While staying home and self-isolating during this global pandemic, I’ve suddenly experienced an abundance of time. I am finding that it can be so easy to fall into the trap of scrolling Instagram, the news, and Netflix for hours. I know that now is a perfect time to pull my attention away from social media and focus on some of the areas that I’ve wanted to cultivate and grow.
There are many incredible free online courses where you can learn from professionals who are masters at their craft. Even as a graphic designer, homemaker, and simply in my craft hobby, I can learn from florists, physiologists, photographers, and others. Learning how others view their work will influence the way I view mine, and in turn, cultivate my creativity.
I’ve rounded up a list of free online courses and classes that you can do at your own pace. Many I have done and learned from previously, others I am learning from currently, but all are from professionals I admire from afar and I look forward to learning from. You will see below that I have divided them into categories for if you are looking to grow in a specific skill.
Free Personal Development Courses for Creatives
Course: Focus to Flourish
Instructor: Bonnie Christine, Surface Pattern Designer
I am currently taking this course and learning so much! Bonnie gives both actionable steps and encouragement for creatives to work at and achieve their goals.
Course: The Science of Well-Being
Instructor: Laurie Santos, Yale Professor
This is another course I am working through. One of Yale Universities’ top courses made free online. It takes a deeper look at how productive habits ultimately increase our happiness and the reasons why.
Course: Personal Productivity, Five Exercises to Make Your Big Goal a Reality
Instructor: Kate Arends Founder, Founder, Wit & Delight
Kate is one of my go-tos when I want to stretch my creative thinking. This course is available for free with a Skillshare two month trial you can sign up for by clicking here.
Free Courses on Styling Both Photos & Events
Course: Styling for Your Instagram and Website
Instructor: Megan Gonzalez, Founder, Mae Mae & Co.
Megan is without a doubt a master at styling brand images. Her work is a result of her incredible eye for design. In this course Megan walks through the makings of a flat lay that grabs your attention and reflects your brand. To access this class, follow this link to sign up for If I Made’s free online library.
Course: Styling
Instructor: Ginny Au, Creative Director + Stylist
In this class Ginny teaches her principle of Fluid Motion and how you can use it to make your images breathtakingly natural. To access this class, follow this link to sign up for If I Made’s free online library.
Course: Tablescape Design
Instructor: Ashley Beyer, Founder, Tinge Floral
Ashley Beyer, a florist specializing in high end luxury market weddings, teaches in this class how she creates unique tablescapes with both florals and decor. Learn how to mix and match materials, colors, and more. To access this class, follow this link to sign up for If I Made’s free online library.
Free Courses on Photography
Course: Make Your Digitals Look Like Film
Instructor: Mastin Labs
Step-by-step tutorial class on how to edit your digital photographs to make them look like film. To access this class, follow this link to sign up for If I Made’s free online library.
Course: Shooting Lifestyle & Editorial Brands
Instructor: Gillian Stevens, Photographer
In this class, Gillian teacher her creative process when photographing for brand photoshoots. To access this class, follow this link to sign up for If I Made’s free online library.
Course: Wedding + Commercial Photography
Instructor: Tec Petaja, Photographer
This is an informative Q&A style class with the highly sought-after photographer, Tec Petaja. To access this class, follow this link to sign up for If I Made’s free online library.
Course: How To Photograph Your Own Flowers
Instructor: Sarah Winward, Photographer
Learn Sarah’s techniques on achieving optimal lighting and stunning floral arrangement compositions within photos. To access this class, follow this link to sign up for If I Made’s free online library.
Course: Wedding Photography Q + A
Instructor: Erich and Amy McVey, Photographers
Here is another Q&A style class by successful fine-art style photographers Erich and Amy. To access this class, follow this link to sign up for If I Made’s free online library.
Free Courses on Business & Building a Brand
Course: Personal and Lifestyle Branding: Building Your Story
Instructor: Kate Arends Founder, Founder, Wit & Delight
In this course, join Kate as she helps walk you through defining a clear vision and path for your brand. Kate is one of my go-tos when I want to stretch my creative thinking. This course is available for free with a Skillshare two month trial you can sign up for by clicking here.
Course: Personal Branding: Crafting Your Social Media Presence
Instructor: Kate Arends Founder, Founder, Wit & Delight
In this course, learn tactical strategies and examples on how to build a flourishing social media presence and following. Kate is one of my go-tos when I want to stretch my creative thinking. This course is available for free with a Skillshare two month trial you can sign up for by clicking here.
Course: Building a Brand Identity
Instructor: Caroline Khoo, Founder, Nectar and Stone
Caroline is an expert at building a cohesive and unique brand. Learn from her on how she built her brand and wildly successful niched social media presence. To access this class, follow this link to sign up for If I Made’s free online library.
Course: Building Your Brand: Beyond the Logo
Instructor: Julie DeWalt, Founder and Creative Director, Gather & Co.
Julie is the main designer behind the branding studio, Gather & Co. In this class, Julie walks you through the branding process she uses with her clients so that you can apply it to your brand. To access this class, follow this link to sign up for If I Made’s free online library.
Course: Growing With Your Business
Instructor: Rhiannon Bosse, Founder, Florist and Soap Maker
In this class, Rhiannon shares how to not become stagnant but how to grow along with your business. Rhiannon has successfully made multiple transitions within her business for it to work with her present lifestyle. To access this class, follow this link to sign up for If I Made’s free online library.
Free Floral Design Courses
Course: Garden-Style Bouquet
Course: Building a Hanging Installation
Course: Bouquet Design
Instructor: Alicia and Adam Rico, Founders, Bows and Arrows
This husband and wife team, Alicia and Adam, share helpful and inspiring tutorials on how to design and execute floral bouquets and installations. To access these classes, follow this link to sign up for If I Made’s free online library.
