Top Creative Skills Education Courses Online
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, creative skills are more valuable than ever. Whether you’re aiming to advance your career, explore a new hobby, or simply unleash your inner artist, the internet offers a wealth of online courses designed to help you hone your creative talents. This comprehensive guide explores some of the top creative skills education courses available online, covering a wide range of disciplines and skill levels. We’ll delve into the course content, instructors, pricing, and user reviews to help you make an informed decision about which course is right for you. From graphic design and writing to photography and music production, there’s a creative skill for everyone, and the perfect online course to help you master it.
Graphic Design Courses
Graphic design is a highly sought-after skill in the modern world, essential for creating visually appealing and effective marketing materials, websites, and user interfaces. A good graphic design course will equip you with the fundamental principles of design, including typography, color theory, layout, and composition, as well as the practical skills to use industry-standard software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
Adobe Photoshop CC – Essentials Training Course
This course is a fantastic starting point for anyone looking to learn Adobe Photoshop. It covers all the essential tools and techniques needed to create and edit images, including layers, selections, masks, and retouching. The instructor, Daniel Scott, is known for his clear and engaging teaching style, making complex concepts easy to understand. The course is highly practical, with numerous hands-on exercises to reinforce your learning. Expect to learn about color correction, image manipulation, and creating visually stunning graphics. This course is suitable for beginners, even those with no prior experience in graphic design or photo editing.
The course usually includes downloadable resources, such as practice images and project files, allowing you to follow along with the instructor and experiment with different techniques. Furthermore, many platforms offering this course also provide access to a student forum, where you can ask questions, share your work, and connect with other learners.
Adobe Illustrator CC – Essentials Training Course
Complementary to Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator is the industry standard for vector graphics. This course teaches you how to create logos, illustrations, and other scalable artwork. You’ll learn about the pen tool, shape tools, pathfinder, and other essential features. Like the Photoshop course, this one is often taught by experienced professionals who break down complex topics into manageable chunks. You will learn how to create complex vector shapes, manipulate text, and apply gradients and patterns to your artwork. Understanding Illustrator is crucial for creating professional-looking logos, icons, and other graphic elements that can be scaled without losing quality.
A key benefit of learning Illustrator is its versatility. The skills you acquire can be applied to a wide range of design projects, from creating marketing materials and website graphics to designing apparel and packaging. The course often includes real-world examples and case studies to demonstrate how Illustrator is used in various industries.
Adobe InDesign CC – Essentials Training Course
InDesign is the go-to software for creating layouts for print and digital publications, such as brochures, magazines, and ebooks. This course covers the fundamentals of InDesign, including creating master pages, working with text and images, and exporting your documents for print or web. You’ll learn how to design professional-looking layouts with consistent typography and visual hierarchy. While less frequently sought after than Photoshop or Illustrator, InDesign skills are incredibly valuable for those working in publishing, marketing, or any field that requires creating visually appealing documents.
The course typically covers topics such as creating interactive PDFs, designing ebooks for various platforms, and preparing documents for commercial printing. You’ll also learn how to use InDesign’s advanced features, such as style sheets and data merge, to streamline your workflow and create consistent designs across multiple pages.
Graphic Design Specialization (Coursera)
Offered by CalArts (California Institute of the Arts) on Coursera, this specialization provides a comprehensive introduction to graphic design principles and practices. It consists of five courses covering topics such as visual elements of design, typography, image making, and brand identity. This is a more in-depth and structured approach compared to individual software-focused courses. You’ll gain a solid foundation in design theory and develop a portfolio of work that showcases your skills. This specialization is ideal for those who want a more academic and comprehensive approach to learning graphic design.
The specialization is designed to be completed over several months, with each course lasting approximately four weeks. You’ll have access to video lectures, readings, quizzes, and assignments, as well as opportunities to interact with instructors and fellow students through online forums. Upon completion of the specialization, you’ll receive a certificate from Coursera and CalArts, which can be added to your resume or LinkedIn profile.
Writing Courses
Whether you aspire to be a novelist, a journalist, a copywriter, or simply want to improve your communication skills, a good writing course can help you unlock your potential. These courses cover a range of topics, including grammar, style, storytelling, and different writing genres.
Creative Writing Specialization (Coursera)
Offered by Wesleyan University on Coursera, this specialization provides a comprehensive introduction to the art of creative writing. It consists of five courses covering topics such as plot development, character development, setting, and style. You’ll learn how to write compelling stories, poems, and essays. This specialization is ideal for aspiring writers who want to develop their craft and explore different writing genres. The feedback from peers and instructors is invaluable in refining your writing skills.
