Ben Lueders joins The Reflex Blue Show after doing a breakout session at the 2026 OnBrand Conference in Omaha last month. Longtime listeners will remember Ben as the co-host of most of Seasons 5 and 6.

Ben’s session, The Collaborative Design Process, focused on the value in the design process and the changes in work over the past few years. We also talk about the changes at Fruitful Design (following up on the podcast with Raj Lulla recorded just before this one), the Growing a Fruitful Brand podcast he hosted with Raj, his book Escape from Terikiak, designing book covers, and more.

A big thanks goes out once again to the groups behind the OnBrand Conference – AAF Nebraska, AMA Lincoln, AMA Omaha, and PRSA Nebraska.

Enjoy.

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I sit down with Teruko Tsubaki and Kelsey Scofield to discuss graphic designers in Omaha once again having a monthly reason to meet-up. Sometime last year, they created an event called Working Title, and like all great events, have already seen it change a bit. I look forward to seeing how the event evolves and grown in the future.

We talk about the need for community and networking; how to know what to wear to the office of a new job; what is considered proper attire in 2026; and then end when a dog named Maple Syrup told us it was time.

Enjoy.

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Marian Bantjes stops by the Reflex Blue Show to discuss her new venture – Design Art Gallery (DAG). Located in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, DAG is the gallery showcasing the fine art from designers we all wish was in our town.

We talk about Marian beginning as a typesetter, her work in lettering, and her current work in fine art. We end with a discussion on what makes a good pattern.

Enjoy.

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