By: E&P Staff Wichita Eagle editorial cartoonist Richard Crowson has been laid off, the Wichita Business Journal reports today.
Crowson had been with the Kansas newspaper since 1985 -- working first as a newsroom artist doing illustrations, maps, and graphics. In 1987, the paper created the cartoonist job for Crowson.
The Eagle veteran said today he was let go as part of a staff-reduction effort the McClatchy paper has undertaken in recent months. "They're just wanting to tighten down a little bit on the budget and adjust to the new economic realities," Crowson added, as quoted in Chris Moon's Journal story.
He's the latest of about a half dozen staff cartoonists laid off in recent months, and one of dozens of cartoonists jettisoned in recent years. There are now only about 80 of these positions left in the country -- down from hundreds several decades ago.
Crowson -- who began his career with The Jackson (Tenn.) Sun in 1976 -- said he's not sure what he'll do next. The cartoonist did note that he's open to art and illustration projects.
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