DrewLitton.com) that puts a smile on our faces. And that is one of the greatest gifts ever given.

10. Good Morning From Omaha,

    I hit that crossroads several months ago. Just cut loose, sign the papers and leave with nothing kind of stuff. I am probably a little older than you but no wiser.

    I was all tied up in knots about find a “job”. I would fret and panic and get all depressed and then after another letter of thanks but not thanks I came to the conclusion that after almost 30 years it was time to do something that I wanted to do.

    I decided to go back to school, it has been over 30 years, and study something that I have seemingly always had a knack for and an interest in, the law. No I will not be a briefcase toting, ambulance chasing, rainmaking son a gun but I will help the afore mentioned get the job done. Or at least for now that is my intent. I am still looking for work, in sales, but have fallen out of the panic mode and into doing it for me.

    You too can do it as well Drew. I am still here for you.

    Gene

11. Drew,

    As many have talked about, including yourself and me too, we are all in a hard time with the lack of a job. I also was laid off of my job over 3 months ago now, and searching has brought me nowhere. Similarly as Jac said, he had been in a job for a long while but one that he didn’t enjoy, that too is really the same as myself. I went to school for civil engineering, but also for liberal arts because I’m much more creative than an engineer, so I was never really that happy in my engineering jobs. I have looked at the many options for myself, and it seems that the best is to return to school and become the more creative person that I am with architecture and historic preservation. Your cartoons are something you have an amazing talent for and has always been one of the greatest things to smile at 🙂 We all miss the News, and would miss you too, so compensation by the many stations I think is a must, but maybe a book with a compilation of your work, and maybe a children’s book or two that you’ve dreamed of may be the way to go. I know I’d be one of the first in line for one, and maybe an autograph too!

12. Looking up your cartoons in the mornings have been one of my highlights for years. With these times it is a rare bright spot. No one “gets” the Denver sports and feelings like you. I will be hoping that a way can be found that you can do what you love. You’ve given us so much happiness and entertainment! Thanks!!!

13. All of you are so incredible. Your wonderful kind comments are so appreciated. I kind of had a feeling that there were others who read this blog who find their worlds turned upside down due to job loss or challenges other than that. I think that sharing those feelings is such a key component of community and of being here for each other. All of us will make it through this time in history. It’s how we face that adversity and the choices we make that will determine what’s on the other side of the crossroads. Gene, going back to school. Aaron thinking about it. Jac and Debbie, each trying to sort through the choices and looking for direction. Yes, it is a common bond. And one I want to explore here and continue this conversation. I think it’s good for us all.

14. Keep on fighting the fight and do what’s best for you to survive, Drew. You’ll have support from us. I’m just a college student doing full-time hours around my school schedule to support myself as well, and my parents are trying hard to keep me here. I’m trying to major in journalism myself, and I myself am not sure about my chances getting a paying job in that field post-college. I know the value of a paycheck, whatever size, and changing things up to keep the bills paid isn’t a bad thing.. Keep up the good work and don’t lose hope!

15. Drew, if there was one thing that the Post should have taken from the Rocky, it was your cartoon. You can say in one panel more than Woody Paige ever could. Your cartoons are, were and always will etched in my childhood memories. Even in elementary school I would run up to the newspaper and fish out the sports section so I could see your cartoon.

    But as far as money, have you considered maybe looking at other markets within Colorado? I don’t know your asking price, but I would love to see your work in the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel. It wouldn’t have to be Grand Junction aimed, just your normal stuff.

    One thing that worked for Paul Lukas’ Uni Watch Blog before he got a salary bump from ESPN was a membership program. It was more of a fan club than a necessity (everything on his site was still free) but it gave incentive to contribute.

    For like 25 bucks you got a membership card, for 50 you got a t-shirt and a membership card, all the way up to like 2,500 or 5,000 bucks where he would come visit you in person. It worked for him for a while.

16. Drew,

    I wrote you on Twitter earlier. I’m glad to see you have some good comments going for you. Like most people on here, I do love seeing when you announce you’ve posted on Twitter. Unfortunately when I wrote you, I had to keep it under 140 characters. Like you, I’m passionate about sports and write a blog through MLBlogs.

    I told you I couldn’t give you advice, and that hasn’t changed, but I will say that I’ll send the comments you made toward me right back your way. Keep the faith. You’re talented, I know you’ll find something.

    http://deconstructingthoughts.mlblogs.com/

    PS: That’s my blog page URL.

17. Drew,

    I just had my crossroads moment this past Friday. For the past three years I’ve been pursuing two different jobs doing pro bono and contract work to get by. Finally, one of the jobs just came available to me full time. The best moment was knowing “I made it.” The worst was came right afterwards, knowing I had to tell friends and co-workers I would not be coming back.

    Tomorrow, I go into my second office and tell my friends “goodbye.”

