A new month means another Meet the Team feature! For today’s lineup, we’re venturing into the Creative Department to chat with our Director, Creative Services, Jaime Cushnie. She’s giving us the details about her design icks, the qualities of her dream kitchen, and her long history with the Show and Tell Agency.
How long have you been at Show and Tell?
16 and a half years.
Can you talk a bit about your career journey and how you got here?
So, I started out thinking I would be a photographer. I did that for a while and then went into graphic design at Red River Polytechnic. I worked in-house as a designer before I started at Martron, which was Sherpa before Sherpa! I worked my way up to a Senior Designer and then Director, and now here I am: our Director of Creative Services.
What got you started in graphic design?
It was always in the back of my head. I remember being in high school and heard that the program was hard to get into, which was really intimidating. I was always drawing when I was a kid, so it felt natural. It was either that or interior design. I was always designing logos or drawing layouts of houses.
Editor’s note: She also designed house layouts on Sims. But that’s a different article.
You work very closely with our Director of Production Services, Gary Gobeil. How would you describe that working relationship?
Gary and I have a good time. We’ve gotten to know each other well over the last few years to the point where I can almost tell who’s phoning him based on his response when he picks it up.
We laugh a lot, and we can joke around and get each other’s sense of humour so it’s really good.
What has been your favourite project that you’ve worked on at Show and Tell?
One of my favourite projects was actually a pitch. Seven or eight years ago we did a pitch to large tourism company that was the result of a lot of late nights and hard work.
We didn’t end up getting it but I’m still really proud of the work we did.
What is something your coworkers may not know about you?
I don’t know, I’m an open book. Hmmmmmmmmm. I am training to be top chef (not actually). But I am in my cooking era right now.
Apparently, I make really good spaghetti and meatballs—my family loves them. I got my dream kitchen last year so now that I have it, I am always in it.
I have a chili on the stove as we speak.
Follow up – what are your must-haves for a dream kitchen?
Lots of counter space, light and storage!
How does it feel to be the star of our most viewed Instagram reel?
Hahahahaha. Co-star with Emily. Honestly... one of my girlfriends saw it and was like, “wow as if you’re in a reel... you never show your face on social media.” So, you could say that I’m out of my element on socials, but I guess I’m honoured.
You mentioned you’re a photographer outside of work – what is your favourite thing to photograph?
Probably events and travel. It’s evolved more into a hobby. I like portraits when they are of my own child.
You’re based in our Winnipeg office – what are your restaurant recommendations?
Sous Sol. Harth. Obviously. (God I love food.) Passero – I’m leaning heavily Italian right now... Nola. I could go on forever. Petite Socco – it’s so hard to get reservations but I finally got one for this Friday. I’m really excited.
You’re a big lake goer in the summer – what are your lake essentials?
So, we have a big family. When we go to the lake we do potluck- style meals a lot.
I always do a hashbrown casserole and taco dip. It’s a big hit.
Of course, cold beer. And luckily, my sister-in-law makes the BEST margarita.
Chilling on the boat and soaking up the sun (make sure you have your Thermacell!)
What has been one of your favourite ad campaigns in recent years? Why?
I feel like someone else said this recently but Michael Cera by CeraVe was so good that was a number one for sure.
You have a lot of tattoos – can you tell us which one is your favourite?
They’re like children! You can’t just pick one!
Editor’s note: At this point, we go off on a tangent about her friends James and Anthony Tex – now on Ink Master.
James did a big mermaid on my thigh at the Winnipeg convention in 2019. It even won tattoo of the day!
What’s your design ick?
The first thing that comes to mind is Comic Sans, but it’s such a cliche. Or Clip Art.
We know you love to read – what’s one industry-related book recommendation and one wildcard?
Ahhh. I don’t really read work-related things. My reading is my relaxing time.
I did just read The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo which was really good.
I also loved Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow. This one is about video game designers so this could be a parallel for an industry recommendation.
I do indeed judge books by their covers – what designer doesn’t?
What advice would you give to someone new at the agency?
Ask a lot of questions. Be curious.
Any final thoughts?
This was the most fun meeting of my day.
A big thanks to Jaime for sitting down with us. Who do you think our next Meet the Team will be? Stay tuned.