Best Skillshare Classes Worth Taking (2024)

In a world where the only constant is change, Skillshare has positioned itself as a pivotal platform in the realm of online learning. By offering a plethora of courses across various disciplines, it has opened doors for countless individuals to upscale, refine, or even discover new skills. The significance of such platforms in today’s fast-paced environment cannot be understated. They not only provide accessibility to learning but also encourage a culture of continuous personal and professional development.

As we navigate through the big number of courses available on Skillshare, our aim is to illuminate the paths that lead to the most enriching learning experiences. This exploration is dedicated to uncovering the gems within Skillshare’s extensive catalog, guiding you through the top classes that promise not just knowledge, but practical insights and skills that resonate with real-world applications.

From the brush strokes of an artist to the strategic planning of a productivity guru, our intent is to showcase courses that stand out for their quality, engagement, and the value they add to your life and career. Join us as we delve into the best that Skillshare has to offer, keeping in mind that each recommendation is a step towards achieving a more enlightened self, equipped for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.

About the Instructor: Thomas Frank

Thomas Frank is a productivity expert who has carved out a significant niche for himself in the self-improvement and student success spheres. Known for his website, College Info Geek, Frank extends his reach to a broader audience on Skillshare with his expertise. His approachable demeanor and practical advice are backed by a thriving YouTube channel, underscoring his credibility and connection with a community dedicated to productivity.

About the Course

“Mastering Productivity: Create a Custom System that Works” is a Skillshare course tailored to help individuals from various walks of life establish a personal productivity system that truly fits their unique needs. Key elements of the course include:

• Task Management: Learn to categorize and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Note-Taking: Develop a system that makes recalling and retrieving information a breeze.
• File Management: Create a digital filing system that saves time and reduces clutter.
• Email Mastery: Discover tips to manage your inbox efficiently, preventing it from becoming a source of stress.

The course stands out for its universal appeal; whether you’re a busy professional, a student grappling with academic demands, or someone trying to juggle the myriad tasks of daily life, Frank’s course promises a clear, adaptable framework to boost productivity and minimize chaos in your routine.

Introduction to Photography Classes on Skillshare

Skillshare offers a vast array of photography courses tailored to enhance the skills of budding photographers and seasoned pros alike. With classes covering various techniques and styles—from the basics of DSLR photography to the art of photo editing—Skillshare stands as a rich resource for anyone looking to elevate their photography prowess.

About the Course: iPhone Photography

One of Skillshare’s highly praised courses is “iPhone Photography: How to Take Pro Photos On Your iPhone.” This course is designed for those who want to unlock the full potential of their iPhone camera and take their mobile photography to a professional level. Here’s what makes this course impactful:

• Accessibility: Learn how to take stunning photos using a device that’s already in your pocket.
• Practicality: The course teaches practical skills for everyday photography, from simple tweaks in settings to understanding lighting and composition.
• Creativity: Explore creative techniques to make your photos stand out on social media platforms like Instagram.
• Editing: Discover post-production tips to enhance and polish your images right on your iPhone.

The instructor breaks down complex photography principles into digestible, easy-to-follow lessons that resonate with a broad audience, from casual photographers to content creators.

Additional Photography Courses on Skillshare

In addition to iPhone photography, Skillshare hosts other noteworthy photography classes. Courses like “Documentary Photography: Capturing Places and People” and “Nightscapes: Landscapes Astrophotography” delve into more specialized fields, offering insights into narrative-driven photography and the wonders of capturing the night sky.

Each of these courses stands out for its unique focus:

• Documentary Photography: Teaches you to tell compelling stories through your lens, capturing the essence of a moment or place.
• Nightscapes Astrophotography: Opens up the world of astrophotography, guiding beginners on how to photograph celestial events and landscapes under the stars.

Skillshare’s photography classes cater to various interests and skill levels, ensuring that every learner finds a course that matches their needs and aspirations. Whether you’re interested in enhancing your professional portfolio or simply capturing life’s moments in more beautiful ways, Skillshare’s photography courses are an excellent place to start.

Intro to Procreate: Illustrating on the iPad

Explanation of Digital Illustration Trends

Digital illustration has evolved rapidly with advancements in technology, particularly with tablets and stylus pens. Artists have moved from traditional mediums to digital canvases, embracing apps like Procreate that offer versatile tools and a more streamlined workflow. Trends indicate a surge in digital art forms, blending classic techniques with modern aesthetics. Skillshare’s illustration courses are at the forefront, helping artists stay updated with these trends.

