Freshly Certified: Educator Edition

Diana Varma RGD is an award-winning design educator by day and a podcaster by night; getting creative with creatives about all things creative. She is a woman in STEAM who operates a traditional offset printing press, a variety of digital press technologies, as well as engaging in exploratory print-making practices such as LEGO letterpress. She teaches within the School of Graphic Communications Management (GCM) and the Master of Digital Media (MDM) program at Toronto Metropolitan University, as well as through digital learning platform, Domestika.

Diana has written 150+ published articles in Graphic Arts Magazine and through the Association of Registered Graphic Designers, as well as 170+ episodes through her podcast called Talk Paper Scissors, speaking with global experts about design, printing, typography, branding, books and publishing.

Diana holds the position of VP of Education on the RGD Board of Directors for Canada’s largest professional association for graphic designers and she’s actively involved in organizational initiatives, chairing the RGD’s Education Committee, regularly speaking at conferences and conducting workshops.

My name is Bianca. I’m a designer, educator, and generally fearless human. I believe the best things happen when you’re absolutely audacious in your approach.

I was born to be a designer. My mom, a passionate teacher and illustrator, made me unafraid to be different and taught me to view the world as an endless creative opportunity. As a young adult, I followed my destiny and entered a Bachelor of Design program, followed by a Masters in Design. I devoured everything from the basics to the arbitrary nature of letterforms, and thrived.

After graduation, I put my creative spirit to work at agencies and magazines. I evolved alongside the world of design, picking up programming languages, web skills, leadership experience, and more. Over time people sought out my willingness to take risks and defy convention, and I’ve been running a successful freelance business since 2011.

In 2014, I returned to my roots and began teaching as a contract instructor at George Brown and Sheridan College. I found pure joy in connecting with students and quickly realized that teaching would be my most rewarding adventure. Learn more about my work as a teacher and mentor.

I bring the same energy to my life as I do to my work. I’m a coder, connoisseur of donuts and data visualization, runner of half marathons, charity rower, and a former member of the Hamilton Roller Derby League (but you’ll still catch me on skates most weeks).

In all my exploits, I am certain of one thing: you have to be fearless to be a true original.