Charles Apple

I got canned today

And I’m just stunned. And mystified.

Anybody out there hiring? Call me.

More when I feel up to it…

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 8th, 2008 at 4:06 pm and is filed under Job changes, Charles Apple, VizEds Blog. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.

79 Responses to “I got canned today”

Josh Trudell Says:
October 8th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
That. Freaking. Sucks.
Hang in there, Charles. Better things are coming.
martin gee Says:
October 8th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
WTF!!!
Allie Ghaman Says:
October 8th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
That’s absurd! I’m so sorry!
carrie hoover Says:
October 8th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
total injustice

…but you rock. more opportunities are ahead, my friend.
Dennis Bolt Says:
October 8th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
WHAT??!!! Geez Louise!

The non-spam word for this post was “Disgrace” which is very appropriate! Hang in there Charles!
Cindy J-H Says:
October 8th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
I’m speechless. I don’t know what to say. Hang in there.
Douglas E. Jessmer Says:
October 8th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
WHAT?!?!?!?

I’m stunned. I’m absolutely flabbergasted.
Scott Says:
October 8th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
Holy crap! That was unexpected kick in the gut. So sorry to hear it. Hang in there.
coffeymaker Says:
October 8th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
This is a “what the fuck” and a “holy shit” wrapped into one.

This is unbelieveable!
A. Cuadra Says:
October 8th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
Awfully sorry to hear the bad news Charles.
jennifer borresen Says:
October 8th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
Wow! Sorry to hear the news.
John T. Garcia Says:
October 8th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
Who do I call to cancel my subscription?

(And the Captcha to allow me to post this: “budget Times.” Irony sucks.)
Ben Ramsden Says:
October 8th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
Hey Man.

I am so sorry.
Ernie Smith Says:
October 8th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
THIS. IS. BULLSHIT.
Colin Bridge Says:
October 8th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
WTF is this world coming too? Hang in there Charles something bigger and better will come your way quickly!
Mark Dodge Medlin Says:
October 8th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
Unbelievable. I knew nobody was safe, but this is shocking. I’m really sorry to hear this, Charles.
Matt Mansfield Says:
October 8th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
Troubled to hear this news, Charles. I’ve always been so impressed with how you help students as they break into the craft. If there’s anything that I can do to help, please let me know.
Ryan Ford Says:
October 8th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
Seriously, WTF. This is just ridiculous.

Oh, and subscrip- trimmed
Jim McBee Says:
October 8th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
I’m at a loss. Let us know what’s going on.
Mike Higdon Says:
October 8th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
There is always hope. The world needs Apple.
Designhawg Says:
October 8th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
That blows man. But I think Mansfield touched on something, you’re great with students. As someone who has taught, I can tell you first hand that quality is hard to come by. With your skills and background, I’d explore that route ASAP before pulling up stakes again.
Elizabeth Smith Says:
October 8th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
Charles I will be praying for you and sending all the good vibes I can your way. I am really sorry, they don’t know what they’ve lost. :…(
Mike Fortress Says:
October 8th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
bullshit!! this is awful!
sorry to hear the news. i wish you all the best, charles.
William Couch Says:
October 8th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
I am shocked.

Anything you need sir, as always…
Chris Kirkman Says:
October 8th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
Uh, holy Hannah… what the hell? That’s just crazy. I’m sorry to hear all this, but hang in there, you’ll bounce back. I’ll keep my ear to the ground and let you know if I hear of anything.
Bill Gaspard Says:
October 8th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
I add my voice to the chorus of those troubled by this news.

You’re obviously talented in a number of aspects of our craft, Charles.

But as has been noted before and is being pointed out again, you are an incredible resource for students and young designers. There is passion and a natural affinity that’s fairly amazing.

I’m sure you’re in shock, but when you start looking forward again I hope you can really explore where this might take you.

We’ll all help where we can. You’ve got a big community of concerned friends behind you.
Nick Masuda Says:
October 8th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
Sigh. And I used to have respect for the publication. You, my good man, have so many avenues to take. I look forward to where you land next. My thoughts go out to you and your family.
Wes Rand Says:
October 8th, 2008 at 9:26 pm
That is unbelievable and uncool. Good luck with your next step and let me know I can do anything to help.
Javier Torres Says:
October 8th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
My friend, please let me know how can I help…I can’t believe this…you are great wih students and mentoring, have you considered teaching? Charles you’re not alone man…

— javo
coffeymaker Says:
October 8th, 2008 at 9:34 pm
I still can’t believe Charles you have been let go from your job. Since you have been a great help to all on visualeditors.com. We greatly appreciate your humor, good advice and great ideas on how to do our job better.