    In looking at the situation, the critical thing I learned was the “network” of people around you is much more valuable than any job could ever be. Don’t ever lose that network! So many people invested in me and supported me out of the goodness of their hearts, I can not imagine where I would be without them.

    Drew, I see you fighting and struggling to put your art in the public eye, get paid, and support your family. Many others clearly see the same in you. 9news may not pay now, but you are planting seeds with many people who will see your work. Same for this blog, you are planting seeds and building a large network of supporters. Keep doing what you love and getting people involved. I have absolute faith that you will tap into a heretofore unknown goldmine, probably with the help of one or two of your “supporters.”

    Re-reading this, it sounds pretty darn cliche, but Drew, it works.

    Mike

18. Drew,

    I am shocked to hear that you do not receive any compensation for your work on 9-News. I have loved your cartoons since I was a kid. The first cartoon I remember seeing was the Rich Karlis one. I know if you made a book of your cartoons I would be interested in it. I grew up in Denver and now live out east. I use your cartoons as a way to stay in touch with Denver sports and what the feeling is out there. I wish you the best in whatever comes your way.

19. Drew – you do what you need to do. If you need to scale back here to find more paying work somewhere else, I’m sure most of us here would support you in that endeavor.

    Would I miss it? Absolutely, but I understand the need to pay a mortgage and put food on the table, and how that can oftentimes take priority over doing things you love.

    Last June, my husband got laid off of his job. He was unemployed for 8 months, over, and over again all we heard from his contracting service was “We should have a new job within a few weeks.” Weeks turned into months, and was pushing closer to a year. In March of this year I was able to hook him up with a vendor through my job.

    They hired him. He’s miserable with the company (it’s amazing how poorly people treat their employees, and how much you find out how one is run when you know someone working there), he took a 75% pay cut to accept the job, and yet we’re still thankful – because it’s keeping the roof over our head.

    We are living, literally, paycheck to paycheck. After all the bills are paid, we have $20 left over. All of our savings was sucked up during the time he was unemployed, and I had to cash out my 401K in order to pay off some last minute bills.

    We moved from Denver to Portland 4 years ago as a job opportunity for me opened up that was too good to pass up. I get my Daily Dose of Denver from your cartoons. I love how they remind me of home, and I have many of them pinned up on my cubicle wall.

    Do what you need to do, Drew. Take care of your family. We’ll support you, every step of the way.

    Love & Support from Portland, Oregon ~

    Meaghan

20. Dear Drew,

    Even though we have not met before or had any other contact I am thirty-two years of a age and did not come from a great background. I lived in North Denver and was in not a great part whre there was alot of drugs, violence, and some disturbing images which I just wont explain. I did things that I was not proud of and still do not have any regrets. I helped my family with what I had and still managed the everyday struggle. The point is this; you have a talent that I related to my whole life and thats sports and an opinion on sports. I looked forward to taking the neighbors paper of their porch(monday mornings or after a good night game) the next day one reason was you. I opened the paper just to see what your opinion of what the Broncos, Nuggets, or who ever was doing what in sports. I took reading serious and was a honor student through most junior and regular high school. My dream was to make movies and to go to UCLA for film school. I never made it because I could not afford it. I work a day to day office job today as a temporary employee. I never know when the day is going to be when I lose this job but if I do I am gonna grind it out and do what I have to do to make it. You have a special talent and continue to use it. DO NOT GIVE UP! I appreciate what you have done for me growing up and keep plugging for a job until you can find someplace that you can call home again. Matthew Gallegos

21. Drew,

    Well it is hard for me to tell you something that has not already been posted or something that you don’t already know. But as I read some of these comments I understand this: People love to laugh, you have a knack for this and people easily relate to sports maybe not to athletes but to sports in general. Keep this up. Maybe you need to try a wider range then just the Colorado Sport teams. (Hard for me to say that because those are the only ones that matter to me but there is a bigger pot for you to stir-in, I’m sure of that.)Also the Golf cartoon for the caption contest, in my eyes easily crosses over to a Great Father’s Day gift/card. Depending on who wins 😉 Maybe you need to contact Hallmark!

    Good Luck.

22. Good Morning from Omaha,

    wow what great comments, Drew. When I was growing up, and maybe I still am at 53, I loved reading Tank Mac Namara. that was a comic strip about a sports reporter, that made fun of the goings in in the sports world. it was a 4 panel strip that always made me think or laugh or both.

    I supposed that you have considered a bunch of options. And like many others, we all have to do something to live. If that means getting away from the daily strips, so be it. I, thats a collective I, will still check in with you.

    If it were not for my wife and her job I probably would be back in the panic mode.Our bills are basically under control, our health is good and at times the sunshine of good fortune illuminates our life.

    I would think that the POST would need someone to compliment Woodys Rants but I don’t understand the news business.

    I understand what you are going through and wish you much success.

    You would think that 9 News and Drew could come up with a sponsor, like the Shanahan Home for Fired Football Coaches with a new branch facility on the beaches of Cancun. With the way this season is shaping up in June, you better book your rooms now as space is going to be very limited.

    but as always Drew, Strive for excellence, nothing but your best.

