How to Use Skillshare: Online Classes in Design, Photography, Writing, and More

Skillshare is an online learning platform focused on creative and practical skills. Unlike more formal education platforms, Skillshare specializes in shorter, project-focused classes taught by working professionals — graphic designers, photographers, writers, illustrators, entrepreneurs, and more.

Classes on Skillshare usually run between 30 minutes and 2 hours and are broken into short video lessons. At the end of most classes, there is a class project where you apply what you learned and can share your work with other students for feedback. This hands-on approach is one of the things that sets Skillshare apart from watching tutorials.

Skillshare operates on a subscription model: one flat monthly or annual fee gives you unlimited access to all classes. The annual plan is a lot cheaper per month than paying monthly. There is a free trial available, and some classes are available to non-subscribers for free.

The catalog covers a wide range of topics: graphic design, illustration, watercolor painting, photography, video editing, writing, calligraphy, business, marketing, animation, music production, and more. There are beginner classes for people picking up a skill for the first time, and intermediate classes for those looking to deepen existing knowledge.

Skillshare works on iPhone, Android, and in any web browser. Classes can be downloaded in the mobile app for offline viewing. Your progress across all classes is saved to your account.

If you have a creative hobby you've wanted to develop — or a professional skill you'd like to add — Skillshare is a low-cost, low-pressure way to explore it.