Photo: Alicia Zinn
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It’s more important than ever to take time for yourself—whether that’s keeping up with your bullet journal or learning a new skill. If you’re interested in the latter, we’ve got plenty of recommendations for you. Creative online classes are the perfect opportunity to try something you’ve never done before or even to give yourself a refresher on all things art, photography, and crafts.
Finding an online class is easier than ever with sites like CreativeLive, Creativebug, and Craftsy. Between the three, there is something for everyone—from beginners to experts. If you’re looking for an introduction to a subject, you’re sure to find it. But if you’d like to get into the nitty-gritty of a particular skill, these places offer that, too.
Within the past year, Craftsy began an unlimited service that allows you pay a flat monthly fee and take as many classes as you want. They are still doing that, but are now calling it Bluprint. For a limited time, you can join the service for $9.99 a month and get access to classes as well as exclusive series from some of today’s top makers.
So, what will you try first? Check out our picks below and visit our classes category to see what else we’ve selected in weeks past.
Try online creative classes today! Scroll down to see our picks.
Photography
Productivity Tips in Photoshop, CreativeLive: Photoshop is full of ways to make your workflow more efficient and easier—but you might not realize it. In this class, instructor Dave Cross will show you the “less obvious ways” to improve your productivity in Photoshop.
How to Use Photoshop Blend Modes Like a Pro, CreativeLive: The powerful feature called Blend Modes is often misunderstood. Jesús Ramirez promises to “demystify” the tool and show you how you can find the right mode for your project.
Retouching Clothing and Fabric, CreativeLive: Become a digital tailor or seamstress when you join Lisa Carney for this course on clothing and fabric retouching.
How to Use a Wacom Tablet, CreativeLive: This photography-focused class will show you the benefits of using a Wacom tablet for faster retouching. Another advantage? It will help you avoid carpal tunnel syndrome!
Seeing and Shaping Light, CreativeLive: Learn to see light in a whole new way by understanding the science behind it. By the end of the class, you’ll know how to shape light to create more dynamic photographs.
Location Lighting 101, CreativeLive: Getting a great outdoor shot is more than just having a pretty backdrop. Understand the gear you’ll need and how to overcome common lighting challenges like glare, shadows, and partial sun.
Type Tips for Photographers, CreativeLive: Don’t ruin your photo by using the wrong type! Instructor Matt Kloskowski demonstrates a variety of tips and tricks for adding text to your images that looks great and is easy to read.
Art & Crafts
Daily Mixed Media Challenge, Creativebug: Build your mixed media skills through art journaling. Faber-Castell creative Mou Saha will show you how to work with a variety of tools and techniques over the course of 30 video lessons.
Daily Portrait Challenge: 31 Days of Faces, Creativebug: Once you’ve finished the mixed media challenge, master the art of the expression with this portrait-driven class.
Acrylic Ink Painting: Capturing Complex Scenes, Creativebug: Have you ever tried acrylic ink? Now’s the perfect chance to do so! In this class, you’ll learn to use the medium to create dynamic and complex landscapes.
Startup Library: Colored Pencil, Craftsy: Colored pencils aren’t just for kids. They can be used to create multifaceted and richly-hued artworks. Learn the basics of them in this course.
Doodling on an iPad, Creativebug: Digital doodling is becoming increasingly popular. Artist Pam Garrison talks about drawing with the free app Paper and how it inspires her process.
Basic Line Drawing: Flowers, Creativebug: Illustrator Lisa Congdon is known for her stylized drawing style. Over the course of this four-week class, you’ll understand how to incorporate line drawing into how you work.
Creative Careers
Selling your Creative Ideas, CreativeLive: How do you convince potential supporters to back your big idea? In this class, you’ll learn how to find and connect with the right audience.
How to Create Addictive Content, CreativeLive: The saying “Content is king” is no joke—especially if you’re marketing your business. With the help of Melissa Cassera, you’ll learn to understand your audience and create content they’re sure to love.
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