Dr. Tanya R. Holcombe

Tanya Holcombe is an Associate Professor in the Department of Graphic Design at International University Canada, where she teaches and mentors students across the School of Creative Media & Design. Her academic work focuses on print and packaging design, examining how visual communication principles are applied to physical materials, from product packaging to printed marketing collateral.

Throughout her academic career, Tanya Holcombe has developed a teaching approach that bridges digital design skill with an understanding of physical production constraints, helping students learn how color, material, and print processes affect the final appearance of a design in ways that screen-based design alone does not require. She encourages students to think tactically about how a design will look and feel once produced.

In her courses, Tanya Holcombe draws on packaging case studies, print production breakdowns, and current research in materials and sustainable packaging design to help students build practical, industry-relevant skills. Students explore topics such as packaging structure and dieline design, print color systems, sustainable material considerations, and the production processes used by commercial printers and packaging manufacturers.

As an Associate Professor within the Department of Graphic Design, Tanya Holcombe also contributes to curriculum planning that keeps pace with evolving sustainability expectations and production technology in the packaging industry. She works closely with colleagues across the School of Creative Media & Design to ensure that coursework reflects current best practices in print and packaging design.

Tanya Holcombe places particular emphasis on helping students understand the practical constraints of working with physical materials and production partners, recognizing that packaging and print design often involves close collaboration with manufacturers and printers. She designs coursework that introduces students to realistic production considerations early in the design process.

Recognizing that many of her students are working professionals studying online, Tanya Holcombe structures her courses with accessible production guides, clear technical specifications, and consistent opportunities for design feedback. Her approach to online teaching emphasizes building practical print and packaging knowledge that students can apply directly in professional design roles.

Students who study under Tanya Holcombe often highlight her ability to make print and packaging production feel approachable despite its technical complexity. Her long-term goal as an educator is to help students develop the practical design and production knowledge needed to succeed in packaging design, print design, and brand collateral careers.