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Today’s guest and her team’s most recent book project is truly emotional and inspiring. In this conversation, you’ll hear from Rachel Arthur, Founder and Editor of boom saloon, “an independent publisher dedicated to democratizing creativity for good”. You’ll hear about their most recent publication (and deeply personal project) that humanizes the experiences of dementia, called “4,4,4&2”.

You’ll hear about the process of co-creation central to the making of the publication, the disappearing ink technology and intentional typographic choices used to mimic the experience of living with dementia, as well as Rachel’s beautiful hope for this project and where it could lead.

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This episode features Maria Bowler, author of ‘Making Time: A New Vision for Crafting a Life Beyond Productivity’. In this conversation, Maria clarifies the way we orient to the world, either as “the producer” or “the maker”. She dives deep into the problematic ideas around productivity, the ways in which these ideas reinforce colonial systems, and how to re-imagine time, questioning the typical options laid out before us.

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Surprise! Brave Creative Human is here one month early. In this episode, I share the serendipitous story behind the book, why it exists, and who it’s for. 

There's a special guest appearance by Creativity Professor and Drag Queen, Guy Anabella, who wrote the book’s foreword and joins me to talk about brave creative humanity. Themes include embracing failure, reframing imposter syndrome, and finding belonging in creative work—plus what’s next for the Brave Creative Humans podcast series. 

Join me for the book’s official launch on October 1 and 2, 2025, at Canada’s largest conference for graphic designers, DesignThinkers Toronto!

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This is the second episode in a 5-part guest lecture series in GCM 806 Advanced Typography, speaking with type professionals all over the world. 

Next stop: Toronto, Canada!

In this episode you’ll hear graphic designer, letterer and instructor, Chris Rouleau, discuss his professional lettering journey, hear about his large-scale type mural projects, the magic behind Chris’ Alphabet 100 practice and tips for drawing cohesive alphabets. You’ll also hear about the contents of Chris’ pencil case (and how he uses each tool), as well as his ideas for delightful new alphabets! 

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This episode is the first in a 5-part guest lecture series in GCM 806 - Advanced Typography, speaking with type professionals all over the world. First stop: Athens, Greece!

In this episode, you’ll hear Chris Ellinas (designer for huge brands like Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon) discuss what it’s like recreating design assets for the entertainment industry, including the tools he relies on across multiple languages (4000 assets and counting!).

You’ll also learn about Chris’ digitally nomadic lifestyle, the favourite places he’s lived and worked, as well as a rapid fire Q&A from students. The episode ends with a beautiful story and important lesson that all creatives should hear about passion projects turning into something bigger than themselves. 

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Ryan Kough is an assistant professor of Integrated Media Arts at Juniata College who believes in design as a community-building tool creating partnerships between community members and student designers to create sustainable, long-term design solutions. 

In this conversation, you’ll hear about Ryan’s gallery exhibition called Under Pressure (opening reception happens this week!) and how she uses experimentation in the classroom, specifically revealing the transformative power of the ‘Problems Exercise’.

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This episode features Montréal-based illustrator, artist, and best-selling author, Raymond Biesinger!

In this conversation, you’ll hear about the ways that storytelling is baked into Raymond editorial, commercial and personal projects. We do a deep dive into one of Raymond’s poster projects that took him 20 working days to complete through ‘chasing the density dragon’.

You’ll also hear Raymond’s creative process and the tools he uses, the way imperfections play a vital role in the spirit of his work, and ultimately how layers of narrative make Raymond’s work clever, complex and consistently exciting. 

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In this final episode of 2024 you’ll hear from type designer, Anna Korash and her newest experimental typeface, Invert; why it started, how it got going and where it is now. You’ll learn how variable fonts work and Anna’s unique technical and creative constraints in this project. Anna shares why platforms like Future Fonts are ideal for experimental projects like this, Invert’s future expansion plans into other writing systems, as well as which typeface she’d use for the rest of her life if she had to choose. 

Head over to futurefonts.xyz and download a free trial version of Invert to play along with as you listen. Also, check out the show notes for this episode to see Anna’s generous sharing of her process in designing this typeface at talkpaperscissors.info.

