I want to offer you a FREE month of Premium membership to check out these classes and more.
There’s no time like the present to learn something new.
I’ve found that I need to focus my energy and time toward something other than the news and my all-time favorite pastime, worrying. I’ve been seeking out ways to keep my brain fully occupied on set tasks at certain times, and relaxed and unthinking at others. One of the ways I’m keeping my brain focused these days (and away from the anxiety spirals I’m prone to) is by setting out to learn new skills.
My preferred platform for online learning is Skillshare, hands down. Skillshare is host to thousands of online courses taught by folks who are experts in their respective fields (including, ahem, me—see here!). The classes below are both educational and entertaining, and I hope they’ll give you something positive to focus your energy on.
I want to offer you a FREE month of Premium membership to check out these classes and more. Let me know what you think of these classes and if there are any others you’ve taken and loved!
Here are a few inspiring Skillshare classes that have topped my personal list over the last year.
1. Going Viral: Write, Film & Make Content People Share by Matt Bellassai
Who needs this class? Anyone looking to up their online content game.
Why take it? Matt Bellassai is a performer and the class is as entertaining as it is informative. There’s no secret sauce for making content go viral, but if there were, this feels pretty close.
2. Beyond Watercolor: Learn to Paint with Gouache by Leah Goren
Who needs this class? Anyone interested in painting or learning more about (and how to pronounce) gouache.
Why take it? I took Leah’s first class on watercolor and being a newbie with the medium, she was easy to follow and inspiring to watch. Painting with gouache was next in the series of mediums I wanted to learn and this class felt just as inspired.
3. Email Marketing Essentials: Measuring Impact with Metrics by John Foreman
Who needs this class? Anyone who wants to understand email marketing and learn from the Chief Data Scientist at Mailchimp.
Why take it? If there’s a communication channel we are forever trying to decode, it’s how and why to use email marketing. John simplifies the process and explains it in a way that I can understand (i.e., as simply as possible).
4. Illustrator Basics: The Shape Builder Tool by Dylan Mierzwinski
Who needs this class? Anyone looking to brush up on their Adobe Illustrator skills and improve workflow.
Why take it? This class takes (almost) all the headaches out of creating shapes and objects without using the dreaded pathfinder tool. Instead, Dylan introduces some really nice hacks you can use with the shape tool.
5. Advanced Techniques in Surface Pattern Design by Bonnie Christine
Who needs this class? Anyone looking to improve their pattern creation.
Why take it? This is another in a sequence of classes I took. I first took Bonnie’s initial class, Intro to Surface Pattern Design, and like that class, after taking this one I feel inspired and excited to build upon my knowledge.
6. Context is Key: Social Media Strategy in a Noisy Online World by Gary Vaynerchuk
Who needs this class? Anyone looking to develop their brand’s social media strategy.
Why take it? You’ll come away with the basics on channel strategy, messaging, and marketing for your brand on social.
7. The Beginner’s Guide to Animating Custom GIFs by Jake Bartlett
Who needs this class? I mean, who doesn’t like GIFs?
Why take it? This class covers the basics of Adobe After Effects. If you have even the slightest interest in motion graphics, this is a great one for getting your feet wet even if you have little experience.
8. Illustrator Basics: The Pen & Pencil Tools by Dylan Mierzwinski
Who needs this class? Anyone looking to create dynamic illustrations.
Why take it? Once I find a good teacher, like Dylan Mierzwinski, I will devour any and all classes they release. This is an amazing introductory course for learning the basics of the pen and pencil tools in Illustrator.
Want even more inspiring Skillshare classes?
Images via linked Skillshare classes
*In order to access a FREE MONTH of Premium Membership, you must signup for Skillshare via a desktop computer
Kate is the founder of Wit & Delight. She is currently learning how to play tennis and is forever testing the boundaries of her creative muscle. Follow her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.
BY Kate Arends - March 24, 2020
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Thank you for being here. For being open to enjoying life’s simple pleasures and looking inward to understand yourself, your neighbors, and your fellow humans! I’m looking forward to chatting with you.
Hi, I'm Kate. Welcome to my happy place.
I need to dust of my Skillshare account and get to work!
I’d love to see a round up of (comfortable) stylish home office furniture, and must have accessories!
Thanks for your comment, Samantha! It’s so good to hear your feedback and that you’d be interested in a post like this. Adding it to the list of potential topics to cover in the near future!
TWO s class shout outs! Kate you’ve made my dad from across the country ❤️ This is an excellent list. I’ve been painting along with Leah Goren this week, too.
Of course! Only recommending the very best. Hope you’re well, Dylan!
That sounds great! I support this idea since my mother is also a retired teacher. And I’m a primary school teacher. Training during the pandemic went online. Sites like https://paperell.com/ offer quality services to students. I believe that this is a big leap into the future and a good opportunity for many people to provide help and get it.