In-Depth Look at “Intro to Procreate: Illustrating on the iPad (Updated for 2023)”

Brooke Glaser’s “Intro to Procreate: Illustrating on the iPad” is a comprehensive Skillshare class that provides a thorough walkthrough of Procreate, one of the most popular digital illustration apps. This course is designed for beginners and covers:

• Navigation of the Procreate Interface: Getting familiar with the layout and tools available.
• Using Brushes and Layers: Understanding the foundational elements of digital illustration.
• Incorporating Textures and Effects: Adding depth and interest to your illustrations.
• Finalizing and Sharing Artwork: Learning how to export your work for various platforms.

Brooke Glaser’s class is not only about learning Procreate but also about inspiring creativity and developing a personal illustration style.

Consideration of Other Top-Rated Illustration Courses on Skillshare

In addition to Brooke’s Procreate class, there are several other top-rated illustration courses on Skillshare that cater to different aspects of digital drawing:

• Character Design: Courses that focus on creating memorable and unique characters for various media.
• Illustrated Lettering: Combining typography with illustration to create eye-catching designs.
• Environment Art: Teaching artists to build immersive worlds for games, movies, or storytelling.

Each course is designed with the latest industry practices in mind, ensuring that learners are equipped with skills relevant to today’s illustration landscape. Whether you’re looking to upskill, explore a new hobby, or make a mark in the digital art world, Skillshare’s illustration classes offer a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.

Documentary Photography: Capturing Places and People by Ami Vitale

About the Instructor: Ami Vitale

Ami Vitale is a name that resonates deeply in the world of documentary photography. Her experience as a photographer for National Geographic has taken her to over 100 countries, where she has captured profoundly impactful stories through her lens. Vitale’s approach to photography is characterized by her ability to navigate complex cultural landscapes with sensitivity and respect. Her dedication to her craft goes beyond mere documentation—she aims to tell stories that reveal the interconnectedness of the human experience and the importance of wildlife and the environment. As an educator, Vitale shares not just the technical know-how but also the ethos and philosophy that underpin her meaningful work.

Discussing the Value of Storytelling Through Photography

Storytelling through photography is an art form that serves as a window into the soul of society, encapsulating the beauty, strife, joy, and pain of life. Documentary photography, in particular, allows us to witness the world from different perspectives, providing a platform for untold stories to be seen and heard.

Analyzing “Documentary Photography: Capturing Places and People”

Ami Vitale’s course is an immersive dive into documentary photography, where students learn the intricacies of capturing genuine moments and narratives. In this course, Vitale imparts:

• Strategies for immersive storytelling through imagery.
• Ethical considerations when photographing sensitive subjects.
• Composition and technical skills to enhance narrative impact.

Other Notable Photography Courses for Different Skill Levels

Skillshare offers a range of photography classes for varying skill levels. For novices, there are introductory classes that lay the groundwork for understanding the basics of photography. Intermediate photographers can benefit from specialized courses such as “Fundamentals of Photo Editing” or “iPhone Filmmaking.” For those at an advanced level, courses like “Advanced Prototyping and Interaction Design in Figma for UI/UX Designers” challenge and refine their existing skills. Each class is tailored to help learners at every stage of their photographic journey develop and enhance their capabilities.

With a spectrum of courses led by professionals like Vitale, Skillshare provides valuable learning experiences that can enrich your portfolio, whether you are capturing the grandeur of landscapes or the subtleties of human emotion.

Creative Nonfiction: Write Truth with Style

The Significance of Creative Writing in Personal and Professional Contexts

Creative writing, particularly in the form of creative nonfiction, bridges the gap between fact and narrative flair, allowing writers to convey real stories with the compelling engagement of fiction. This skill is invaluable both personally, as a medium for self-expression and legacy-building, and professionally, as a tool for impactful communication in a variety of fields, from journalism to marketing.

Spotlight on “Creative Nonfiction: Write Truth with Style”

This Skillshare course dives into the world of creative nonfiction, guiding writers to craft factual content with literary finesse. It emphasizes:

• The careful balance between accurate reporting and creative storytelling.
• Techniques to engage readers while preserving the truth of the narrative.
• Stylistic elements that enhance the readability and enjoyment of nonfiction works.

The course is designed not just for writers but for anyone looking to improve their storytelling abilities, providing the skills to write with authenticity and appeal.

Briefly Overviewing Additional Writing Classes Catering to Diverse Writing Goals

Skillshare offers a variety of writing classes to suit different objectives and writing styles, such as:

• Storytelling 101: Focusing on the foundations of character development and plot structure.
• Writing for Expression: Courses that encourage personal exploration and memoir writing.
• Copywriting: For those looking to refine their commercial writing skills with persuasive and engaging content.

