Photo: Bruce Mars
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Being on the cusp of the new year, we can’t help but think about what’s ahead in 2019. During this introspective time, it’s the perfect opportunity to set goals and plan for exactly how to make it all happen come January. Often, our intentions require us to get out of our comfort zone and learn new skills. Luckily, it’s easier than ever to gain expertise in any field thanks to creative online classes. Sites like Creativelive, Skillshare, and Creativebug have thousands of e-courses in a variety of subjects that you can complete at your own pace.
When setting your own goals for 2019, consider how you can use online classes to complement them. If you want to open an Etsy shop, for instance, it would be helpful to have a better understanding of product photography. That way, you’ll know that your wares will shine in the vast online marketplace. Or, if you are finally going to quit your day job and pursue a full-time freelance career, you’ll want to make sure your bookkeeping is in order. Both of these very different skills are available to learn through courses online. So regardless of what path you take, you’ll be prepared come the new year.
Get started by perusing our picks for creative online classes, below. Afterward, visit our classes category to see what else we’ve picked in the past.
Reach your goals faster by taking creative online classes. Scroll down to see our picks for this week.
Photography (and Videography)
iPhone Video Editing, Creativelive — Video is more popular than ever, but the key to creating an effective and watchable video is with editing. In this class, you’ll learn how to choose the right app for your project, trim footage, add music, and more.
Controlling Time and Motion with Flash, Creativelive — Freezing motion can add an incredible energy to your photographs, but the technical aspects of it are tricky. Photographer Erik Valind offers tips and tricks to using flash to capture a moment in time.
Guide to Simple Photo Backdrops, Creativelive — Backdrops can have a big effect on the quality of your photographs. This class will show you how to customize your backdrop and build one so you have more control over your images.
Creating Diversity in Stock Photography, Creativelive — Diversity is important in stock photography. These types of photos are used everywhere, so it’s important that they represent the people that live in our society. Joshua Kissi, photographer and co-founder of the TONL Agency, which specializes in culturally diverse imagery, teaches this course. He will help you make your photos depict people of all walks of life.
Mobile Photography Basics for Instagram Success, Skillshare — Learn the “ins and outs” of smartphone photography so that you can build photos and followers on Instagram. This 30-minute class is taught by Tyson Wheatley, and it goes with him as he traverses DUMBO, Brooklyn. Along the way, he shares his tactics for taking unique photos and editing them in apps.
DIY Studio Photography + Lightbox + Demo, Skillshare — Get your product photography on point by building your own studio lightbox. This short course will show you how to do so by using many things you already have on hand.
Art & Crafts
Post-It Holiday Wreath, Creativebug — Celebrate the season with this office supply staple. Instructor Amber Kemp-Gerstel shows how to make these temporary wreaths, including how to save time and inspiration for customizing your color palette.
Intuitive Mark Making, Creativebug — Did you ever think about using a daisy as your paintbrush? What about mushrooms or celery? Try them all when you take this class. Artist Flora Bowley will teach you how to use these non-traditional “tools” to nurture your curiosity.
Acrylic Ink Painting: Capturing Complex Scenes, Creativebug — Experiment with sketchbook painting using acrylic ink. Taught by Missy Dunaway, she’ll show her approach to mixing ink on the page and using it to capture a moment in time.
Sashiko Sewing, Creativebug — Learn the Japanese tradition of sashiko stitching. Using a running stitch as your base, instructor Lisa Solomon will demonstrate how to create traditional patterns or make your own. When you finish the class, you’ll be able to mend or patch garment with the beautiful simplicity that’s inherent in sashiko stitching.
Graphic Illustration: Boldly Design with Color and Shape, Skillshare — Hone your communication skills by producing graphic illustrations—images that harness simple shapes and bold colors. When you’ve finished the class, you’ll have more techniques to add to your “stylistic repertoire.”
Digital Illustration: Learn to Use Procreate, Skillshare — Procreate is one of the leading apps for digital artists and illustrators. In this course, you’ll be introduced to the basics of the app, plus helpful shortcuts and trick that will get you started working right away.
Mastering Illustrator: 10 Tips & Tricks to Speed Up Your Workflow, Skillshare — Want to work faster and more efficiently in Adobe Illustrator? Designers from DKNG Studios will cover everything from simple keyboard shortcuts to more complex visuals.
Creative Careers
Brand Development for Creatives, Creativelive — If you want to run a business, you need to create a clear brand—it doesn't matter whether you're a photographer, illustrator, or crafter! Serial entrepreneur Karen Okonkwo will show you how to write a mission statement, create a brand story, and determine your aesthetic.
Side Hustle Toolkit, Skillshare — Thinking about starting a side hustle? This class will help you assess your idea and develop plans for its growth.
Bookkeeping for Freelancers: How to Handle Your Finances, Skillshare — You might find bookkeeping banal, but it’s the cornerstone of a successful freelance career. Set yourself up for financial success by taking this class.
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