After reading replies from other visualeditor.com members, maybe should you become an instructor. I have noticed within the last month, there have been a lot of positions open at some prestigious journalism schools that have some fantastic graphic programs. Ball State, Ohio and Columbia (Mo.) are looking for instructors or asst. professors.
Michelle Valenzuela Says:
October 8th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
Charles: I’m so sorry to hear this. Let me know how I can help,

Michelle.
Cas Riddle Says:
October 8th, 2008 at 10:41 pm
How terrible! I’d be stunned, too. You’re fabulous and I know you’ll find something better.
len de groot Says:
October 8th, 2008 at 10:44 pm
Aw man! SO sorry to hear it. What a shock.
Tony Briggmin Says:
October 8th, 2008 at 11:14 pm
Charles: I am deeply saddened by this. You have been nothing but a source of joy and inspiration for so many of us. Good things will come. Hang in there. Hang tough.
Chris Morris Says:
October 8th, 2008 at 11:41 pm
Sorry to see this Charles. Any feedback about WHY?
John Zhu Says:
October 8th, 2008 at 11:47 pm
So sorry to hear that. Hang in there Charles.
Steve Wilson Says:
October 9th, 2008 at 12:07 am
WOW, i hope things work out for the better. Are they already going under??? Your not even fully unpacked.
Ellen Lynch Says:
October 9th, 2008 at 12:42 am
Charles, I am so sorry. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.
Erica Smith Says:
October 9th, 2008 at 12:48 am
When one door closes, another opens, right?

Good luck!
William Neff Says:
October 9th, 2008 at 3:06 am
We’d certainly haul you aboard if we could. And I’m obviously not the only one who feels that way. Troubled times in the near term, but hang in there.
Alan Formby-Jackson Says:
October 9th, 2008 at 5:01 am
Unbelievable Charles. Keep your head up mate.
Kathryn Morton Says:
October 9th, 2008 at 7:11 am
Are they insane? Chris, our cat and I send prayers and good thoughts your way.

Wow. That is ridiculous.
Chris Anderson Says:
October 9th, 2008 at 7:12 am
What a sucker punch. Add me to the Charles Apple Teaching Extravaganza bandwagon.

Godspeed, Charles.
Tom Priddy Says:
October 9th, 2008 at 8:36 am
Charles, oh my gosh, that’s awful. I’m pulling for you. Hang in there.
sam hundley Says:
October 9th, 2008 at 8:37 am
Charles, what is wrong with those a-holes? Don’t let them discourage you. Your friends who’ve posted here are a much more accurate reflection of your worth and your talent. I admire your guts in taking the leap of faith, and I honestly believe that something better awaits. Hang in there, pal.
Bo Says:
October 9th, 2008 at 9:05 am
Always here for you. Big hugs.
deborah withey Says:
October 9th, 2008 at 10:38 am
Charles, I spout the same chorus: Oh my gosh! It’s only been a short time! Bless you.
Nicole Hughes Says:
October 9th, 2008 at 10:50 am
Charles -

Wow, what a blow. I’m stunned… you know something is wrong with the industry with things like this happen. Like everyone else has said, maybe your talents needed to be put to use somewhere bigger and better… they obviously don’t know what kind of talent and passion they have let go.

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to let me know. Hang in there.
Ken Marshall Says:
October 9th, 2008 at 11:59 am
Charles, I also am shocked.
I am with the many folks who have known you as a friend and colleague, in being mystified about this move. As many others have written, a better opportunity will turn up.
Our prayers are with you and your family.
Ken and Anne
Megan Lavey Says:
October 9th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Agree, this royally sucks - and the third case within a month of good people in the industry being forced out of their jobs. They’re going to realize very quickly that things will go downhill without you around.
Erin Cubert Says:
October 9th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
I’m so sorry to hear about this. I hope everything works out for the best … these are odd times.
Kevin Coughlin Says:
October 9th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
Charles…For what it’s worth, I also got “canned” last week due to the porr economic climate for a start up magazine. Take the rest of the week off and collect your thoughts. Your friends in here are putting the word out one of the BEST DESIGNERS IS NOW AVAILABLE. I might have a lead. Email me privately.
Bill Pitzer Says:
October 9th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
Charles,

WTF•HS•AYFKM• YIKES!

Acronyms aside, sorry to hear this. Call me, lets go get a beer.

-BP
Kevin Koehler Says:
October 9th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
Dreadful news. What a profoundly dickish move after hiring you so recently, you moving down and doing great work.

Hope you land somewhere even better, that the Charlotte are treats you well.

