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Headshot of Diana Varma

Diana Varma

Contract Lecturer
EducationBTech, MA
OfficeHEI 307

Education

  • BTech, Toronto Met (Graphic Communications Management)

  • MA, University of Alberta (Communications and Technology)

 

Biography

Diana Varma is an award-winning lecturer and columnist by day, and an avid podcaster by night. Diana is a Registered Graphic Designer (RGD) who teaches within the School of Graphic Communications Management (GCM), as well as the Master of Digital Media (MDM) Program at Toronto Metropolitan University, where she helps students connect their technical left brains, creative right brains and entrepreneurial hearts for fulfilling careers in creative industries. Diana is a multi-passionate educator whose practice is rooted in storytelling and experiential learning in the areas of design, typography, print management, publishing and interdisciplinary innovation. 

Diana writes a monthly column in Canada’s leading trade publication for the printing industries, Graphic Arts Magazine, where she has written 150 articles about trends affecting both the technical and human sides of the graphic communications industry.

Diana also writes, hosts and produces a podcast called Talk Paper Scissors, where she tells the story behind the printed pages. With listeners on six continents, the podcast is focused on creativity in graphic communications, including topics related to design, printing, typography, branding, books and publishing. 

Prior to her current roles, Diana worked in the areas of Project Management and Sales in the trade book publishing division for Canadian book manufacturer, Marquis Book Printing (formerly Webcom Inc.).

In 2019, Diana was awarded one of two Dean’s teaching awards for Contract Lecturers in The Creative School. She is a curious human who takes her self-appointed title of ‘Exceptionally Enterprising Experiential Educator’ very seriously. (Miss. Frizzle of The Magic School Bus fame is her idol.) 

 

Research Interests

Book production and publishing, brand management, graphic design, accessibility in graphic communications, entrepreneurship in creative industries, creativity studies, experiential learning, technology for teaching, non-traditional teaching assessments

Talk Paper Scissors Podcast (external link, opens in new window) 

Diana Varma, RGD (external link, opens in new window) 

Selected Works

Publications (non-refereed)

Conference Presentations & Proceedings

  • Varma, D. (2023, February). Break All the Rules. Presented at PodCamp 2023 in Toronto, Canada.
  • Varma, D. (2023, May). Improv for Designers (Workshop). Presented at the RGD’s DesignThinkers 2022, Vancouver, Canada.
  • Varma, D. (2023, November). LEGO Letterpress (Workshop). Presented at the RGD’s DesignThinkers 2023, Toronto, Canada.
  • Varma, D. (2023, March). Making Friends with Failure. Presented at GCM’s Colloquium 2023, Virtual.
  • Varma, D. (2023, May). Making Friends with Failure. Presented at Awwwards Conference 2023 in Toronto, Canada.
  • Varma, D. (2023, May). Improv for Designers Workshop. Facilitated at RGD’s DesignThinkers Vancouver 2023 in Vancouver, Canada.
  • Varma, D. (2023, May). Specifications Grading as the Future of Grading. Presented at RGD’s Design Educator’s Conference 2023 in Vancouver, Canada.
  • Varma, D. (2023, May). New to the Print Industry? Here’s How You Can Succeed (Panel), Graphics Canada 2023 in Mississauga, Canada.

Creative

Publications (non-refereed)

