What is Skillshare?
Skillshare is an online learning platform designed for individuals looking to acquire creative and practical skills. With a focus on hands-on learning, it provides courses in illustration, photography, entrepreneurship, writing, and much more. Unlike academic platforms, Skillshare emphasizes community engagement and actionable projects, allowing students to immediately apply their knowledge.
Skillshare operates on a subscription model, granting users unlimited access to all courses for a flat fee. Most courses are broken into short, digestible lessons, making them accessible even for busy learners. Whether you’re a freelancer, creative professional, or simply curious, Skillshare’s flexibility and diverse catalog make it an ideal platform.
Top Courses on Skillshare
To understand “Is Skillshare worth it?”, let’s dive into the platform’s most popular courses, providing a detailed look at their content, structure, and unique benefits.
1. Logo Design with Draplin: Secrets of Shape, Type, and Color
Instructor: Aaron Draplin, founder of Draplin Design Co. and creator of iconic logos.
Course Structure:
- Lesson 1: Introduction to logo design principles, focusing on simplicity and scalability.
- Lesson 2: Using shape and negative space effectively in logo design.
- Lesson 3: Advanced typography techniques for creating timeless designs.
- Lesson 4: Selecting colors that convey meaning and evoke emotion.
- Final Project: Create your own logo for a fictional or real company.
Who It’s For: Aspiring graphic designers, branding specialists, and small business owners wanting to create their own logos.
Practical Applications:
- Learn how to design logos that look professional and communicate brand identity.
- Gain insights into presenting logo concepts to clients effectively.
Why It Stands Out: Draplin’s charismatic teaching style and years of experience make this course a treasure trove for designers.
2. iPhone Photography: How to Take Pro Photos on Your iPhone
Instructor: Dale McManus, professional photographer specializing in mobile photography.
Course Structure:
- Lesson 1: Basics of iPhone camera settings, including exposure and focus adjustments.
- Lesson 2: Framing and composition techniques for visually striking photos.
- Lesson 3: Leveraging natural and artificial lighting.
- Lesson 4: Editing photos on apps like Lightroom and Snapseed.
- Final Project: Create a photo series showcasing different techniques learned.
Who It’s For: Beginners, social media influencers, and anyone wanting to improve their smartphone photography.
Practical Applications:
- Capture professional-looking photos without expensive equipment.
- Build an eye-catching portfolio for Instagram or other platforms.
Why It Stands Out: The course is highly accessible, offering simple techniques with profound results, perfect for quick skill acquisition.
3. Productivity Masterclass: Principles and Tools to Boost Your Productivity
Instructor: Ali Abdaal, former doctor turned productivity expert and YouTuber.
Course Structure:
- Lesson 1: Setting SMART goals and aligning them with long-term objectives.
- Lesson 2: Understanding the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize effectively.
- Lesson 3: Exploring productivity apps like Notion, Trello, and Todoist.
- Lesson 4: Eliminating distractions using the Pomodoro Technique.
- Lesson 5: Reflecting and iterating on your productivity strategies.
- Final Project: Design a personalized productivity system.
Who It’s For: Professionals, students, and entrepreneurs juggling multiple responsibilities.
Practical Applications:
- Streamline workflows and increase efficiency in personal and professional life.
- Learn how to balance work and personal goals effectively.
Why It Stands Out: Ali Abdaal’s relatable examples and actionable advice make this course easy to implement.
4. Introduction to Procreate: Illustrating on the iPad
Instructor: Brooke Glaser, professional illustrator and animation artist.
Course Structure:
- Lesson 1: Navigating the Procreate interface and understanding basic tools.
- Lesson 2: Techniques for sketching, layering, and shading.
- Lesson 3: Using brushes to create unique textures.
- Lesson 4: Exporting artwork for professional use (e.g., print, social media).
- Final Project: Create an illustrated scene or character.
Who It’s For: Beginners in digital illustration, hobbyists, and professionals transitioning to Procreate.
Practical Applications:
- Develop skills to create logos, custom artwork, and illustrations for clients or personal projects.
- Master a popular tool used by illustrators worldwide.
Why It Stands Out: The course balances technical instruction with creative exploration, making it approachable for newcomers.
5. Creative Writing for All: A 10-Day Journaling Challenge
Instructor: Emily Gould, author and co-founder of Emily Books.
Course Structure:
- Lesson 1: Introduction to journaling and its benefits for creative expression.
- Lesson 2-10: Daily prompts to inspire unique journal entries.
- Lesson 11: Tips for editing and refining your writing.
- Final Project: Compile your favorite entries into a mini memoir or portfolio.
Who It’s For: Aspiring writers, bloggers, and anyone looking to develop a regular writing habit.
Practical Applications:
- Build confidence in expressing ideas creatively.
- Generate content for blogs, essays, or longer writing projects.
Why It Stands Out: The short, actionable lessons make it easy to stay consistent, even with a busy schedule.
Skillshare Pricing and Free Trial
Skillshare’s subscription-based pricing model makes it accessible and cost-effective. Here’s a detailed look at how it works:
- Free Membership: Access to a limited selection of free courses to test the platform.
- Premium Membership: Costs $168 annually (about $14/month) and unlocks unlimited access to all courses, including Skillshare Originals.
- Risk-Free Trial: New users can take advantage of Skillshare’s 1-month free trial, exploring the entire platform without upfront costs.
Who Is Skillshare Best For?
Skillshare is ideal for:
- Creative Professionals: Graphic designers, photographers, and writers seeking inspiration and new skills.
- Entrepreneurs: Small business owners and freelancers learning branding, marketing, and client management.
- Lifelong Learners: Hobbyists looking to explore personal interests or build practical skills.
- Students and Beginners: Those new to creative fields, benefiting from Skillshare’s beginner-friendly courses.
Final Verdict: Is Skillshare Worth It?
Skillshare is undoubtedly a valuable platform for creatives, entrepreneurs, and lifelong learners. Its subscription model, high-quality courses, and interactive learning environment make it an affordable and flexible option. If you’re looking to expand your skill set in a hands-on, engaging way, Skillshare is worth every penny.
Ready to Explore Skillshare?
Take advantage of the 1-month free trial and start learning today. Click here to begin your Skillshare journey.