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In this episode you’ll learn how Eleni Beveratou (Creative Director of Dalton Maag) went from hating type in school to realizing its utmost importance, leading her to find her niche and complete a Master’s degree in Typeface Design. Eleni walks us through how experienced readers read and how this informs typeface choice, as well as assessing accessible type through the helpful metrics of legibility, readability, likeability. Eleni explains why choosing simpler characters over more complex shapes are not always better for accessibility, as well as how using type in digital environments must be carefully considered, particularly the differences in light mode versus dark mode. Finally, you’ll learn the ‘basics’ that Eleni wishes she knew early in her career. 

This episode was recorded live at DesignThinkers Toronto 2023 as part of a guest lecture series in GCM 230 - Typography in Fall 2023 at The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University.

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In this episode you’ll learn about the Netherlands-based type design company, Typotheque, and you’ll hear from two of its team members (Peter Bil’ak and Kevin King) and the way they work with language and give shape to language. You’ll hear a lot about the North American Indigenous Syllabics Project and the book that Typotheque recently published, celebrating the rich linguistic and typographic diversity of Indigenous languages in North America. You’ll hear a high level overview of the syllabic writing system used by many First Nations and Inuit communities, as well as the way that type is an important part of the visual culture. You’ll better understand the ways that traditional tools influence shapes of letterforms and how Kevin got started drawing syllabic forms for his work with Indigenous type revitalization and perseveration.

Finally, you’ll learn how cognitive psychologists work on the Typotheque team to inform typeface design, including a recent typeface release from Typotheque (called ‘Dash’) and its scientific origins. I gained so much from this conversation and I hope you will too.

This episode was recorded live at DesignThinkers Toronto 2023 as part of a guest lecture series in GCM 230 - Typography in Fall 2023 at The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University.

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We are 23 days away from 2024 and with me today are two fantastic Toronto-based makers with calendars for us to enjoy all 366 days of the year ahead. In this episode, you'll hear from Phoebe Todd-Parrish and Ana Rita Morais about their calendar projects, yes, but the conversation is so much more than that. You'll better understand Ana Rita and Phoebe's unique creative processes and sources of inspiration, when they know when they've reached the finish line in their creative work, and you'll hear really great advice for creatives who look back on their old work with dread (aka most everyone). Links to six other incredible calendar projects can be found in the show notes at talkpaperscissors.info. 

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The final stop on our journey hearing from those in industry who make space for others through community-building, we have the Association of Registered Graphic Designers! In this episode, you’ll hear from RGD’s Executive Director, Hilary Ashworth, and RGD’s President, Nicola Hamilton about the organization, including what it is and why to get involved. You'll learn about different membership levels, different professional opportunities and more about the amazing community of design folks from coast-to-coast who make the organization such a valuable one to be part of. Finally, you'll hear some exciting new initiatives for 2024 and beyond!

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This is the fifth of 6 episodes where you’ll hear from movers and shakers in the printing, typography and design spaces who make space for others through their creation of national and global communities. In this episode, you’ll hear from Katie Johnson and Ilana Griffo, the duo behind Goodtype, what it’s all about and the often overlooked world of 'art licensing'. You'll learn about their take on group work and the key ingredients they believe are necessary to engage in a successful partnership. Katie and Ilana also give advice to students about careers in graphic design, as well as specific and actionable advice for portfolio-building and curating. Finally, the duo discuss their new book project with info they’re sharing here first!

This episode was recorded as part of a guest lecture series in GCM 230 - Typography in fall 2023 at The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University. 

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It’s the final episode before Talk Paper Scissors takes a break until September and we have one of the best with us today, talking all about accessibility in digital publishing.

Laura Brady is an accessible publishing expert who works with eBound Canada, the Accessible Books Consortium, the International Publishers Association, and Adobe among other organizations. She teaches, she consults, and she advocates for accessible publishing on a global scale.  

In this conversation, you’ll hear all sorts of examples of accessible digital publishing, including the ways to think proactively about creating and publishing content that’s ready to be enjoyed by a wide audience. You’ll get thinking about the tools and processes used in accessible digital publishing, including the way human interaction are still critical in the process. Finally, you’ll hear about the newly-enacted EU accessibility legislation that’s fundamentally changing accessible publishing for the better. 

This episode is a guest lecture in DG 8111 - Digital Publishing in the Master of Digital Media Program at Toronto Metropolitan University. 

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This is the fourth of 6 episodes where you’ll hear from movers and shakers in the printing, typography and design spaces who make space for others through their creation of national and global communities. In this episode, we have living print legend, Amos Paul Kennedy Jr.! 