  • Experiential Low-Stakes Learning with Dr. AnneMarie Dorland, D. Varma, The Association of Registered Graphic Designers (RGD), July 2022 https://www.rgd.ca/2022/05/20/experiential-low-stakes-learning-with-dr-annemarie-dorland.php 
  • New Year, New-Found Confidence, D. Varma, The Association of Registered Graphic Designers (RGD), January 2022 https://www.rgd.ca/community/industry-news/news_post/7584.php
  • Storming, Part 3: Framestorming, D. Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, January 2022
  • The Way Forward in Design Education: The Magic of ‘Unicorn Assessments’, D. Varma, The Association of Registered Graphic Designers (RGD), April 2022 https://www.rgd.ca/2021/07/05/virtual-success-in-education-the-magic-of-unicorn-assessments.php 
  • The Way Forward in Design Education: Inviting Humanity into the Classroom with Carolina Becerra, D. Varma, The Association of Registered Graphic Designers (RGD), July 2022 https://www.rgd.ca/2022/07/01/inviting-humanity-into-the-classroom-with-carolina-becerra.php 
  • The Way Forward in Design Education: Teaching Teamwork with Michelle Desroseilliers, D. Varma, The Association of Registered Graphic Designers (RGD), August 2022 https://www.rgd.ca/2022/04/26/the-way-forward-in-design-education-teaching-teamwork-with-michelle-desgroseilliers-.php 
  • The Way Forward in Design Education: Fostering Friction, Frustration & Failure with Douglas Davis, D. Varma, The Association of Registered Graphic Designers (RGD), November 2022 https://www.rgd.ca/2022/07/01/way-forward-in-design-education-fostering-friction-frustration-failure-with-douglas-davis.php
  • Three Zoom-Friendly Activities to Improve Your Team's Listening Skills, D. Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, January 2022

Conference Presentations & Proceedings

  • Varma, D. (2022, January). The Making of Intersection: A Podcast Series (PechaKucha 20x20). Presented at The Creative School's RUBIX 2022, Virtual: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOycJgend0Y 
  • Varma, D. (2022, February). How to Gain Confidence When You Don't Feel Confident. Presented at the RGD's Creative Directions Conference, Virtual
  • Varma, D. (2022, May). RGD Webinar: What I’ve Learned After Creating 100 Podcast Episodes About Design. Presented via The Association of Registered Graphic Designers, Virtual: https://www.rgd.ca/events-and-programs/past-webinars/news_post/7984.php 
  • Varma, D. (2022, May). RGD Webinar: Freshly Certified - Educators Edition. Presented via The Association of Registered Graphic Designers, Virtual: https://www.rgd.ca/events-and-programs/past-webinars/news_post/8005.php 
  • Varma, D. (2022, May). Creating Unicorn Assessments. Presented at TMU’s 2022 Learning & Teaching Conference, Toronto, Canada. 
  • Varma, D. (2022, May). Podcasting in Design Education. Presented at Pause Play and Fast Forward - GBC’s Online Learning Conference.
  • Varma, D. (2022, September). The Greatest Lesson Typography Taught Me Was Balance. Presented via The Association of Registered Graphic Designers, Virtual: https://www.rgd.ca/2022/09/15/rgd-webinar-the-greatest-lesson-typography-taught-me-was-balance.php (external link, opens in new window)  (external link) 
  • Varma, D. (2022, October). The Subtle Art of Creative Confidence (Panel). Presented at the RGD’s DesignThinkers 2022, Toronto, Canada. 
  • Varma, D. (2022, October). Improv for Designers (Workshop). Presented at the RGD’s DesignThinkers 2022, Toronto, Canada.

Creative

  • Varma, D. (Host). (2022). Talk Paper Scissors - Episodes 086 - 135 [Audio podcast].

Publications (non-refereed)

  • Podcasting for Printers: Part 1, D. Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, Spring 2021
  • Podcasting for Printers: Part 2, D. Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, May 2021
  • Podcasting for Printers: Part 3, D. Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, June 2021
  • Storming, Part 1: Brainstorming, D. Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, July 2021 Open Your Imagination Through Gamestorming, D. Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, September 2021
  • Creativity Booster: 16 Squares, D. Varma, OneHE, July 2021 https://onehe.org/eu-activity/creativity-booster-16-squares/ 
  • Creativity Booster: 5 Senses, D. Varma, OneHE, July 2021 https://onehe.org/eu-activity/creativity-booster-5-senses/ 
  • Creativity Booster: An Ode to the Other Hand, D. Varma, OneHE, July 2021 https://onehe.org/eu-activity/creativity-booster-an-ode-to-the-other-hand/ 
  • Creativity Booster: Yes, Let's!, D. Varma, OneHE, July 2021 https://onehe.org/eu-activity/creativity-booster-yes-lets/
  • Virtual Success: Podcasting in Design Education, D. Varma, The Association of Registered Graphic Designers (RGD), July 2021 https://www.rgd.ca/2021/07/07/virtual-success-capturing-design-educator-wins-in-virtual-learning-teaching.php

