Sometimes the process of writing these comics astounds me. I cannot recall the intended joke of today’s strip, only that it was far, far removed from what I wound up with. Somewhere around panel two things took a seriously unexpected turn when Newton started explaining his technique of meeting new clients. This is, of course, derived somewhat from reality. I do have a client meeting today and I do not intend to bring along a portfolio of work.
Some time ago I became a no-go-portfolio guy. I had a few meetings with potential clients that went famously well, and at the end, there I was, with this big black case filled with my previous work just sitting there, unopened. Once or twice I actually asked if they wanted to see it as we were winding down, and I cannot recall anyone answering in the positive. I occurred to me that I sent along my portfolio’s webpage (newest version here) long before the initial meet-up, and by the time we were in a face-to-face, it was really more about people getting to know each other and each other’s business, and less about “check out this sweet poster i did.”
So I’m a confirmed No-Go-Portfolio guy. Are you?
The Reflex Blue Show with Nate Voss and Donovan Beery, Episode 6: Invisible Paycheck
April 9th, 2008 | by Nate Voss
Our complete guide to getting a graphic design summer internship. We welcome Design Princess Ashley McFeely back to the show, well, to the Reflex Blue Show, for the first time ever to trade old war stories of internships gone by. Tales of portfolio samples; tales of getting boned by other interns who hate you, and tales of that one guy who got hit by a car. We also give out a Top 5 tips on how to land an internship, so don’t think we forgot about you. A must for design students. Peace out –
–nv–
Download The Reflex Blue Show with Nate Voss and Donovan Beery, Episode 6 (24 meg) or click here to subscribe directly from the iTunes Music Store.
The Reflex Blue Show with Nate Voss and Donovan Beery, Episode 5: Portfoliown’d!
April 2nd, 2008 | by Nate Voss
A few weeks back Donovan and I gave a show stopping presentation at a student portfolio event called Meet the Pros (site and poster design by me). And even though we weren’t their first choice, we were the first ones to say “yes” and low, PORTFOLIOWN’D was born. A rip-roaring take through the entire student portfolio process — from purpose to process, order to interview, we cover how to make a great portfolio from top to bottom. Much of what you are about to hear we learned from our own experiences as former students, as professors, as interviewers and portfolio reviewers, and from people much smarter than ourselves. So sit back, grab a cold one, and relax on your inflatable couch. Enjoy.
–nv–
Download The Reflex Blue Show with Nate Voss and Donovan Beery, Episode 5 (25 meg) or click here to subscribe directly from the iTunes Music Store.


Nate Voss is a designer, illustrator, talkshow host and design journalist. Working in Omaha since 2001, Nate served four years on the Board of Directors for
Donovan oversees all creative development at