“I feel like I have found my passion, thanks to the Graphic Design and Visual Communications program at Minnesota North.”

Johanna Westby wanted to be a dental hygienist. She signed up for a job shadow, hoping it would solidify her future. However, that was not the right fit. She began to consider other options.

“I had always thought growing up that I wanted to be a dental hygienist. I was considering a couple other programs local to me, but I also wanted to play volleyball.”

Westby is from Eveleth, MN, where her mom works in the nursing department at the Mesabi Range Eveleth campus. She played volleyball at her local high school and had a passion for art. As her senior year was ending, she found herself unsure of what to do next.

“The volleyball coach [from the Eveleth Campus] came up to me after a game and asked if I’d thought about playing in college. I was super excited, so I went on a visit.”

During her visit, she met with faculty member Paul Mclaughlin. He gave her a tour of the classrooms, showing all the various pieces of graphic design: from photographs and videos, printing, and color theory, this was all Westby had wanted.

“After I met with Paul, I realized that this was where I wanted to go. He was such a great first year instructor to have, I learned a lot!”

The small class sizes and hands-on teaching were also a plus in this program. Students can either learn in-person at the Eveleth campus, zoom in remotely from one of the satellite campuses (Itasca, Hibbing, or Rainy River), or take the program 100% remotely.

“I think that there is so much opportunity here at Minnesota North in the Graphic Design program, I had great relationships with both Paul and the second year instructor Kayt. I really felt like they had my best interests at heart, and took the time to get to know me.”

Westby is currently a junior at the University of Minnesota Duluth. She is pursuing a degree in graphic design studio with a minor in marketing. She wants to merge her design skills with marketing to pursue a career in creative marketing, focusing on branding and visual communications.

“Looking back, I’m so glad I made the switch to graphic design and visual communication. The program at Minnesota North helped me discover what truly excites me, and it gave me the skills and confidence to move forward. The instructors cared about my growth, and the hands-on experience I got was invaluable.”

Explore the Graphic Design and Visual Communications program here.