Photo: JJ Ying
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As the year comes to a close, it’s tempting to want to curl up on your couch and binge watch the latest show on Netflix. While comforting, we’re here to tell you that are other options as the weather gets colder—like taking photography and art classes online! Through e-learning sites like Craftsy and CreativeLive, you can push the boundaries of your imagination and discover new artistic approaches.
We’ve scoured these sites to find exciting creative classes that you can enroll in right now. They represent a range of skills, from drawing in colored pencils to photographing men’s portraits. But if you’re looking to study everything you can about a particular field, give CreativeLive’s new Learning Paths a try. “We’ve designed over a dozen tried and true paths complete with the world’s best classes,” they say, “to help you hit your creative targets or land the next big gig.” It offers a curated selection of courses that include the likes of wedding photography, podcasting, and digital design. Venture down one of these paths if you're curious whether it'd be a viable career for you.
Check out more classes to try below. And if you want even more recommendations, see what we’ve highlighted in weeks past.
Scroll down to see our picks for this week's photography and art classes online!
Photo: Kawin Harasai
Photography
How to Shoot and Composite Levitating Objects, CreativeLive: Learn to fool the eye and ignite the imagination with this class.
Men's Portrait Photography, CreativeLive: Photographer Jeff Rojas will instruct you on the art of posing men so that they look natural and confident towards the camera.
Think Like a Photographer, CreativeLive: Perfect for beginners, Ben Wilmore reveals his thinking process when shooting to help you capture your subjects in the best way possible.
Anatomy of a Photoshoot, CreativeLive: A photo shoot might seem like a daunting endeavor, but photographer Mark Wallace breaks down the different parts to demonstrate how you too can create a complete shoot.
Keep it Simple: Video for Photographers, CreativeLive: Translate your photography skills to videography… without investing in expensive equipment or having to learn “complicated technical jargon.”
Photo: Miguel Á. Padriñán
Art & Crafts
Figure Sketching Made Simple, Craftsy: Bring the human figure to life when you take this class.
Light & Shading With Colored Pencils, Craftsy: Achieve breathtaking florals when you understand highlighting, shading, and blending techniques from colored pencil artist Cynthia Knox.
Essential Techniques for Outstanding Paintings, Craftsy: If you’re completely new to painting in oil or acrylic, this class is for you. Go over brush strokes, materials, and more. Plus, it’s a great reference tool for later.
Sketching Essentials in Graphite, Craftsy: Build a foundation for quickly sketching the things that you see in pencil.
How Color Affects You: What Science Reveals, Craftsy: Learn the science behind color and how to use it to your advantage in art, decor, design, and more.
Photo: Pixabay
Creative Careers
Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life, CreativeLive: Stanford professors Bill Burnett and Dave Evans explain how you can use design thinking to become “unstuck” in your life and feel confident about your future.
A Brand Called You, CreativeLive: Learn how defining yourself and your philosophy will make you stand out from the pack and present yourself with more confidence.
Become a Working Artist, CreativeLive: What does it take to break into the art world? Artist Lisa Congdon will show you how to map out your goals and vision that will “drive your artistic career.”
Copywriting for Crafters, CreativeLive: You don’t have to be the next great novelist to write compelling copy. Lead customers to checkout with the tips and tricks you learn in this class.
How to Make a Living Selling What You Make, CreativeLive: Turn your hobby into a sustainable career as Maker Megan Auman teaches you her recipe for success.
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13 of the Best Creative Podcasts Offering Great Advice and Endless Inspiration
