"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 motivation
• Success should be measured by personal growth rather than comparison to others
• Confidence in creativity comes from embracing the process over final outcomes
• "Creative cousins" can serve as inspiration without becoming comparison targets
• Teaching should focus on sparking curiosity rather than just transferring information
• Vulnerability and periods of retreat (like lobsters) are essential parts of growth
• The journey and learning process are more valuable than the final creative product

Mindful Creative: How to understand and deal with the highs and lows of creative life, career and business

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