The specialization culminates in a capstone project where you’ll write a complete short story or a collection of poems. You’ll receive personalized feedback on your work from instructors and fellow students, which can help you identify areas for improvement and refine your writing style. The specialization also includes guest lectures from established authors and editors, providing insights into the publishing industry.
Copywriting Secrets (Udemy)
Copywriting is the art of writing persuasive text for marketing and advertising purposes. This course teaches you how to write effective headlines, compelling ad copy, and engaging website content. You’ll learn about different copywriting techniques, such as AIDA (Attention, Interest, Desire, Action) and PAS (Problem, Agitation, Solution), and how to apply them to different marketing channels. This course is ideal for marketers, entrepreneurs, and anyone who wants to improve their ability to persuade and influence others through writing.
The course often includes real-world examples of successful copywriting campaigns, as well as case studies that demonstrate how copywriting can be used to achieve specific marketing goals. You’ll also learn how to research your target audience, identify their needs and desires, and craft compelling messages that resonate with them.
Grammarly Handbook
While not a structured course in the traditional sense, the Grammarly Handbook is an invaluable resource for anyone who wants to improve their grammar and writing skills. It’s a comprehensive guide to English grammar, punctuation, and style, covering everything from basic grammar rules to advanced writing techniques. The handbook is constantly updated with the latest information and examples, making it a reliable and up-to-date resource. Using Grammarly (the software) in conjunction with understanding the handbook can significantly improve your writing accuracy and clarity.
The Grammarly Handbook also includes quizzes and exercises to help you test your knowledge and reinforce your learning. It’s a great resource for students, writers, and anyone who wants to improve their communication skills. While it doesn’t offer the structured learning experience of a traditional course, its comprehensive content and user-friendly interface make it a valuable tool for improving your writing.
Gotham Writers Workshop
Gotham Writers Workshop offers a wide range of online writing courses, covering everything from fiction and poetry to screenwriting and memoir. Their courses are taught by experienced writers and instructors who provide personalized feedback on your work. The workshop offers a supportive and collaborative learning environment, where you can connect with other writers and share your work. While pricier than some other options, the quality of instruction and personalized feedback makes it a worthwhile investment for serious writers.
Gotham Writers Workshop courses are typically structured around weekly assignments and online discussions. You’ll receive detailed feedback on your work from your instructor and fellow students, which can help you identify areas for improvement and refine your writing style. The workshop also hosts guest lectures and readings from established authors, providing inspiration and insights into the writing process.
Photography Courses
Photography is a powerful medium for capturing and sharing your vision of the world. Whether you’re interested in portrait photography, landscape photography, or street photography, a good photography course can help you master the technical and artistic aspects of the craft.
Photography Masterclass: A Complete Guide to Photography (Udemy)
This comprehensive course covers everything from the basics of camera settings to advanced techniques for composition and lighting. You’ll learn how to use your camera in manual mode, understand aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, and create stunning images in any situation. The course is taught by experienced photographers who share their knowledge and insights through video lectures, demonstrations, and assignments. This is a great starting point for anyone who wants to learn the fundamentals of photography and develop their own unique style.
The course also includes modules on post-processing, teaching you how to use software like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop to enhance your images. You’ll learn how to adjust exposure, color, and contrast, as well as how to remove distractions and retouch portraits. The course emphasizes the importance of developing your own artistic vision and finding your unique voice as a photographer.
National Geographic Photography Courses
National Geographic offers a range of online photography courses taught by renowned photographers and experts. These courses cover topics such as travel photography, wildlife photography, and landscape photography. You’ll learn how to capture stunning images in challenging environments, tell compelling stories through your photographs, and develop your own unique style. The courses provide access to exclusive content and behind-the-scenes footage from National Geographic expeditions.
National Geographic photography courses often include interactive assignments and challenges that allow you to apply your newfound knowledge in real-world situations. You’ll receive personalized feedback on your work from instructors and fellow students, which can help you improve your skills and develop your artistic vision. The courses also provide access to a community of passionate photographers, where you can share your work, ask questions, and connect with other like-minded individuals.
CreativeLive Photography Courses
CreativeLive offers a wide variety of photography courses taught by industry-leading professionals. Their courses cover everything from the basics of photography to advanced techniques for specific genres, such as portraiture, wedding photography, and fashion photography. The courses are live-streamed and interactive, allowing you to ask questions and receive real-time feedback from the instructors. CreativeLive also offers a library of recorded courses that you can access anytime, anywhere.