Amos Paul Kennedy Jr. is an American printer, book artist and papermaker who has been puttin’ ink on paper since 1949. You’ll hear how Amos describes himself and his work, his entry point into printing and his counter-cultural (wise!) advice of setting low-expectations. You’ll also hear Amos’ experimental approach to making multiples, the way in which his signature printing process was born, and how systemic injustices can negatively impact creative living and making. Finally, you’ll hear about Amos’ labour-of-love community printing space in Detroit, Michigan: The Pile of Bricks.

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This is the third of 6 episodes where you’ll hear from movers and shakers in the printing, typography and design spaces who make space for others through their creation of national and global communities. In this episode, you’ll hear from board member, Sam Archibald, about the newly-launched Canadian Typography Archives, the impetus that lead to the project, as well as the driving force behind it. You'll hear about the uniquely Canadian perspective missing from type history books and how the archive plans to fill in the gaps now and in the future, including the goal to include diverse representation. You can find lots of links in the show notes at talkpaperscissors.info. 

This episode was recorded as part of a guest lecture series in GCM 230 - Typography in fall 2023 at The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University. 

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This is the second of 6 episodes where you’ll hear from movers and shakers in the printing, typography and design spaces who make space for others through their creation of national and global communities. You’ll hear from Hello, Print Friend’s Miranda Metcalf (my newly-found print twin!), her historical pathway to printmaking and her hugely thoughtful answer to why the printed medium intrigues her so much.

You'll learn how the podcast got started and how it’s evolved over time, including why and how it exists as a bilingual podcast. Learn about Miranda’s favourite recent guests, including a deep dive into Miranda’s conversation with a famous political activist. Finally, you'll be guided down a winding path to hear Miranda’s favourite question to ask her printmaking guests, a discussion about the science of readability and even a typographic connection to Thai letterforms!

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This is the first of 6 episodes where you’ll hear from movers and shakers in the printing, typography and design spaces who make space for others through their creation of national and global communities. You’ll hear from Marcroy Smith, founder of People of Print, who will explain the origin story of People of Print, why print isn’t dead (as well as where this phrase originated), as well as the way that print and digital have a synergistic relationship. You’ll learn about the innovative ‘Posterzine’, the way in which Marcroy loves making new things as evidenced by his depth and breadth of work, and we dive into failure in creativity. 

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In this episode, you’ll meet 6 Master of Digital Media students at Toronto Metropolitan University who share diverse perspectives on the topic of inspiration: where it comes from, what it feels like and how to channel it. 

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In this very special conversation you’ll hear from celebrated illustrator, author, designer and without-a-doubt Book Worm, Coralie Bickford-Smith, including her creative process for book cover design and a discussion about creativity more broadly. She demystifies her experience designing for other authors’ book covers versus working on her own books. You’ll hear about the way that she uses constraints in her work, the printing press in her kitchen and the typeface she’d use for the rest of her life if she could only choose one. 

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From the middle ages to the Middle East, from Futura to Freight, join us on a journey across the type universe and go where no designer has gone before… welcome to An Incomplete History of Type (Part 3!).

This episode is guest hosted by Vittoria Casale.

Name: Barlow

Release Date: 2007

Designer: Jeremy Tribby

Classification: San-Serif

Owned By: Google Font free licensed font 

Claim to Fame: The typeface that was named in honour of internet pioneer and activist, John Perry Barlow

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From the middle ages to the Middle East, from Futura to Freight, join us on a journey across the type universe and go where no designer has gone before… welcome to An Incomplete History of Type (Part 3!).

This episode is guest hosted by Rebecca Karton.

Name: Lo-Res

Release Date: 1985

Designer: Zuzana Licko

Classification: Modular Sans-Serif Pixel Typeface

Owned By: Emigre, Inc.

Claim to Fame: Licko was one of the first designers to use a Macintosh 128K to create fonts for the computer as an art form, starting a revolution in digital type and layouts. 

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From the middle ages to the Middle East, from Futura to Freight, join us on a journey across the type universe and go where no designer has gone before… welcome to An Incomplete History of Type (Part 3!).

This episode is guest hosted by Cameron Mady.

Name: Impact

Release Date: 1965

Designers: Geoffrey Lee

Classification: Transitional Sans Serif Display

Owned By: Monotype Imagining Holdings Inc.

