Gadlin Takes “I Want to Draw a Cat For You” to ABC’s Shark Tank

12/28/11, Chicagoist, by Chuck Sudo

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Blewt! Productions’ Steve Gadlin is taking his “I Want to Draw a Cat For You” business to another level: reality television.

Gadlin will appear on ABC’s Shark Tank where he’ll pitch his stick figure cat art business before the show’s panel of millionaires and billionaires as a worthy investment of their money. For those who don’t know about “I Want to Draw a Cat For You,” here’s a recap: A person commissions a cat drawing scenario — say, a cat floating in a giant saucer of milk — and Gadlin will draw it to his best ability, number it and send the original to the person who commissioned the drawing for $9.95.

It started off as a joke, but a Groupon last year resulted in so many people buying it that Gadlin’s arm almost fell off trying to honor the purchases. To date, over 1,300 drawings have been commissioned. Gadlin taped his episode of Shark Tank shortly after the pilot of his game show Don’t Spit the Water aired on WCIU-TV.

In a press release announcing his Shark Tank appearance, Gadlin was expectedly mum on the outcome. He did say, “Appearing on the show was an absolute blast. It was one of coolest experiences of my life.”

Gadlin’s episode of Shark Tank will air Jan. 27. For more on “I want to Draw a cat for You,” please go back and listen to Karl’s podcast with Gadlin from last year.