CreativeLive photography courses are known for their practical, hands-on approach. You’ll learn how to use your camera and lighting equipment to achieve specific effects, as well as how to pose your subjects, compose your shots, and tell compelling stories through your images. The courses also cover the business side of photography, teaching you how to market your services, price your work, and build a successful photography career.
Video Editing Courses
Video editing is an essential skill for creating engaging and professional-looking videos. Whether you’re creating videos for YouTube, social media, or your own personal projects, a good video editing course can help you master the technical and artistic aspects of the craft.
Adobe Premiere Pro CC – Essentials Training Course
Adobe Premiere Pro is the industry-standard video editing software, used by professionals around the world. This course teaches you the fundamentals of Premiere Pro, including importing and organizing footage, editing timelines, adding transitions and effects, and exporting your finished videos. You’ll learn how to use Premiere Pro’s powerful features to create professional-looking videos with smooth edits, stunning visuals, and engaging sound design. Similar to the other Adobe Essentials courses, this one is designed for beginners and assumes no prior knowledge of video editing.
The course typically includes hands-on exercises that allow you to practice your newfound skills and experiment with different editing techniques. You’ll also learn how to use Premiere Pro’s advanced features, such as color correction, motion graphics, and audio mixing, to enhance your videos and create a polished final product. Many courses also include downloadable project files, allowing you to follow along with the instructor and learn by doing.
Final Cut Pro X – Essentials Training Course
Final Cut Pro X is Apple’s professional video editing software, known for its user-friendly interface and powerful features. This course teaches you the fundamentals of Final Cut Pro X, including importing and organizing footage, editing timelines, adding transitions and effects, and exporting your finished videos. You’ll learn how to use Final Cut Pro X’s intuitive tools to create professional-looking videos with ease. While a Mac-only program, Final Cut Pro X is a favorite among many video editors for its speed and efficiency.
The course often covers topics such as color grading, audio editing, and motion graphics, as well as how to use Final Cut Pro X’s advanced features, such as multicam editing and 360-degree video editing. You’ll also learn how to optimize your videos for different platforms, such as YouTube, Vimeo, and social media.
DaVinci Resolve – Beginner to Advanced
DaVinci Resolve is a powerful video editing and color grading software that is used by professionals in the film and television industry. This course takes you from beginner to advanced, covering everything from the basics of video editing to advanced color grading techniques. You’ll learn how to use DaVinci Resolve’s powerful tools to create cinematic-looking videos with stunning visuals and professional-grade color correction. This is a great option for those looking for a free (with a powerful paid upgrade) alternative to Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro X.
The course typically includes hands-on projects that allow you to practice your skills and experiment with different editing and color grading techniques. You’ll also learn how to use DaVinci Resolve’s advanced features, such as visual effects and motion graphics, to create truly stunning videos. The course emphasizes the importance of understanding color theory and how to use color to enhance your videos and tell compelling stories.
Illustration Courses
Illustration is the art of creating images to communicate ideas and emotions. Whether you’re interested in drawing, painting, or digital illustration, a good illustration course can help you develop your skills and create stunning artwork.
The Ultimate Drawing Course – Beginner to Advanced (Udemy)
This comprehensive course covers the fundamentals of drawing, including line work, shading, perspective, and anatomy. You’ll learn how to draw a variety of subjects, from still life objects to human figures, and develop your own unique style. The course is taught by experienced artists who provide clear and concise instruction, as well as personalized feedback on your work. This is a great starting point for anyone who wants to learn how to draw or improve their existing drawing skills. The course emphasizes the importance of practice and experimentation, encouraging you to develop your own unique artistic voice.
The course also includes modules on digital drawing, teaching you how to use software like Adobe Photoshop and Procreate to create digital artwork. You’ll learn how to use digital drawing tools, such as brushes, layers, and blending modes, to create stunning illustrations. The course emphasizes the importance of understanding the fundamentals of drawing, regardless of whether you’re working traditionally or digitally.
Schoolism
Schoolism offers a variety of online illustration courses taught by industry-leading artists, including concept artists, illustrators, and animators. Their courses cover a wide range of topics, from character design to environment design, and are designed to help you develop your skills and create professional-quality artwork. Schoolism courses are known for their rigorous curriculum and personalized feedback from instructors. While more expensive than other options, the quality of instruction and the opportunity to learn from top artists make it a worthwhile investment for serious illustrators.
Schoolism courses often include live online sessions where you can interact with instructors and fellow students in real-time. You’ll also receive personalized feedback on your work through critiques and assignments. The courses emphasize the importance of understanding the fundamentals of art, such as anatomy, perspective, and color theory, and how to apply them to your own artwork.