    Gene

23. I’m simply overwhelmed by the generosity of your support. It feels so incredible to have so many good friends. It is also amazing to hear your own stories about standing strong in the face of adversity. When I started this thread I thought maybe this was too personal a thing to talk about. But I also thought that maybe there are other people who are in the same place that I am and want somewhere to talk about it. Let’s keep the dialogue open for more comments and discussion. It seems to be good for all of us.

24. Drew,

    My first job was a paper carrier for the Rocky Mountain News when I was 10, I delivered the paper for 5 years and every day after I was done, I would look for your cartoon in the sports section. I have a good friend that moved here from California and he loves the small helmets you drew on the Denver Broncos players.

    I would imagine that there are a lot of vendors in the Denver area that have a long history and would be proud to sponsor you or have you create something for marketing. I look forward to getting your next book whenever that is ready.

    Keep your head up, you can’t keep this kind of talent hidden from the masses that need to see your handiwork.

    Larry

25. Drew,

    I’m at a crossroads also, the rug was pulled from under my feet 3 mos short of 30 years at my job. I’ve been unemployed for 1 yr & 3 mos now. And not for lack of trying, I never ever imagined finding a job would be so tough, things sure have changed since I last looked for one. Gone are the days of walking in, applying, interviewing and getting hired on the spot!

    One of the biggest things to keep me going is to log onto your site and get a daily dose of your work! You are so talented I don’t understand people not knocking down your doors and I definitely don’t understand 9 News not paying for your contributions. I always thought better of them and will certainly let them know of my disappointment. It won’t make any difference I’m sure but I will feel better. Perhaps if enough people write in they may make some effort to compensate.

    Hang in there and do what you must. I too would be willing to buy t-shirts books etc and I think the idea posted about contacting Hallmark or some other greeting card company is terrific! A whole line of cards we can send to our friends razzing them about their favorite teams/players. How about doing caricature sketches for pay? You did one of my daughter many years ago, it’s wonderful and I would have gladly paid for it just because you drew it, but no you gave it to her for being a fan!

    Good luck and God Bless you in whatever happens.

    Fergie

26. Fergie,

    Several of you,including Fergie, have expressed some disappointment with 9News over their lack of compensation. Please don’t be upset with them. They too find themselves in the midst of incredible challenges financially, and their employees ,have in fact, taken concessions, furloughs and various cutbacks during these tight economic times. It’s hard to justify hiring a cartoonist while asking your current employees to make sacrifices. I believe that to be the case with the Denver Post as well. It is the proof that we are in the Perfect Storm.

    Fergie, my heart goes out to you and all of those who have had to endure long stretches of time between jobs. I admire your resiliency.

27. Just retired from the military Drew and know how you feel about the “crossroads” I’ve been working a job I hate now and the pay is a pittance, now about to call it a day there and look for yet anothe thing. At least you are doing what you love. I really hope that you get things to work out for you and I really enjoy your ‘toons.

28. One addition, how about trying to go more national on your work and getting syndicated?

29. I found myself at a crossroads in 2000. After a long career in oil and gas, I decided to do anything other than remain in that industry. That lasted a week and a half. Your site is the first website I go to every morning. You and Mark Brown were the biggest reasons I subscribed to the Rocky. I don’t know what happened to Mark but at least I can check in with you everyday. You can say more in one cartoon than a whole year’s subscription to Sports Illustrated. You have a gift, you’re stuck with it, make the most of it. Most of the time opportunities find you. Your job is just to make yourself available for them. God bless you and best of luck to you.

    What happened to Mark, anyway?

30. Drew,

    Not sure what to tell ya, I turn to your toons for a laugh during the grind of being a home builder. Ouch! I will be facing a crossroads of my own come July, time off without pay…who knows how long. Good Luck with making the decision, and Hey, less may more on the toon front for all of us.

    Thank you and Keep us Laughing.

    Cobb

31. Drew,

    As a long time fan I have observed that you have a wealth of talents untapped. I’m looking at it and it’s going to be really hard to monetize media buys currently (as you know.) In addition, in the world operates on freebie level now due to the Internet (Youtube is losing billions of dollars a day for Google.) However, do you have the interest in animation to the point that monetize making ads out of your creative part time. People will pay for quality voice, perspective and uniqueness. Counter example, Hulu places ads in front of it’s content. Or, the Starz Film Channel has the 30 Second Bunnies. Have you considered going back to get a little more formal education on animation beyond flash shore up some quality issues that are naturally inherit in flash? Have you ever considered teaching art and illustration? I at least know of 3 college level programs you could talk to (A.I.C., RMCAD and Metro) that could potentially use someone like you. With the arts being cut in middle schools and H.S., students are taking these classes in college now. Everybody on this board has been through these sort of times in one way or another.

    Just a couple of ideas,

    BTD