The future of design education, creative confidence and sparking curiosity - Diana Varma
The future of design education, creative confidence and sparking curiosity - Diana Varma  
Podcast: Daring Creativity. Daring Forever.
Published On: Mon Feb 03 2025
Description: "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 product Daring Creativity. Daring Forever. Podcast with Radim Malinic Show questions or suggestions to desk@daringcreativity.com Latest books by Radim MalinicMindful Creative: How to understand and deal with the highs and lows of creative life, career and business Paperback and Kindle > https://amzn.to/4biTwFcFree audiobook (with Audible trial) > https://geni.us/free-audiobookSigned books https://novemberuniverse.co.ukLux Coffee Co. https://luxcoffee.co.uk/ (Use: PODCAST for 15% off)November Universe https://novemberuniverse.co.uk (Use: PODCAST for 10% off)