Stunning. If even Charles Apple is getting laid off, what hope is there for the rest of us?
clif Page Says:
October 9th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
Newspapers make dollars, not sense.
Francie Says:
October 9th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
Oh Charles, I am so sorry. Add me to the chorus of ‘whatever I can do to help.’
Brandon Dingess Says:
October 9th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
I’m sorry to hear this, especially after you moved your family. Was the newspaper-as-PDF format not working out for them as they had hoped, or what?
bryan devasher Says:
October 9th, 2008 at 11:16 pm
Charles,

What can I say? I applaud you for thinking outside the box. But being let go after such a short time is a supreme injustice. You sure Zell doesn’t have a stake in SN Today?
Luke Says:
October 9th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
Keep your head up, Charles …. you’ll land on your feet, and TSN will miss your expertise. But I really don’t want to subscribe to them anymore after hearing about this. Sigh.
Yuri Victor Says:
October 10th, 2008 at 1:24 am
You deserve better.
Dan Zedek Says:
October 10th, 2008 at 7:30 am
So sorry to hear. Charles, you’re gifted in so many directions; you deserve to be somewhere that appreciates your talents.
Bill Peschel Says:
October 10th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Im very sorry to hear that. You’ve got great gifts and a great platform, so you should find something soon. Keep up your spirits, and don’t neglect your friends! They’re there to help you.
Douglas E. Jessmer Says:
October 10th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
Charles, now that I’m past the stun and surprise of my earlier response (see above), let me say:

You’ve been one of the top instructors in the business.

You’ve been a mentor to many in the industry.

You’re one of the best-networked guys in visual journalism.

Someone in Charlotte apparently didn’t fully comprehend what you brought to the table.

There’s something better out there. You have to be confident, as much as this feels like a kick in the teeth right now.

You were there when I was down, and I’ll be here for you.
Anders Tapola Says:
October 10th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
It makes me really sad to hear this, Charles. But I’m sure there must be plenty of other opportunities for you out here. Your’e one of the best – and the most productive guy I ever met. So I still can’t believe you are just one. Seems more like you are at least a dozen.
Matt Zang Says:
October 10th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Charles,
Sorry to hear that news. How’s your background in medical and scientific illustration and graphics? I have a line on an opportunity overseas; let know if that would be something that you might be interested in.
Email me back.
Matt
Jon Kleinow Says:
October 10th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Charles, I’m so sorry to hear this news. Such a horrible thing happening to someone who has worked so hard in this industry, who has helped so many people, and who, by all accounts, is one of the friendliest, most easy-to-get-along-with people in this industry. The good news is, you have so many friends here and I think all of us will do whatever we can to help you, as you’ve helped so many of us. It’s time to call in some chits.
Bill Bootz Says:
October 10th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
Damn. I just can’t believe this. This CAN’T be happening! You’re the best, and you’ll land on your feet soon.
Gabe Says:
October 10th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
That’s too bad. Hope you got a severance. Here at the East Valley Tribune, there’s going to be no more graphics department (or 140 other staff members) after January. At least we got a little warning.
Tory Hargro Says:
October 11th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
I’m so sorry Charles. You are a titan in this industry, you’ve helped me and many others here. If there is anything I can do, let me know.
alejandro banuet Says:
October 12th, 2008 at 10:38 am
very sorry to hear that.
Joey Kirk Says:
October 12th, 2008 at 11:47 pm
I agree with what everyone has said here. This really sucks, Charles. But I agree with DesignHawg when he says you’d be a great teacher. You definitely helped me out when I met you in Orlando at SND in ‘06. And I can’t thank you enough for the encouragement you gave to me. If there’s anything we can do, just let us know, and it will be done.
Don Says:
October 13th, 2008 at 8:37 am
I’m sorry, man. Dang.
Larry Printz Says:
October 13th, 2008 at 9:26 am
I’m not sure what more I can add, except to say, ditto.
Chris Lee Says:
October 13th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
It’s a sad, scary day in the industry when someone as amazing as Charles Apple gets fired.
Joe Greco Says:
October 14th, 2008 at 9:57 am
I’m sorry to hear this, Charles, Your talent and generosity soon will bring you to a safe landing. It’s often hard to understand why things like this happen, but stay as positive as we all know you can be. Something good will come of this. No. Something great.

We’re all thinking about you. Good luck.
Jay Rotz Says:
October 16th, 2008 at 1:12 am
Charles, let me add my condolences. Talent such as yours will not be wasted for long.
Reggie Myers Says:
October 20th, 2008 at 10:33 am
Maaaaan!

I’m really ticked off about this! I’ve known you for over 15 years. You don’t deserve this! You have so much talent and you’re a fun loving guy!

The same thing happened to me last year! This industry has really changed in the past 10 years and I predicted the shrinking of graphics departments many years ago. I’m in a different field now.

Please email me back because my contact info has changed. I also have some helpful tips for you. I know you’ll end up in a great place that will appreciate your talent and experience!
Fred Matamoros Says:
October 20th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Charles,

If there’s anything at all I can do, give me a call. (800) 399-8742 x6044
You’ve been there for so many people in the past. Hang in there, we’re all behind you!
Fred Matamoros Says:
October 20th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
Oops! That’s (800) 388-8742 x6044

I got canned today

79 Responses to “I got canned today”

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