Domestika Illustration Courses
Domestika offers a wide range of online illustration courses taught by professional illustrators from around the world. Their courses cover a variety of styles and techniques, from traditional illustration to digital illustration, and are designed to help you develop your skills and create unique artwork. Domestika courses are known for their high-quality production values and engaging instructors. The courses are often focused on specific projects or techniques, allowing you to learn by doing and create portfolio-worthy pieces.
Domestika illustration courses often include downloadable resources, such as brushes, templates, and reference materials, that you can use to create your own artwork. You’ll also have access to a community forum where you can share your work, ask questions, and connect with other students. The courses emphasize the importance of experimentation and finding your own unique artistic style.
Web Design Courses
Web design is the art of creating visually appealing and user-friendly websites. Whether you’re interested in front-end development, back-end development, or user experience (UX) design, a good web design course can help you master the skills you need to create stunning and effective websites.
The Web Developer Bootcamp (Udemy)
This comprehensive course covers everything you need to know to become a web developer, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Node.js, and MongoDB. You’ll learn how to build dynamic and interactive websites from scratch, and develop the skills you need to land a job as a web developer. The course is taught by Colt Steele, a renowned web development instructor known for his clear and engaging teaching style. This bootcamp style course is a great option for those looking to make a career change or build a solid foundation in web development.
The course includes numerous projects and exercises that allow you to practice your newfound skills and build a portfolio of work. You’ll also learn how to deploy your websites to the web and manage your code using Git and GitHub. The course emphasizes the importance of understanding the fundamentals of web development, as well as keeping up with the latest technologies and trends.
freeCodeCamp
freeCodeCamp is a non-profit organization that offers a free web development curriculum. Their curriculum covers everything from HTML and CSS to JavaScript and React, and is designed to help you learn web development through hands-on projects. freeCodeCamp is a great resource for anyone who wants to learn web development for free, or supplement their existing web development skills. The platform focuses on project-based learning, allowing you to build real-world applications and gain practical experience.
freeCodeCamp also has a large and active community of learners and mentors, where you can ask questions, get help, and connect with other developers. The platform is constantly updated with new content and features, ensuring that you’re learning the latest web development technologies and best practices.
Interaction Design Foundation (IDF)
The Interaction Design Foundation (IDF) offers a wide range of online UX design courses taught by industry experts. Their courses cover topics such as user research, information architecture, interaction design, and usability testing. The IDF is a great resource for anyone who wants to learn UX design and develop the skills they need to create user-friendly and effective websites and applications. The IDF emphasizes the importance of user-centered design and using research to inform your design decisions.
The IDF also offers a membership program that gives you access to all of their courses, as well as a community forum where you can connect with other UX designers. The IDF is a great investment for anyone who is serious about pursuing a career in UX design.
Music Production Courses
Music production is the art of creating and recording music. Whether you’re interested in composing, arranging, mixing, or mastering, a good music production course can help you master the technical and artistic aspects of the craft.
Berklee Online
Berklee Online is the online learning division of Berklee College of Music, offering a wide range of online music production courses and degree programs. Their courses cover topics such as songwriting, music theory, arranging, mixing, and mastering. Berklee Online courses are taught by experienced faculty from Berklee College of Music, and are designed to provide you with a comprehensive and practical education in music production. While expensive, the prestige of Berklee and the quality of instruction make it a worthwhile investment for serious musicians.
Berklee Online courses often include live online sessions where you can interact with instructors and fellow students in real-time. You’ll also receive personalized feedback on your work through critiques and assignments. The courses emphasize the importance of developing your own unique musical style and voice.
Skillshare Music Production Courses
Skillshare offers a wide range of music production courses taught by experienced producers and musicians. Their courses cover a variety of DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) such as Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, and FL Studio, as well as topics such as beatmaking, mixing, and mastering. Skillshare is a great resource for anyone who wants to learn music production and experiment with different styles and techniques. The subscription-based model makes it an affordable option for exploring different aspects of music production.
Skillshare music production courses often include downloadable project files and templates that you can use to create your own music. You’ll also have access to a community forum where you can share your work, ask questions, and connect with other students. The courses emphasize the importance of experimentation and finding your own unique sound.
Production Music Live
Production Music Live offers specialized courses and resources for electronic music production. Focusing on Ableton Live, they offer in-depth tutorials on sound design, mixing, mastering, and arrangement. Production Music Live stands out for its community focus, offering personalized feedback and mentorship opportunities. This resource is tailored for electronic music producers looking to refine their skills and connect with like-minded individuals.
