Photo: Prostock-studio / Shutterstock. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure for more info.
Learning a new skill is easier than you think. While sitting in a classroom might seem like the only option, online classes are now more popular than ever. Art, photography, and design courses are all at your fingertips with sites like Craftsy and CreativeLive. Plus, they're taught by people at the top of their field. This gives you the valuable opportunity hone what you already know—or get acquainted with something that’s brand new.
To spark your creativity this week, we’ve selected some of our favorite online art classes. If you enjoy the outdoors, take your colored pencils skills to new heights by learning how to draw birds. Or, maybe you’re more of a city person. In that case, try Perspective for Sketchers, a course that will give you helpful tips for drawing correctly-proportioned urban environments.
Photographers, don’t think we forgot about you! We’ve found classes that are about capturing images without breaking the bank on fancy equipment. Two courses—Building a DIY Home Studio and DIY Photography—will demonstrate “hacks” you can use to make your photos look like a million bucks.
Scroll down to see our picks for this week's online art classes and photography courses!
Photography
Natural-Light Macro Photography, Craftsy: Macro photos show small details but have a big impact. Learn how to take them with limited gear.
The Essential Guide to Posing, Craftsy: Understand how to bring out the best in people with simple poses.
Black & White Portraits, Craftsy: Learn the basics of capturing professional black and white portraits.
25 Innovative Photoshop Techniques for Photo & Video, Craftsy: Photoshop is a powerful tool. Learn to transform your images with these creative approaches.
Introduction to Outdoor Flash Photography, CreativeLive: Understand how to control light effectively with a flash.
DIY Photography: Lens Attachments, Filters & Creative Effects, CreativeLive: You don’t need to break the bank with your equipment. Learn how to produce stunning images with clever creative “hacks.”
Build a DIY Home Studio, CreativeLive: Create a studio wherever you live—even next to your bedroom!
Discovering Your Creative Voice, CreativeLive: Go through 25 lessons that’ll get your creative juices flowing.
Breaking Into the Business of Photography, Craftsy: Want to turn your photography into a career? This class will help you in your journey.
Art & Design
Colored Pencil Bird Portraits, Craftsy: Take your colored pencil skills to new heights with this bird-focused class.
Luminous Landscapes in Graphite & Colored Pencil, Craftsy: Learn how to use mixed media to create enchanting landscapes.
Perspective for Sketchers, Craftsy: Puzzled by perspective? Here are three simple tricks for sketching scenes with accurate proportions.
Illustrated Nature Journaling, Craftsy: Learn the techniques you need to know to make drawing like a “fun, relaxing stroll through nature.”
Social Media and Web Graphics Made Easy, CreativeLive: Social media is an important part of promoting your work. See how to make your own graphics to post across your accounts.
Draw like an Interior Designer, CreativeLive: Learn to draw interior spaces with a variety of tools.
Illustrative Stylings: Lettering and More with Photoshop, CreativeLive: Grab attention with your hand lettering—a sought after skill in today’s market.
Drawing with Illustrator: Color and Texture, CreativeLive: Ever wanted to create digital illustrations? This class will show you how to use color and texture while working in Adobe Illustrator.
Related Articles:
13 of the Best Creative Podcasts Offering Great Advice and Endless Inspiration
20+ Best TED Talks to Inspire Creativity