Claim to Fame: The typeface synonymous with the Internet and meme culture 

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Oliver of Pimp My Type is back and he’s here to talk untapped typographic potential! 

In this conversation, Oliver explains what ‘typographic colour’ means, tried and true techniques for emphasis, prioritizing optical distance in typesetting (using one’s gut and not just math!), as well as the role intentionality plays in the process. 

Oliver also demystifies the characteristics of display type that make it different from text type, the advantages of variable fonts for both digital and print design, as well as use cases for baseline grid. 

The conversation even strolls into Comic Sans and books featuring Disney Princesses. Above all else, prepare for lots of actionable strategies to harness type’s power!

The design work on which this episode is centred can be found in the show notes at talkpaperscissors.info.

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Let’s make magic! 

In this episode you’ll hear about Diana’s latest collaborative making project (that could involve you!) called Making Magic; a collection of creativity kits that anyone can use to experience a bit of everyday joy and wonder.

You’ll hear about the first batch of kits ready to share (Upcycled Zine Kits), as well as the three alternative creative economies on which this project is built (no money need be exchanged!). You’ll also hear about the three nodes of knowledge planted recently in Diana’s mind that fit together to allow this project to come forth, as well as how you can become involved in making magic.

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Mr. Tom Froese is an award-winning illustrator, teacher, and speaker, having worked for brands and businesses all over the world, including Yahoo!, Airbnb, GQ France, and The Wall Street Journal. Tom is a Top Teacher on Skillshare, where over 120,000 students (and counting!) have learned his unique and accessible approach to commercial illustration. In this conversation, Tom shares his professional origin story and early influences, what it means to ask the right questions of your creative work, how he uses constraints, as well as handling criticism of one’s creative work. Tom and I share teaching lessons we’ve each learned over the course of the last decade and you’ll hear what’s next for Tom’s work.

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This is the sixth and final episode in a 6-part series. Here you’ll meet Justine Abigail Yu, Founder of Living Hyphen Magazine, which explores the experiences of hyphenated Canadians and what it means to live in between cultures.

You’ll learn about the origins of Living Hyphen, the spark that started this journey and ultimately why Justine Abigail created this community. You’ll also hear how the community’s varied submissions organically shaped the final magazine and amplified its diversity.

Justine Abigail shares the political and symbolic reasons she decided to produce Living Hyphen as a printed-only magazine, what collaboration in making the magazine looks like and what forms Living Hyphen takes today, beyond the printed page.

Finally, you’ll hear about Justine Abigail’s experience telling her own story and her big vision for the future of Living Hyphen. 

This episode is part of a guest lecture series in CGCM 720 Magazine Production & Publishing through The Chang School at TMU.

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This is the fifth episode in a 6-part series. Here you’ll meet Rich Pauptit, President of Flash Reproductions, who brings beautiful ideas to life.

Rich shares how passion-project-turned-experimental-magazine, Wayward Arts, got started, how it’s evolved and the issue that Rich considers his greatest achievement EVER (including the story behind it).

You’ll hear about the “lost issue” of Wayward Arts, interesting tech Flash Reproductions has integrated into magazines, as well as the trajectory that the business has tooled up to support. Finally, you’ll hear Rich’s ideas about the future of the industry including his take on AI, as well as his open invitation to listeners to see Flash in the flesh.

This episode is part of a guest lecture series in CGCM 720 Magazine Production & Publishing through The Chang School at TMU.

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This is the fourth episode in a 6-part series. Here you’ll meet Chris Fraser, Chief Finder - Business Development for Toronto-based Printing Company, Moveable Inc.

In this episode you’ll hear actionable takeaways for printing magazines, including how to get started. Chris shares his ‘bankable’ insights including specifics info about magazine size, paper choices, the importance of proofing, delivery, alterations and scheduling, all starting with the end in mind.

Chris details why and how Print on Demand (POD) magazines may or may not be a feasible solution for the future of magazine production, as well as ideas for funding your magazine with so many incredible examples along the way. 

This episode is part of a guest lecture series in GCM 720 Magazine Production & Publishing in The Creative School at TMU.

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This is the third episode in a 6-part series. Here you’ll meet Audrey Vandenbroeck, Vice President of Customer Success at Issuu. If you’ve ever wondered why and how to publish using Issuu’s platform, this episode is for you. 

