Elevating your skills during stay at home orders
Photo taken by Bree McCool
With the pandemic growing strong in our country, we are all staying home more, businesses are canceling orders, projects are put on hold until further notice, and much more.
I decided this was a great opportunity for me to take some online classes to elevate my skills, and keep my mind busy, and away from what’s happening in the world right now.
Here are a few classes I’ve taken that may be of interest to you, and a few that I’m looking forward to taking very soon.
Trend research is a skill that’s very important as a designer. It’s a task I do every day. Looking into the future is something that I want to do more to educate my clients, and also adapt to my workflow regularly. Geraldine Wharry, former trend forecaster at WGSN, started her own agency several years ago. She is a futurist, and trend educator. She has online classes where she provides tips, and her formula on how to trend forecaster. It’s a great skill for any designer to learn. She is giving free online classes as well as paid options right now. You can go here.
iPad classes: Two years ago, I decided it was time to use an iPad. With my extensive travel, it was easier to have a drawing pad rather than carry markers, pencils, and paper.I downloaded Procreate to the iPad and have been using it religiously. I didn’t have time to take a class and learned it on my own. With this time, I’ve taken a few classes on Skillshare. They have a few beginner programs, and more illustration tutorials if you are interested.
3. Adobe illustrator refresher: I decided I needed an Adobe illustrator refresher late last year and signed up for Sew Heidi’s illustrator class. Although her class is geared toward clothing designers, I really loved her teaching style, and she provides tricks that are applicable to footwear. She is offering classes now at a discounted rate and has tons of tutorials on Youtube.com. You can go here and here.
4. Drawing classes: Interested in life drawing, and fashion illustration? Connie Lim is doing online fashion illustration classes. You can sign up here.
5. Sneaker art: Want to make your own sneaker sculpture? Sneaker collagist, Helen Kirkum held an online course last week. I missed it due to the time difference. I hope she does another one. You can follow her here to get on the list.
6. Virtual co working space: Tired of working from home alone. You can do a virtual co working and meet other creatives. You can sign up here.
Do you have any virtual classes you’re taking at the moment, or podcasts you want to share? I’d love to hear about other creative options. ! Please comment below.