Every year, the nation’s leading newspaper industry magazine Editor & Publisher recognizes the “Top 25 Under 35.”
For 2017, out of all of the nominees from daily and weekly newspapers throughout the United States, Fillmore County Journal Creative Director Jana Boyum made the list, and deservedly so. Jana is one of only 25 individuals under the age of 35 recognized by the industry’s leading publication in 2017.
Below is an excerpt from “E & P’s Top 25 Under 35 2017,” an article published in Editor & Publisher magazine based on an interview with Jana Boyum. Credit goes to Editor & Publisher staff for this writing contribution. The entire article can be found at https://www.editorandpublisher.com/feature/eps-25-under-35-2017-the-next-generation-is-ready-to-take-the-baton/
Jana Boyum, 26
Creative director,
Fillmore County Journal
Preston, Minn.
Education: Winona State University, bachelor of arts, graphic design
When Jana Boyum started in May 2013 fresh out of college as a graphic designer with the Fillmore County Journal, she had never worked for a newspaper. But publisher Jason Sethre said it soon became apparent Boyum had a special talent.
“She took on any project, small or large scale, and made it better than any other member of the team,” he said. “Since joining our team, her portfolio and responsibilities have grown along with our revenues.”
When Sethre promoted Boyum to creative director in 2014, he told her that he wanted to see local faces and names in the Fillmore County Journal every single week. “I wanted to turn our local people into celebrities on the front page,” he said. “She started creating cut-outs in Photoshop with high school kids in action moving across the masthead.” As a result, this feature has resonated with readers.
“(Boyum) is a perfectionist and always seems to come up with new ways to make the presentation of our content better. We challenge each other at times because I may not initially accept her design concepts as the best way. Eventually, we find our way to the finish line,” Sethre said. “And I can honestly say that I believe businesses and customers in general do business with us because of the talent on our team. That talent is driven by Jana…she makes everything we do better.”
What advice do you have for other young professionals in the newspaper industry?
Don’t be afraid. Give yourself permission to imagine and think differently. Try new angles. Learn all you can everyday and keep being curious. Research and investigate other newspapers and media, as things are constantly changing. Gather new ideas and work with team members, businesses, and others with different viewpoints, experiences, and tastes. Rely on each other to achieve a truly successful product. Work harder than your competition, put the extra effort into executing each project, and enjoy knowing you can make a positive difference.
What do you enjoy most about designing for newspapers?
I love my job because it gives me the opportunity to express and explore my own ideas through my design. Being able to bring my own style, creativity, and innovation to the mix is so much fun. It’s rewarding to create and build teams and products that change the way we do business. Living in a small community and helping businesses succeed through my own hard work and design is a wonderful thing. I have always had a passion for design, technology, art, and illustration, and I get to fulfill that passion as the creative director for our company. It’s amazing to showcase our local talent through my work.
Publisher’s note: We are fortunate to have such a talented team working together at the Fillmore County Journal. Our employees are the greatest asset of our company. Of course, we are proud of Jana Boyum for this recognition. And, we hope her success inspires others to consider a rewarding career in the newspaper industry.
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