Their course material includes sample packs, project files, and custom Ableton Live devices to enhance the learning experience. They offer courses for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced producers. Production Music Live emphasizes practical application and provides strategies for releasing and promoting your music.
Animation Courses
Animation is the art of creating moving images. Whether you’re interested in 2D animation, 3D animation, or stop-motion animation, a good animation course can help you master the technical and artistic aspects of the craft.
AnimSchool
AnimSchool is an online animation school that offers a comprehensive animation curriculum taught by industry professionals. Their courses cover topics such as character animation, creature animation, and visual effects. AnimSchool is a great resource for anyone who wants to pursue a career in animation. The rigorous curriculum and personalized feedback from instructors make it a valuable investment for serious animators.
AnimSchool courses often include live online sessions where you can interact with instructors and fellow students in real-time. You’ll also receive personalized feedback on your work through critiques and assignments. The courses emphasize the importance of understanding the principles of animation and how to apply them to your own work.
Animation Mentor
Animation Mentor offers online animation courses taught by industry professionals working at top studios like Pixar and DreamWorks. Their courses focus on character animation and are designed to help you develop the skills you need to work in the animation industry. Animation Mentor’s mentorship-based approach provides personalized guidance and feedback, which is invaluable for aspiring animators.
Animation Mentor’s curriculum is designed to mimic the real-world production pipeline of a professional animation studio. You’ll work on challenging assignments and receive constructive criticism from your mentor, helping you refine your skills and build a strong portfolio. The platform also offers access to a supportive community of students and alumni, where you can network and collaborate with other animators.
Lynda.com/LinkedIn Learning Animation Courses
Lynda.com (now LinkedIn Learning) offers a wide range of animation courses covering 2D, 3D, and motion graphics. Their courses cater to all skill levels, from beginner to advanced, and are taught by experienced animators. This is a cost-effective option for accessing a variety of animation tutorials. LinkedIn Learning offers certificates upon completion of courses, which can be showcased on your profile.
The courses cover a diverse set of animation software, including Adobe After Effects, Maya, and Cinema 4D. They also delve into fundamental animation principles, such as timing, spacing, and character design. LinkedIn Learning’s subscription model provides access to a vast library of courses beyond animation, making it a great resource for continuous learning and skill development.
Art Courses
Art courses encompass a broad range of subjects, from painting and sculpture to drawing and mixed media. A good art course can help you develop your artistic skills, explore different mediums, and express your creativity.
New Masters Academy (NMA)
New Masters Academy (NMA) offers a comprehensive online art education platform focused on classical drawing and painting techniques. Their curriculum covers anatomy, perspective, light and shadow, and color theory. NMA is a valuable resource for artists seeking a structured approach to developing fundamental skills. The platform offers live demonstrations, critiques, and access to a vast library of instructional videos.
NMA’s teaching method emphasizes observational drawing and the importance of understanding the underlying structure of the human form. They provide detailed instruction on various drawing mediums, including graphite, charcoal, and pen and ink. NMA also offers courses on painting techniques using oil, acrylic, and watercolor. The platform is ideal for artists who are committed to mastering traditional art skills.
Craftsy
Craftsy offers a diverse selection of art and craft courses catering to hobbyists and professionals. Their offerings include painting, drawing, sculpture, jewelry making, and quilting. Craftsy’s accessible learning style and project-based approach make it appealing to beginners and experienced artists alike. The courses are taught by skilled instructors who provide step-by-step guidance and inspiration.
Craftsy’s interactive platform allows students to ask questions and receive personalized feedback from instructors. The courses also include downloadable patterns, templates, and supply lists. Craftsy’s diverse curriculum and affordable pricing make it a great option for exploring different artistic mediums and techniques.
The Great Courses Plus
The Great Courses Plus offers a variety of art history and appreciation courses taught by university professors and experts. These courses delve into the history of art, exploring different movements, styles, and artists. While not strictly art instruction, The Great Courses Plus provides a valuable context for understanding and appreciating art. This resource is ideal for those interested in the cultural and historical significance of art.
The courses are presented in a lecture format, with visually engaging slides and high-quality audio and video. The Great Courses Plus covers a wide range of art topics, from ancient civilizations to contemporary art. The subscription model provides access to a vast library of courses across various disciplines, making it a great resource for lifelong learning.
Choosing the right online creative skills education course depends on your individual goals, learning style, and budget. By carefully researching your options and reading reviews, you can find the perfect course to help you unlock your creative potential and achieve your artistic aspirations. Remember to consider the instructor’s experience, the course curriculum, the level of interaction and feedback offered, and the overall cost before making your decision. Happy learning!
