In recent months, 605 has added some new faces to the team, including a new lead multimedia designer. The summer intern crew asked them a few questions about the office, their favorite places in Sioux Falls, and how they spend their time outside of work.
Jordan Cushman
Lead Multimedia Designer
What made you interested in working at 605?
There is so much about South Dakota that can easily go unnoticed, so I’m so excited to be a part of a team that is actively seeking out all the unique people, places, and stories that South Dakota has to offer. It’s also a huge honor to work with a team full of wildly creative and talented individuals.
Where’s your favorite hang out spot in Sioux Falls?
The Jones Seed Co. building downtown. Between working on projects and ordering Americanos at The Source, I’ve logged my fair share of hours there.
Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies?
I’ve spent the last decade playing guitar and try to play for at least half an hour every day. If anyone reading this is trying to start a pop-punk band on the side, get at me. I also still have some skills and bad knees from skateboarding when I was younger.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
After getting my hands on the first printed issue I contributed to, I knew I was hooked. Passing the fresh shipment of issues around the office and seeing everyone’s work finally culminate into something we can all hold was such a cool feeling. Being around individuals with a similar caffeine tolerance/dependency is also a huge plus.
Where is the most interesting place you have ever visited?
Anywhere along the North Shore in Minnesota. It’s misty, morose, and a little dreary. In other words, it’s the coolest place ever to me. I try and get up there to go camping and hiking at least once a year.
When did you realize that you had a knack for design and decide to turn it into a career?
In an effort to coast out my senior of high school with as little effort as possible, I took a Photoshop course. Ultimately, that plan backfired, as I loved the challenge of learning that software, and I am still actively trying to learn more about Photoshop and its companion products every day. I spent college basically volunteering as a designer for friends and organizations and realized at the end of it, I had enough material for a solid portfolio.
Dawn Geertsema
Editorial Assistant
Where did you go to school and what did you major in?
I actually still go to school at Augustana University as a journalism major! I’m excited to be starting my junior year this fall and am much anticipating graduating in fall 2021.
What is your favorite thing about working at 605?
There are many things I love about being in the 605 office. I’m so thankful for the friendly and open atmosphere. Working here, I feel free to be myself and share my work with others who appreciate it as much as I do. Perhaps my favorite things about working here are the stories and laughs we share as a staff. This might be the best way I could be brought into my first, real-world journalism position. I’m definitely in the right place!
What are some ways you combat “writer’s block”?
Writer’s block is one of my biggest struggles. I’m still trying to figure it out, but I have found one thing to work decently well. One of the things that I find most beneficial for me is just simply taking a step back. Sometimes I just need to get away from the project and other distractions in order to process my thoughts and give myself a break. So I’ll go on a walk in the park, spend time with my hedgehog, or even just go grocery shopping. If your brain is out of words, go on an adventure to find them again.
How long have you been with 605?
I officially started with 605 as the editorial assistant back in May. I was supposed to start in March, but COVID-19 had other plans.
When you’re not in the office, what are you most likely doing?
A few weeks ago, I brought home my very first baby! Her name is Pepper, and no she’s not a tiny human. She’s my precious hedgehog. Yes, I am a cringey hedgy mom. Pepper is my pride and joy right now, and we had a blast when I brought her into the office to meet everyone. We’re also planning to go spend a week with my parents at Yellowstone soon! I’m also a server at Olive Garden, and I tend to be there a lot, as well. (As of 2022, I’m full time on staff at the magazine! I’ve also added Padme, a german shepherd mix puppy, to bring my family to a total of three gals.)
What is your favorite place to grab a bite locally?
I have a really hard time choosing just one restaurant. Indecisive might as well be my middle name. But if there’s one thing I know for certain, it’s that for me dessert trumps everything else. My favorite desserts are the cheesecake at Ruby Tuesday and MacKenzie River Pizza, Grill & Bar’s Mack Lovin,’ ice cream atop a scrumptious cookie steaming in a cast iron skillet. Nothing beats that combination.
Peyton Brokiewicz
Multimedia Designer
What is a typical day at 605 like for you?
A typical day at 605 begins with a fresh pot of coffee. After a nice warm brew, I receive my task from the lead designer, Jordan. My work consists of taking and editing photos, creating ads, and experimenting with layout designs for our magazine. I also keep our website up to date by uploading various posts on our page as needed. All that work is wrapped up with laughs as we fire jokes around the office, I feel lucky to work with 605 Magazine.
What is your favorite thing to photograph?
My favorite thing to photograph is people outdoors. That is why I am so proud to be a part of the 605 team. They are experts at exploring indoor and outdoor activities around the 605 area code.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years I see myself traveling the world. I will take photos of my own adventures, the gear I use, and the people and animals I meet along the way. I will share this lifestyle and explain my struggles, successes, and mindfulness throughout the entire process. I want to take a massive leap outside of my comfort zone and share that leap with the world to hopefully inspire others to follow their dreams, too.
What is a hidden gem in Sioux Falls you think people overlook?
The Sioux Falls bike trail might not be hidden, but it truly is a gem. I spend most of my time outside of work in nature, so, I have explored the entire bike trail stopping at numerous off beaten paths. If you’re in Sioux Falls and looking for a glimpse of everything, the bike trail is the place to be.
What does creativity look like to you?
To me, creativity is being able to express boring things in unique ways. For example, being able to turn an article into something more digestible for someone who doesn’t love to read. Or a poster into something that stops people in their tracks, drawing them in and using hierarchy and design to guide someone’s eyes around your work.
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
If I could give my younger self one piece of advice it would be this: Be true to yourself and your dreams will become reality quicker then you can imagine. You can do anything.
