Art student taking a photo of a tree sculpture during the Pathfinder Magazine Submission Festival
Art, Design, Communications and Writing

Pathfinder Magazine

Be Part of Pathfinder Magazine

A couple of art students scan a painting into Photoshop during the Pathfinder Magazine Submission Festival.

Whether you’re a designer or a writer, Western’s Pathfinder Magazine invites students to participate in every stage of this student-led publication. From laying out the magazine to writing poetry or fiction, this real-world experience mirrors industry standards.

Graphic Design students take the lead on editorial layouts, type hierarchy, and creative concepts. Writers from across campus contribute poems, stories, and essays that shape the magazine’s voice. Contributors are eligible for a scholarship award, and all students collaborate as part of an editorial team to bring the issue to life.

This is your chance to work on a professional-level project—and see your name in print.

Create, Collaborate, and Get Published

Contributing to Western’s Pathfinder Magazine is more than just a class project—it’s a real-world opportunity to develop your creative skills and walk away with a portfolio piece that makes you stand out. Whether you’re designing the layout or submitting poetry, fiction, or personal essays, Pathfinder allows you to participate in every stage of a professional publication’s development.

Graphic Designers
Writers
All Contributors

Graphic Designers

For Graphic Design students, the experience includes working on layouts, managing typography, and finalizing design elements that meet professional standards. You’ll collaborate with an editorial team, meet deadlines, and refine your work through peer feedback—all while building an impressive body of work to show future employers or graduate programs.

An art student fills out a Pathfinder Magazine submission application during the Submission Festival.

Writers

By working alongside peers in a team-oriented environment, you’ll gain experience in collaborative design processes, which is a critical skill for many career opportunities. You’ll learn how to communicate and work effectively with others to meet deadlines, manage workflow, and achieve collective goals.

Kathleen Kasel hangs her idea for the type in Pathfinder Magazine.

All Contributors

Regardless of your role, Pathfinder connects you with a community of creatives—faculty mentors, peers, editors, and designers—who all share a passion for storytelling and expression. It’s an experience that strengthens your skills, expands your network, and helps you build a portfolio that reflects your talent and dedication.

A student editor smiles with the book she helped rework

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Pathfinder Bear on a summer morning

Want to be part of the story?

At Western, students dive into hands-on learning that’s practical, impactful, and built for the real world. Check out the different schools and departments to get involved.