Conference Presentations & Proceedings

  • Varma, D. (2021, May). Podclass. Presented at the Toronto Metropolitan University Learning and Teaching Conference, Virtual 
  • Varma, D. (2021, May). Serious Fun. Presented at the Toronto Metropolitan University Learning and Teaching Conference, Virtual
  • Varma, D. (2021, May). Lights! Camera? Action! Presented at the Toronto Metropolitan University Learning and Teaching Conference, Virtual 
  • Varma, D. (2021, May). Podcasting for Designers. Presented at the RGD's Creative Directions Conference, Virtual 
  • Varma, D. (2021, May). Sharing Untold Stories: Podcasting for Typography Class and Beyond. Presented at the 96th Annual Graphic Communications Education Association Conference, Virtual 
  • Varma, D. (2021, August). Pedagogical Podcasting. Presented at the Digital Pedagogy Institute Conference, Virtual
  • Varma, D. (2021, November). RGD's Design reThinker's 2021 Conference, Rountable Discussion Moderator, Virtual 
  • Varma, D. (2021, October). HdM's Bookversity: Accessibility in Publishing, Frankfurt Book Fair, Virtual https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HH0l2gQZwF8

Creative

  • Varma, D. (Host). (2021). Talk Paper Scissors - Episodes 032 - 085 [Audio podcast].

Publications (non-refereed)

  • Company cellphone policy: Addressing workplace issues and challenges, D. Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, February 2020
  • The Essential 5: helpful, accessible resources that will save you time and money, D. Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, March 2020
  • Organizational Biomimicry, D. Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, April 2020
  • How to attract and keep Gen Z talent in your organization, D. Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, May 2020
  • The Essential 5: Accessibility for Information and Communications, D. Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, June 2020
  • The Essential 5: Health and Safety, D. Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, September 2020
  • Metaskills: 5 Talents You Need for the Robotic Age, D. Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, October 2020
  • Appreciative Inquiry: A positive energy shift, D. Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, November 2020 
  • The Essential 5: Leadership, D. Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, November 2020 
  • The Essential 5: Strategic Planning in 2021, D. Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, December 2020

Creative

  • Varma, D. (Host). (2020). Talk Paper Scissors - Episodes 005 - 031 [Audio podcast].

Publications (non-refereed)

  • The importance of defining your ideal customer, D. Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, February 2019
  • Creating instant teams, D. Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, March 2019
  • Big marketing ideas from the experts: Thriving in the connected economy, D. Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, April 2019
  • Change on the horizon, M. Habekost, PrintAction Magazine, April 2019, p. 14 - 18
  • On the forefront of print, M. Habekost, PrintAction Magazine, April 2019, p. 24 - 27
  • Oh My GAAD: Digital access for all, D. Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, May 2019
  • Spaghetti diagrams, D. Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, June 2019
  • Plain packaging and the world's ugliest colour, D. Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, July 2019
  • Your phone is making you worse at your job, D. Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, September 2019
  • Inexpensive career advancement opportunities, D. Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, October 2019
  • TRUST ME: The changing face of leadership in 2020 and beyond, D. Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, November 2019

Conference Presentations & Proceedings

  • Varma, D. (2019, August). Hiring the next generation of print leaders. Presented at the Minuteman Press World Expo conference, Las Vegas, NV

Creative

  • Varma, D. (Host). (2019). Talk Paper Scissors - Episodes 001 - 004 [Audio podcast].

