I've been contemplating for so long whether to write this post—whether it aligns with the format of my blog, which focuses on things, places, and spaces (okay—design, interiors, books, and travel). But after receiving a link to a similar list on the Architectural Digest website— I realized, why not? My list consists of three parts: platforms I use more or less consistently (and my favorite courses on them), platform I started to use recently, and platforms I want to try.

So here is the list you may find useful to help you spend some quality time at home during this year’s winter/Christmas holidays in case the weather is not so “winter wonderland-ish“…

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Online Educational Platforms I have been using for a long time:

Coursera

Coursera offers a wide range of courses from top universities and institutions globally. Ideal for those seeking academic courses in design, arts, and related fields. “In my previous professional life” as a marketing manager, I had audited dozens of courses on Coursera… I haven’t seen courses on Coursera, related specifically to my current area of work, but I’ve taken many in related fields. Here are some of my favorite Coursera specializations related to art, design, photography, branding, content creation, and telling stories through images:

Modern and Contemporary Art and Design Specialization from MoMa)

Branding: The Creative Journey Specialization (all 4 courses).

Graphic Design Specialization by Calarts, all 5 courses.

I prefer to audit (you can audit courses for free if you do not need a certificate. etc.) courses by full Specialization - I believe this way gives me more structured knowledge, but it’s up to you - you can choose and audit particular courses.

SkillShare

SkillShare is more like a creative community with thousands of classes on various creative topics. Perfect for hands-on learners and those looking for practical skills in design, crafting, and arts.

The first course I took there was Style Your Space: Creative Tips and Techniques for Interior Design by Emily Henderson (author of the book STYLED. Also here.). I was like - If you do not know where to start - start with gurus…

Also loved this short course for creative entrepreneurs: Storytelling Basics: How Creatives and Brands Can Build a Following | Learn with Kickstarter by Stephanie Pereira (Director of Community Education at Kickstarter).

Domestika

Domestika is a platform for creative professionals, providing courses in design, illustration, and crafts. Geared towards those seeking inspiration and practical techniques in the creative arts. I love Domestika for its short hands-on and laser-focused topics courses, which do not require too much time to be “consumed“, but bring a lot of value.

Some of my picks:

Conceptual Still Life Photography by photography studio Paris se quema.

Art Direction for Creative Visual Branding by Linus Lohoff.

Interior Photography, a course by Tuca Reinés.

Interior Lifestyle Photography for Publicity, a course by Susie Lowe.

These 2 are were in progress by the moment I was writing this post:

Professional Mobile Filmmaking for Social Media by Jose Prada, a co-founder of JRVISUALS.

The Laws of Visual Perception: Unit, Weight, Balance, and Movement, a course by Pepe Gimeno.

Also, I have a long list of what I’m about to listen to in the near future on Domestika…we’ll be updating this post from time to time.

Edx

Edx provides online courses from universities worldwide, covering design and art, among many other subjects. Excellent for individuals who prefer a more traditional academic approach to learning. My favorite course for general “brain gymnastics”: Practical Thinking.

PHLEARN

PHLEARN specializes in photography and Photoshop/Lightroom tutorials, offering detailed courses for creative enthusiasts. Tailored for those passionate about visual arts and photography. Offers both paid and free online courses.

LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning offers a broad spectrum of short courses, including those in design and creative fields like photography, video, graphic design, and product design. Suited for professionals seeking career-oriented skills enhancement.

Online Educational Platforms I started to use recently:

CreateAcademy

CreateAcademy is definitely on the list for further exploration, with a focus on courses for creative entrepreneurs. Targeted at individuals looking to combine their creative passion with entrepreneurial skills. So far I’ve taken this one course there: Garden & Landscape Photography Masterclass by Jason Ingram.

These 6 (yes, six!) courses are on my list for the near future:

A Definitive Guide to Decorating by Nina Campbell.

Artfully Edited Interiors by Kathryn M. Ireland

The Ultimate Guide to Interior Design by Rita Konig.

How To Be Mad About Your House by Kate Watson-Smyth – best known as the creator of the UK’s interiors blog MadAboutTheHouse.com

The Complete Floristry Masterclass by Willow Crossley.

A Guide to Pigments, Paints & Palettes by Edward Bulmer.

And though at first glance courses offered on CreateAcademy may seem to be not aligned with my “lost somewhere between Nordic and Japanese relaxed minimalism’ style - I believe it’s not important at all because I always prefer to keep my eyes (ears) wide open to learn from the best in the industry, no matter what particular style they have. It’s not about copying someone’s style - it’s about discovering your own style during the process of absorbing pieces of information/ideas from hundreds of different sources and other creative minds.

Online Educational Platforms I want to try:

CreativeLive

CreativeLive focuses on creative skills, offering live classes on photography, design, crafts, lifestyle, music and audio, and entrepreneurship. Promising interactive and real-time learning experiences.

MasterClass

MasterClass features courses taught by renowned experts, making it suitable for those who admire learning from the best in the industry. Ideal for gaining insights from top creative minds and gurus of interior design, music, writing, photography, etc.

Udemy

Udemy is an online learning platform that offers a wide range of courses on various subjects. The courses on Udemy are created by instructors from around the world and cover diverse topics, including interior design and styling, photography, music, and more.

Students can enroll in Udemy courses to learn at their own pace. The platform provides video lectures, quizzes, and other resources to facilitate learning. Udemy is known for its accessibility and affordability, often offering discounted prices for courses (as well as Domestika, by the way).

Enjoy learning something new!

P.S. I would love to hear from you if you try someday one of these platforms/courses! :)

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