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7 classes that prove online learning is just as good as the classroom

What you improve is completely up to you.

Photo of Marisa Losciale

Marisa Losciale

skills to learn

Since the world’s gone digital, everything we need is just a few keystrokes away – including online learning. If you’re looking for a more in-depth, hands-on learning style you should check out Skillshare. The site hosts the world’s largest library of online skills classes taught by professionals who are currently active in the field of their subject of expertise. So you truly are learning from the best!

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And for a limited time, new users can get two weeks of Skillshare premium for absolutely free! As always, you can cancel the subscription at any time with no penalties.

Listed below are seven of the top ranking skills classes to ensure you get your journey started on the right foot.

1) Drawing as Self Discovery: 5 Ways to Start

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Taught by illustrator and author Mari Andrew, this course will teach you how drawing can help you process your emotions and promote self-discovery. Andrew, whose illustrations have gained a huge Instagram following, will walk you through techniques to channel emotion into your work, drawing exercises for self-discovery, and reflection prompts for before you draw. By the time you’ve completed the class, you’ll be able to productively unleash your creative energy.

Price: 60-day free trial, after that $8.25+/month


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2) Going Freelance: Building and Branding Your Own Success

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Whether you’re looking to do freelance graphic design, reporting or consulting, knowing how to market yourself and your skills are key. Yes, networking is important but come the end of the day, it’s up to you to know what your time is worth. This course will help you figure that out, along with how to pitch your ideas, market yourself online and set yourself up for financial success. Taught by Justin Gignac, the co-founder of Working Not Working, you’ll learn tips and tricks of the trade from someone who has had incredible success in the very world you’re looking to get versed in.

Price: 60-day free trial, after that $8.25+/month

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3) Intro to Mixology: Up your cocktail game in 30 minutes

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You may or may not have had the lucky privilege of bartending in a past life. Either way, when it comes to Mixology, there’s always something new to be learned. There are always new brands of liquor popping up and new flavor profiles making their way out of the woodwork, which leads to new recipes and processes! This course will teach you all the dos and don’ts of customizing cocktails!

Price: 60-day free trial, after that $8.25+/month


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4) Getting Things Done with Google Sheets.

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Regardless of what you want to do with your life, knowing how to use a spreadsheet is applicable pretty much anywhere. Whether it be for professional or personal reasons, Google Sheets can help you organize your plans, keep up with your finances, and help you track growth, sales, and other data. Plus, being a spreadsheet superstar never hurt anyone!

Price: 60-day free trial, after that $8.25+/month

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5) Humor Writing: Write Funny for the Internet

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Taught by Mike Lacher, former creative director at Buzzfeed and current freelancer at Google Creative Lab, this course will take you through the process of writing comedy for the internet. And yes, the internet is a very specific crowd to cater to. By the end of the course, Lacher will show you how to find a funny idea, transform it with a fresh point of view, write a draft, and then revise your jokes for structure and style.

Price: 60-day free trial, after that $8.25+/month


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6) Digital Illustration: Creativity, Style and Efficiency in Adobe Illustrator

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It doesn’t matter whether you’re a master doodler or if you hold a fine arts degree, professional Vector illustrator Chris Leavens shows you how to use Illustrator like never before. Leavens, whose work has been displayed in art galleries, computer games, books, films, and countless other places, walks you through his process – which he completes from start to finish in Illustrator. Through this course, you’ll learn all about generating ideas, reference sketching, Vector drawing, masking, shading and more!

Price: 60-day free trial, after that $8.25+/month

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7) Blossom Embroidery Hoop Art: Using The Backstitch & Stem Stitch & French Knot

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Taught by former fashion designer, Charlotte Kan, this is one of the most popular crafts classes available on Skillshare. Cross stitching is back and better than ever, all thanks to the internet. Since the introduction of online craft stores like Etsy, access to artists and their craft has exploded. Through this course, Kan will teach you how to successfully sew different stitches that you can use to cross-stitch your own designs.

Price: 60-day free trial, after that $8.25+/month

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