Audrey shares the ways in which Issuu can help students (in their presentations, portfolios and student work), as well as students who are transitioning into professional spaces. She describes the variety of ways to share and circulate publications uploaded to Issuu, as well as statistics features to help drive a digital strategy. Finally, you’ll hear how to connect InDesign and Issuu to integrate into your current production workflow.

Check out Issuu.com to explore a number of the publications that Audrey mentions throughout the episode. 

This episode is part of a guest lecture series in GCM 720 Magazine Production & Publishing in The Creative School at TMU.

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This is the second episode in a 6-part series. Here you’ll meet James Hewes, CEO of FIPP, a global magazine industry organization. You’ll learn how James went from working in banking to making magazines, eventually running the BBC’s international magazine business.

James shares macro trends in magazines, including the shift in the advertising model and the ways that magazine publishing mirrors the music industry (including how we can see our future in the music industry’s present).

Finally, James shares his thoughts on the future of AI in the media industry and why making magazines is (still) the greatest job in the world.

James’ visuals he discussed in the episode can be found in the show notes at talkpaperscissors.info.

This episode is part of a guest lecture series in GCM 720 Magazine Production & Publishing in The Creative School at TMU and co-hosted by student, Samantha Benezra.

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This episode is the first in a 6-part series in magazine production and publishing. Here you’ll meet Nicola Hamilton, Toronto-based magazine Art Director and independent magazine shop owner. In this episode you’ll hear trends in magazine publishing and production.

Nicola describes her process as an Art Director, including how she collaborates in making magazines among many stakeholders. Nicola also shares her advice for sourcing inexpensive (even free!) visuals for magazine projects. Finally, she describes the importance of setting the technical foundation of a periodical publication, as well as what ‘pacing’ means and how to design with pacing in mind.

And here’s the great news for all magazine makers: Nicola believes that the future belongs to niche publications (that YOU could create!).

This episode is part of a guest lecture series in GCM 720 Magazine Production & Publishing in The Creative School at TMU and co-hosted by student, Enza Borson.

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In this episode you'll meet Camilo Saenz and Kristin Lewis who are using their talents for graphic design, videography and photography to communicate and accelerate this important organization doing important work.

These two excitingly talented creatives who work in a STEM organization (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) called Visions of Science here in Toronto. 

Visions of Science is transforming lives and advancing equity through STEM; providing access, increasing representation and fostering meaningful inclusion. They reach 1000+ youth in 30 communities each year through in-school programming, after-school tutoring, camps and partnerships with major organizations like Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) and IBM.

This conversation about creative thinking and creative outputs is framed around the four pillars of STEM.

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Recorded at Podcamp 2023, here’s a talk about breaking all the rules in podcasting: “By day, Diana teaches students within The Creative School at TMU to know their audience and create compelling visual content. By night, Diana does the exact opposite: she creates podcast content for herself more than for her audience — with no set production schedule, no set show format, no set episode length, no less! — in a decidedly non-visual format. And it’s the best thing she’s ever done. Learn the way Diana uses podcasting as a creative outlet (that sometimes interweaves with her day job), allowing her to explore new topics, speak with interesting people and create a body of work that’s opened doors she didn’t know existed. Be inspired to create your own podcast that breaks all the rules and is uniquely you.”

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Meet emerging typeface designers, Nicole Galindo and Cameron Mady! You’ll learn about their original typeface designs (Dogggo and Perpetua) created in Advanced Typography class at Toronto Metropolitan University. You’ll hear about their typefaces’ perfect pairings, sensory descriptions of each (sight, smell, touch, sound and even taste), the ways they could be uniquely transformed into variable fonts, as well as where they plan to take their typefaces next. Playful and classic, spirited and rule-bound, these two original creations don’t disappoint. 

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A home for zines!

From makers near and far, with small and large publications, you’ll hear about the exciting medium of zines where anything can happen at the intersection of art and independent publishing. This is the 4th and final episode in the series, featuring the Toronto Zine Library.

The Toronto Zine Library & Archive (TZL) is a physical library space run by a collective of zine readers, zine makers and librarians who strive to make zines accessible for the Toronto community. They believe that zines are an important medium of communication, and that they should be cherished, protected, and promoted. 

In this conversation, you’ll hear from Toronto Zine Library volunteers, Silvia and Miles. You’ll hear how the library got started and its goals as a volunteer-run space. You’ll also hear how Sylvia and Miles define ‘zines’ and why zines can be both a stepping stone, as well as an independently-published art form in their own right.

