Five Great Online Resources to Learn Arts and Crafts
Technology is changing the world at a rapid pace. Though this idea can seem overwhelming, it ultimately means great things if you’re pursuing a creative career. Now more than ever, the internet has made it easier to both hone your craft and learn a new skill. We’ve seen firsthand how this can have a big impact on someone’s work. It can streamline an artistic process or even inspire a new creative direction—adding another dimension to your painting, photography, and so much more.
When it comes to learning something new, it’s helpful to define why you want to take a class and what you want to get out of it. If you have an online shop, for instance, taking a photography course could help improve your product photos—which can then translate into more sales. Once you’ve determined the type of class you’d like to take, it’s time to do your research on where.
We’ve profiled the best online resources to learn arts and crafts, which will help you determine the right one for you.
Craftsy
What is it?
Craftsy is an online resource for all things craft. They offer a trifecta that will ensure you can learn, do, and continue with the new skills you gain. Most notably, they offer classes that teach different handmade arts and crafts. In addition to videos from industry pros, they sell a myriad of art supplies and patterns for quilting, sewing, and more.
What can you learn?
Craftsy has over 1,000 online classes that cover quilting, knitting, embroidery, drawing, painting, jewelry, papercraft, and baking.
How do you get started?
Diving into their massive catalog can be daunting, so Craftsy has created a “Startup Library” that will help you master a new craft. They also encourage cross-crafting. “Whether you’re a baker interested in weaving or a quilter who’s always wanted to paint, consider these as roadmaps to pursuing your next passion.”
Skillshare
Best Online Resources to Learn Arts and Crafts
What is it?
Skillshare is a learning community where anyone can take or teach a class, and it specifically focuses on “creators and makers.” This runs the gamut of subjects, which are often taught by professionals at the top of their field. Although they’re known for their extensive catalog, Skillshare also offers workshops, which differ from their usual classes. The courses are a go-at-your-own-pace, but the workshops are on a schedule with a group of other students who share feedback and learn together.
What can you learn?
If you’re a premium member, you get access to a catalog of 15,000 classes on an unlimited basis. From illustration to Photoshop to logo design, you can learn it all with their monthly membership. Because there are so many classes, you can get really niche and learn the nitty-gritty of a new technique.
How do you get started?
Start by browsing their classes based on subjects you want to learn. You can “Save” classes for later, so if something looks interesting, add it to “Your classes” queue. Right now, you can get one month of their premium membership for free.
Shaw Academy
Best Online Resources to Learn Arts and Crafts
What is it?
The Shaw Academy is one of the largest online educators in the world and offers creative (and non-creative) courses that help you gain practical skills. With these classes—a combination of recordings and live webinars—you earn diplomas at the end of them.
What can you learn?
Although you can take courses in music, business, and language, we’re most excited by the Photography and Design fields. In the Photography classes, you can learn the industry-standard programs like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, as well as how to build a wedding photography business.
How do you get started?
Shaw Academy has a Premium membership that’s billed monthly. To start, they’ve got an introductory 30-day trial where you can try one course for free.
Lynda
Best Online Resources to Learn Arts and Crafts
What is it?
If you want to add a new digital skill to your repertoire, Lynda is the place to be. They’ve got 5,877 courses in creative skills, technology, and business that are taught by industry experts.
What can you learn?
Lynda is extremely helpful in learning the basics of software—from just getting started to advanced techniques. This way, you can come back to Lynda as your expertise grows. But if you want to learn skills for offline projects, they’ve got classes on photography such as “mastering your gear.”
How do you get started?
Try Lynda for 10 days with their free trial. After that, you can select between “Basic” and “Premium” tiers. Both options allow you unlimited learning to their course library and the ability to watch them on your computer, phone, tablet, or TV.
Brit + Co
Best Online Arts and Crafts Classes
What is it?
Brit + Co is known for its creativity-focused blog, and they’ve brought that DIY attitude to their online classes. Taught by their “favorite pros,” the classes are under an hour and offer a quick way to get you acquainted with new skills.
What can you learn?
Offering both analog and digital subjects, you can learn the basics of calligraphy, creating videos with your iPhone, and snapping great photos for your online store. Their selection is smaller but reflects current creative trends.
How do you get started?
Classes are bought a la carte—no membership required. If you buy a class and don’t like it, they have a 100% satisfaction guarantee.