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School might be out for the summer, but that doesn’t mean you can’t learn something new. Creative online classes pick up where conventional schooling has left off by sharing helpful artistic approaches and tutorials on industry-standard software. Plus, new courses are being added all the time; this week, we’ve selected over 20 of our favorites that we think you’ll love, too.
Through sites like Craftsy and CreativeLive, you can choose from thousands of ways to spark your imagination via online creative learning. From hidden features in Photoshop to figure sketching made simple, there’s something for everyone at every skill level. We’re particularly interested in the class called The Art of Travel Photography. It comes at just the right time—take it before you head on your big summer vacation to beautifully capture the memories you’ll never forget.
Aside from gaining new skills, online creative classes open you up to potential career opportunities. Who knows—maybe the repeat pattern course will inspire you to create your own line of illustrated products to sell on Society6. The possibilities are endless when you have fun learning.
Photography
The Art of Travel Photography, Craftsy: Learn how to capture your greatest adventures with “magazine-worthy photos.”
Compositing in Photoshop From Start to Finish, Craftsy: We’ve recently interviewed a Photoshop master who turn disparate images into realistic image composites. See how they do it!
Outdoor Photography Essentials, Craftsy: Capture dramatic outdoor landscapes in this class.
The Essential Guide to Posing, Craftsy: Bring out the best of individuals in your photographs.
Close-Up Nature Photography: Beyond the Basics, Craftsy: Learn the skills that’ll allow you to snap compelling images up close.
Creative Photography: Capture Life Differently, Craftsy: Think differently–this class will teach you compositional methods and “unique perspectives” to photograph the world in a new way.
Color Techniques for Retouching, CreativeLive: Stumped on how to adjust color? Learn when and how here.
Creating Mixed Media Art in Photoshop, CreativeLive: Add painting, stamp, and decoupage to your photographs.
Creating A Cinematic Poster Look, CreativeLive: Make your images look like they belong in Hollywood.
Hidden Photoshop Tips and Tricks, CreativeLive: There are countless ways to do something in Photoshop. Learn where their amazing features are hidden.
Sculpting Techniques in Photoshop, CreativeLive: Discover which tools will help you perfect your images.
Photo Restoration Techniques, CreativeLive: Bring older photos back to life—even if they’re faded or scratched.
Urban Landscape Post-Processing Techniques, CreativeLive: Blend different images to make the perfect composition.
Art & Design
See Better, Draw Better: Exercises for Beginners, Craftsy: Improve your drawing skills by training your eyes.
Mix It Up! Mixed Media Step by Step, Craftsy: Learn approaches for creating stunning mixed media art.
Drawing the Everyday Every Day, CreativeLive: This class is your guide to making drawing a daily routine.
Pattern to Design: From Hand to Screen to Surface, CreativeLive: Learn how to create repeat patterns by hand and then take them onto the computer.
How to Design Business Cards, CreativeLive: You never know when you’ll need to hand out your business card. Make sure you make a great impression with yours.
Essential Techniques for Outstanding Paintings, Craftsy: Want to learn painting but afraid to start? Learn how to start working with oils and acrylics.
The Texture Toolbox: Acrylic Medium Magic, Craftsy: Take your acrylic paint further when you incorporate mediums into your pigment.
Figure Sketching Made Simple, Craftsy: Draw figures that are “brimming with life” using gestural sketching techniques.
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