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This is the final episode in the Brand New series where you’ll hear from Richard Nalli-Petta of Parcel in Toronto chat about his work for the agency, including one very special project he’s been a part of recently. You’ll hear how Parcel defines branding, the ways collaboration happens on large projects and the challenges of handing finished work to a client, who can then shape or change the design in any way they see fit. Finally you’ll hear why Richard believes design jobs are safe from being totally taken over by AI.

Finally, I encourage you to check out the images shared by Richard during the recording, which are available in the show notes at https://www.talkpaperscissors.info/. 

This episode is part of a guest lecture series in Design as Communication, Bachelor of Brand Design Program, George Brown College School of Design. 

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Welcome to the second episode in our Brand New series all about brand identity design. Today’s episode features the passionate and talented team at Loop who designs for social good. 

Here you’ll meet designers Josh Layton and Emma Steele, learn what Loop does and how they see themselves as different from traditional agencies, as well as how Loop’s process is one of deep listening and unlearning, stemming from a place of curiosity and connection.

You’ll learn what human-centred design means to Loop and how they approach their work through this critical lens, as well as all of the ways that equity, diversity and inclusion is baked into to Loop’s people and processes and is constantly evolving.

Finally you’ll hear the ways that storytelling is used to build trust through design, helping to weave a common thread for supporters of the cause.

The Loop team presented beautiful visuals to accompany their talk so please check them out at https://www.talkpaperscissors.info/!

This episode is part of a guest lecture series in Design as Communication, Bachelor of Brand Design Program, George Brown College School of Design. 

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It’s Meg! Meg Lewis is a designer, illustrator, artist and all-around creative. In this conversation, Meg and Diana get delightfully weird!

The duo discuss Meg’s approach to their work centred around making the world a happier place, Meg’s ‘no process’ process and their definition of success. You’ll hear about the dreamiest client project Meg’s ever worked on (it’s a good one!), including Meg’s wildest idea that they can’t get out of their head.

You’ll also hear about Meg’s approach to finding their style, including why they’re not upset by copycat work. Diana invites Meg to play an improv game with her about the embodiment of fonts and it’s embarrassingly magical (you can practically hear the hives forming on Diana’s neck). Finally, you’ll learn about Meg’s awesome advice to their younger self, what happened when Meg decided to dance and you can’t forget the clowns and the mimes and circus stuff. It’s a fun one!

This episode is part of a guest lecture series in Design as Communication, Bachelor of Brand Design Program, George Brown College School of Design. 

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In this episode, you’ll meet Aurelie Maron, a full-time lettering artist and teacher based out of the Gold Coast, Australia. You’ll hear Aurelie’s story, including why neither agency life nor freelance work was the right fit for her creativity. You’ll hear accessible ways for beginners to get started in their lettering journey, as well as the way Aurelie uses lettering challenges to practice her craft, hone her style and scale her business. 

You’ll hear about her creative processes in approaching unfamiliar design challenges, as well as for designing an original typeface (and how to move forward if you feel stuck!). Finally you’ll hear about Aurelie’s desert island typeface choices (great minds think alike!), about her new Domestika course and about how she makes money as a lettering artist.

This episode is part of a guest lecture series in GCM 806 Advanced Typography in The Creative School at TMU and co-hosted by student, Katrina Javier.

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In this episode, you’ll meet Jorge Gomez, a brand strategist and graffiti writer based out of Inglewood, CA. You’ll hear about Jorge’s work running The Money Studio, helping BIPOC-owned brands preserve their culture, as well as his design origin story that started with graffiti. You’ll hear how he’s doubled down on setbacks in his life and used them as powerful catalysts for growth, including the ways in which he faced prejudice in his ascent through school and into industry. Jorge shares his use of Design Thinking and math (math!) when painting murals, how he said “yes” before he was ready and the ways in which his family plays an integral role in his work.

This episode is part of a guest lecture series in GCM 806 Advanced Typography in The Creative School at TMU and co-hosted by student, Katrina Javier.

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In this episode close to Diana’s heart released on what would have been her Dad’s 69th birthday, hear them read a favourite children’s story book together. First recorded in the late 1980s and then in 2021, hear Diana, her Dad and her youngest daughter (who narrowly missed meeting her Grandad) read for the first and last time together, united through the magic of audio.