Publications (non-refereed)

  • Should you hire natural geniuses or hard workers? D. Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, February 2018, p. 28
  • Connecting to corrugated, M. Habekost, PrintAction Magazine, March 2018, p. 10
  • Maximizing the many talents of introverts, D. Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, March 2018, p. 15, 16
  • Consumer packaging: start to finish,  N. Lumby, Graphic Arts Magazine, April 2018, p. 20 – 23
  • Grit over grades, D. Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, April 2018, p. 32
  • To transform your brand, tell a superb story, D. Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, May 2018
  • How to attract top talent, D. Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, June 2018
  • Three ways to make documents more accessible, D. Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, July/August 2018
  • How to make documents more legible and readable, D. Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, September 2018
  • Consider the rise and joy of unitasking, D. Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, October 2018 https://graphicartsmag.com/articles/2018/10/consider-the-rise-and-joy-of-unitasking/
  • Grade your prospects, prioritize your time, D. Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, November 2018 https://graphicartsmag.com/articles/2018/11/grade-your-prospects-prioritize-your-time/

Conference Presentations & Proceedings

  • Varma, D. (2018, May). When I Stopped Assigning Grades, the Results Were Empowering and Surprising (HINT: My Students Were More Engaged and Less Stressed). Presented at the Toronto Metropolitan Faculty Conference, Toronto, ON.
  • Varma, D. (2018, October). Hiring the next generation of print leaders. Presented at the Association for Print Technologies PRINT18 conference, Chicago, IL.

Publications (non-refereed)

  • Design Thinkers 2016 Conference Highlights, D. Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, January 2017, p.20
  • New year, New Ideas, D. Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, January 2017, p.24
  • Click Here to Unsubscribe: Part 1,  D. Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, March 2017, p. 22 – 23
  • Click Here to Unsubscribe: Part 2,  D. Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, April 2017, p. 30 – 31
  • Click Here to Unsubscribe: Part 3,  D. Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, May 2017, p. 32
  • Branding 2017: Reliable, respectful, real, D. Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, September 2017, p. 19 – 23
  • Five things my infant taught me about business management, D. Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, October 2017, p. 26
  • A tale of two typefaces, D. Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, November 2017, p. 28

Publications (refereed)

  • A Case of Beer: A study to determine if the visual design elements of Ontario craft beer packaging communicate their unique flavour profiles, D. Varma, Advances in Printing and Media Technology, Vol.XLIII(III), 2016, pp. 81 – 90

Publications (non-refereed)

  • Packaging recovery success stories, D. Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, February 2016, p. 16
  • Seeing the forest for the trees, D.Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, March 2016, p.11 – 14
  • Big data, big possibilities in the printing industry,  D. Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, March 2016, p. 20
  • Universal lessons in branding, D. Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, April 2016, p.22
  • Inspired Projects, D.Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, May 2016, p.22
  • The Science of Motivation, D. Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, June 2016, p. 26
  • Continuous education (on the cheap) – part 1 of 2. D. Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, July/August 2016, p.16
  • Continuous education (on the cheap) – part 2 of 2. D. Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, September 2016, p.36
  • Sound + Paper = Audiophotography, D. Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, October 2016, p. 26 – 27
  • The Art of persuasion, D. Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, October 2016, p. 34
  • Cross Canada professional education opportunities, D.Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine November 2016, p. 30 – 31
  • Reframing mental health in the workplace, D.Varma, Graphic Arts Magazine, November 2016, p. 34 – 35

Conference Presentations & Proceedings

  • Love Your Logo, D. Varma, Podcamp Toronto, February 21, 2016, Toronto, ON.
  • Varma, D. (2016, May). Autonomy, Mastery and Purpose: A Framework for Increased Student Engagement. Presented at the Toronto Metropolitan Faculty Conference, Toronto, ON.
  • Click Here to Unsubscribe: Ways to Reduce Back-and-Forth Emails, M. Corrigan and D. Varma, Iarigai Advances in Printing and Media Technology Conference, August 2016, Toronto, Canada

Books & Book Chapters

  • Chapter 2: Currency, D. Varma, chapter in Introduction to security printing, R.D. Warner & R.M. Adams, 2nd edition, Printing Industries of America, September 2016