The future of design education, creative confidence and sparking curiosity - Diana Varma
"If we don't define success for ourselves, others - society, capitalism, all the things - will define it for us."
Diana Varma, a design educator at Toronto Metropolitan University, shares her journey from print production to teaching, discussing her innovative approach to education through "ungrading" and fostering creative confidence.
She emphasizes the importance of curiosity-driven learning and redefining success beyond traditional metrics. Through her experiences in print production, health and safety training, and ultimately university teaching, she demonstrates how nonlinear career paths can lead to meaningful work. Her teaching philosophy combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of how to nurture creativity and resilience in students.
Key Takeaways:
Traditional grading systems can hinder creative learning and intrinsic motivationSuccess should be measured by personal growth rather than comparison to othersConfidence in creativity comes from embracing the process over final outcomes"Creative cousins" can serve as inspiration without becoming comparison targetsTeaching should focus on sparking curiosity rather than just transferring informationVulnerability and periods of retreat (like lobsters) are essential parts of growthThe journey and learning process are more valuable than the final creative productDaring Creativity. Daring Forever. Podcast with Radim Malinic
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Latest books by Radim Malinic
Mindful Creative: How to understand and deal with the highs and lows of creative life, career and businessPaperback and Kindle > https://amzn.to/4biTwFc
Free audiobook (with Audible trial) > https://geni.us/free-audiobook
Signed books https://novemberuniverse.co.uk
Lux Coffee Co. https://luxcoffee.co.uk/ (Use: PODCAST for 15% off)
November Universe https://novemberuniverse.co.uk (Use: PODCAST for 10% off)
Daring Creativity. Daring Forever.
Daring Creativity is your backstage pass to the minds that shape our creative world. A podcast series inspired by the upcoming book by Radim Malinic, helping people start and grow life-changing careers and businesses.
Over the coming episodes, I will sit down with a broad range of guests: artists, musicians, designers, actors, technologists, and entrepreneurs who've discovered something powerful: that creativity isn't about perfection. It's about showing up with all your doubts, insecurities, and imperfections—and making them count.Are you ready to discover what happens when you dare to create?
More info https://radimmalinic.co.uk/
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