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In this final conversation of the series, academic, author, artist and activist, Dr. Robyn Bourgeois (Laughing Otter Caring Woman) shares what it means to be heart-centred, inside and outside of the university system. She provides examples and actionable takeaways for becoming and remaining heart-centred through difficult situations. Robyn discusses how and why she sets boundaries when helping students navigate difficult situations, as well as her experience calling upon both mental health training and Cree cultural practices to lift the heaviness of others’ stories. Robyn provides a great example of the way heart-centeredness changes outcomes in challenging situations and how we all need community to survive and thrive. This is the third and final episode in a 3-part series, co-hosted by Diana’s friend and colleague, Nat Lumby.

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In this conversation, design education leader, Dr. Ana Rita Morais, shares her vision for the future. She gives us a peek into the ways in which paradigm-shifting tech like AI can be integrated into educational spaces, as well as the evolution of her large-scale calendar project supporting BIPOC students in need. The conversation continues with Ana Rita’s vision of future learning environments and how the traditional classroom continues to expand into new spaces, helping students embrace curiosity, develop critical thinking skills and improve their communication skills. Ana Rita shares what excites her the most – and what scares her the most – about the future of design education, as well as how the myriad of free design resources online is (or isn’t) changing formal means of design education. Lastly, you’ll learn about a big, important project Ana Rita’s embarking on in this space. This is the second episode in a 3-part series, co-hosted by Diana’s friend and colleague, Nat Lumby.

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In this intimate conversation, cultural diversity educator Gail-Ann Wilson Michell shares her reality growing up ‘being the only’; a young Black girl and then woman and educator in Edmonton, including sharing her experiences in school. She describes important parts of her work including her take on what she calls ‘the six letter word’; its historical context and its role in modern life. Gail-Ann shares beautiful, vulnerable and heartbreaking stories about her work as a teacher and her forthcoming role in the Alberta Teachers Association, including describing the single most racist act she’s ever endured. There’s so much more captured in this conversation that ends with a powerful, accessible next step — call to action — for educators everywhere in fostering greater equity, diversity and inclusion in their classrooms. This is the first of a 3-part series, co-hosted by Diana’s friend and colleague, Nat Lumby.

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In this episode, Diana shares her week of serendipitous BIG MAGIC centered around books while she was filming her Domestika course in New York City. Interwoven throughout the story are excerpts from Elizabeth Gilbert's incredible book, Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear. Expect sunshine, rainbows and some serious BIG MAGIC.

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Yesssss zines! 

From makers near and far, with small and large publications, you’ll hear about the exciting medium of zines where anything can happen at the intersection of art and independent publishing. This is the 3rd of 4 episode in the series, featuring Sisley Mark.

Sisley is a Chicago-based artist and creative. She primarily works with acrylic or ink on canvas and paper. Her work is deeply rooted in the belief that art isn't about the polished end result. It is about the stories, experiments, and emotions that unfold along the way.

In this conversation, you’ll hear about Sisley’s at practice and her summer camp start in zine making as a kid and why sharing physical art is so powerful. You’ll hear her love-hate relationship with boredom (a gateway into noticing), as well as her focus on the process—for better or for worse.

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In this final episode of 2022, Diana reflects on the best parts of producing a podcast and how statistics alone can’t capture the whole story. To continue her work sowing seeds of creative confidence, Diana shares an excerpt — a big idea — about making friends with Failure to boost creative confidence. Here’s to savouring the last of 2022 and looking ahead to 2023!

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Welcome Oliver Schöndorfer of Pimp My Type! In this episode you’ll hear Oliver’s approach to pairing type, a helpful framework to think about categorizing type in a different way and rethinking font classification systems for ‘finding’ type versus for ‘filing’ type. You’ll also hear Oliver’s favourite pairing right now, the typeface he would choose if he could only choose one and so much more. Let the type geekery begin!

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The final episode in a 3-part mini series focused on the topic of ‘inspiration’, Diana dishes up her thoughts on the topic of inspiration, marrying her experiences with others’ research. She will explain the way she thinks about ‘a-ha moments’, as well as share a framework that allows humans to connect to inspiration more easily through ‘ACE-ing’ it: embrace, pace, place, space, interface and chase. So what are you waiting for? Your next great idea? Good, because it’s waiting for you too.

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