From beginners to seasoned writers, Skillshare’s classes provide a platform for development and growth, equipping individuals with the tools to articulate their thoughts and stories with clarity and creativity. Whether you aim to write compelling articles, engaging blog posts, or moving personal essays, there’s a course on Skillshare to meet your needs.

Creative writing holds a special place in both personal expression and professional communication. It empowers individuals to articulate their thoughts, stories, and ideas in ways that resonate with audiences on a deeper level. In the professional sphere, creative writing is invaluable in marketing, storytelling, and brand building, helping to craft compelling narratives that engage and inspire.

Spotlight on “Creative Nonfiction: Write Truth with Style”

Skillshare’s “Creative Nonfiction: Write Truth with Style” brings the nuanced art of factual storytelling to life. This course is designed to teach the delicate balance of writing engaging stories that are both informative and accurate. Through this class, students can expect to:

• Explore the boundaries between narrative and fact.
• Develop a unique voice that captivates readers while remaining true to the nonfiction genre.
• Learn techniques to write compelling and ethical nonfiction.

The class’s approach to teaching is centered on engaging learners with real-world examples, offering hands-on writing exercises, and providing feedback that nurtures growth and improvement in writing style and technique.

Additional Writing Classes for Diverse Writing Goals

Skillshare offers a wide variety of creative writing courses that cater to different goals and interests. Whether you’re looking to dive into the world of fantasy writing, hone your poetry skills, or master the craft of screenwriting, there’s a class for you. Here’s a glimpse at the diverse offerings:

• Short story workshops that explore character development and plot pacing.
• Poetry sessions that encourage you to find your rhythm and voice.
• Business writing classes that focus on clarity, conciseness, and impact.
• Copywriting courses that blend creativity with persuasive marketing strategies.

Each class on Skillshare is structured to guide writers of all levels towards achieving their personal and professional writing objectives, with seasoned instructors offering their wisdom and support along the way.

Discovering the perfect Skillshare class that aligns with your personal interests and professional goals can be both exciting and daunting given the extensive catalog of courses. Here’s a guide to navigating Skillshare effectively:

• Begin by exploring Skillshare’s categories that pertain to your interests, whether it’s art, technology, business, or lifestyle.
• Utilize the search function with keywords that match your desired skills or topics you’re passionate about.

Once you’ve found a potential class, consider the following tips:

• Look at the course description for an overview and the curriculum to see if the content matches what you want to learn.
• Check the instructor’s profile for their background and expertise, ensuring they have the experience and knowledge in the area you’re interested in.
• Read through student reviews to gauge the course’s impact and see if it has been beneficial for learners with similar goals to yours.
• Note the class project as this is an indicator of the practical skills you will gain and the type of work you can expect to create.

Skillshare’s platform allows you to filter courses by:

Trending: Discover what’s popular in the community right now.

Most Recent: Stay up-to-date with the latest course offerings.

Class Length: Find classes that fit into your schedule, from quick lessons to comprehensive tutorials.

Skill Level: Select from beginner, intermediate, or advanced to match your proficiency.

Additionally, Skillshare offers recommendations based on your viewing history and saved classes. Make sure to take advantage of this personalized feature as you progress in your learning journey.

With these strategies, you can easily find courses tailored to your learning style, skill level, and interests, turning Skillshare into a valuable resource for personal and professional development.

In this exploration of Skillshare’s offerings, we’ve delved into classes that exemplify the platform’s commitment to varied and enriching learning experiences. From Thomas Frank’s pragmatic approach to productivity in “Mastering Productivity: Create a Custom System that Works,” to the compelling storytelling techniques taught by Ami Vitale in “Documentary Photography: Capturing Places and People,” these courses have the potential to make a significant impact on learners’ personal and professional growth.

We’ve also highlighted the versatility of Skillshare through courses like “Intro to Procreate: Illustrating on the iPad (Updated for 2023),” which bridges creativity and technology, showing the breadth of learning opportunities available. Each class offers a unique insight into the world of digital art, photography, productivity, and beyond, underscoring Skillshare’s role as a beacon for lifelong learners.

Choosing Skillshare for personal development and skill acquisition means stepping into a community that values growth, creativity, and the pursuit of knowledge. It’s about making a commitment to yourself to learn something new, refine a craft, or pivot in your career.

For those ready to embark on this journey, remember that Skillshare is just a click away. Whether you’re looking to master a new software, understand the nuances of creative writing, or capture the world through your camera lens, there’s a course waiting for you.

Take that first step, explore your interests on Skillshare, and join the millions of learners who have already begun to transform their lives through education. Your next opportunity to grow is just a class away.