Designer and educator exploring play, curiosity, and empathy through design.

Exhibited internationally and recognized by Type Director’s Club, Communication Arts, and more. Currently experimenting, playing, and teaching at the University of North Texas.

Project Highlight: Book Design

Book layout and illustrations for Abraham Burickson’s Experience Design: A Participatory Manifesto. 228 Pages, two color (full color cover) with 109 illustrations.

As a self-described "participatory manifesto," the book lent itself to more creative layouts. Consideration of the experience of reading had to come before all else. Read more.

"Erica Holeman’s delightful instructional diagrams emphasize the fun of playing along and doing it yourself."

— Ellen Lupton

View Portfolio

Select Awards

2024

PRINT Design Awards

Indigo Design Awards

2023

Graphis Design Awards 2024: Silver

GDUSA Digital Design Award

2022

Type Director’s Club Certificate of Typographic Excellence

DNA Paris Design Awards: Graphic Design/Colorful Project

DNA Paris Design Awards: Honorable Mention in Branding

GDUSA Digital Design Awards

Graphis Design Awards 2023: Silver

Graphis Design Awards 2023: Silver

Indigo Design Awards

  • Gold in Typography for “Rep” magazine design

  • Gold in Branding for “EDCP” identity system

  • Gold in Logo Design for “EDCP” logo

  • Gold in Digital Design for “EDCP” website

  • Silver in Social Change for “Rep” magazine design

  • Silver in Magazine Design for “Rep” magazine 

2021

Communication Arts Typography Annual: Award of Excellence

2020

Communication Arts Design Annual 61: Award of Excellence

University & College Designers Association

  • Award of Excellence in Environmental Graphics

  • Award of Excellence in Special Event: Invitations

  • Award of Excellence in Integrated Campaigns

Speaking

Want someone to host improv and play workshops, or teach designers / educators about mental wellness habits? Let’s talk!

Select speaking engagements

RGD Design Educator’s Conference
May 2024

TypeCon
August 2023

AIGA Design Educator’s Conference
October 2022

improv

importance of play

design as catharsis

mental wellness habits

process as play

Teaching

Sometimes typographically obsessed.

Always learning.

Asking questions & peddling play.

Pedagogy rooted in research.

  • "Erica's teaching style allows us as students to learn both the critical material (and how to apply it) and important design soft skills such as presenting, time management, and self-care.”

    From Interaction Design 2, 2023

  • “I look back at what I knew and what I could do at the beginning of this year and I am completely shocked at how much I grew. I was so nervous about your class because I had little to no experience in typography, but I have grown to love typography and loved all the assignments we were assigned.”

    From Typography 1, 2020

  • “I wanted to let you know that your efforts did not go unnoticed on my part and I really appreciate the time that you put in this semester into creating engaging lesson plans for us students despite the obstacles presented.”

    From Portfolio Development, Fall 2020

  • “I really wasn't sure if I would enjoy typography at the beginning of last semester, but it quickly became my favorite class and topic. I know that many other students also feel this way, so thank you for everything you do. ”

    From Typography 1, Fall 2022

  • "I have learned so much from the 3 semesters I have taken under your guidance and I would be remiss if I didn’t express that to you. So thank you so much, the world needs more educators like yourself."

    From Portfolio Development, Fall 2020

  • "I just really wanted to say thank you for being such an encouraging professor. I always look forward to your class and I truly think it's because you create a great environment to learn and create in."

    From Typograpy 1, Fal 2022

Select Student Awards

JUNE 2024  |  INTERNATIONAL, JURIED

2024 PRINT Awards
Second Place in IX/UX

Zach Hall and Jordan Heath,
Sproute App Prototype

View on PRINT website

May 2024  |  NATIONAL, JURIED

Salute Design Competition
Best in Graphic Design: Interactive/Video/Motion

Felicia Tshimanga
Bookworm App Prototype

View competition announcement

MARCH 2023  |  INTERNATIONAL, JURIED

Graphis New Talent 2023
Silver

Paige Sanders, Zach Parmer, Monroe Hale and Jordan Heath
Berlin Festival of Lights Website

View on Graphis website