It's a brand new year. Time to be inspired—all year long—with AMAZING classes. I give all of the following online programs and location-based workshops/conferences my Momathon seal of approval. I have personally tested each program out—taking classes in a variety of subjects, getting to know so many awesome instructors in each of the programs listed below.
Which class is best for you? If you like to blog, take photos, scrapbook, sew, paint, embroider, create/design with adobe, or get organized, there is a class for you at surprisingly affordable rates. The class structure differs from class to class.
Things to consider when selecting a class
If you like lots of one-on-one interaction with the teachers, then a multi-week class with built-in class chat sessions and even project reviews/critiques will be the best choice.
If you like to see step-by-step how to do a skill rather that just read about it, then look for a class with video instruction.
If you want to explore a new topic or brush up on your skills, then a one-day seminar class like the ones at ALT Design Summit are a great option. (If you want a more in-depth class ALT also offers conferences, see below for more information.)
If you want daily prompts to develop your skills in photography or scrapbooking, then a month-long class at Big Pictures is a fun option.
If you want to improve your skills and apply that to your professional portfolio, then a multi-week (or multi-day) class at Nicoles's Classes or Media Bistro or Decor8 e-courses, Camp Pikaland, Pugly Pixel, or an Alt Design Summit conference might be just the ticket.
Here is a listing of online classes (and in-person conferences) that rock!
"Each week you can take classes from blogging and social media experts, the same kind of high-quality topics and content that you've come to expect from Alt Summit. You'll keep up on what’s new, get fresh ideas, and continually improve your site. The Alt Channel will bring you into contact with dozens of amazing presenters and thousands of fellow-bloggers through interactive online classes.
Each class is limited to 100 participants. They are live classes. Each class is an hour long and has a $15 registration fee."
Alt Design Summit Conference in SLC and NYC
"If you're obsessed with lifestyle, food and fashion blogs, fantastic images, smart ideas and great design inside and outside — all wrapped up with a social media bow — Altitude Design Summit is the place to be. Because we feed those obsessions.
We've created a place where design and lifestyle bloggers in all their forms— foodies, photographers, travelers, fashionistas, interior designers, product placers, adventurers — come together, share ideas and connect with marketers. There will be discussions on how to grow your site, how to fund your site, how to keep your site above the fray. You'll find panels on blogging etiquette and blogging ethics. People will share good advice for creative entrepreneurs. Friends will be made. Contact books will be filled."
"In 2005, BlogHer Co-founders Elisa Camahort Page, Jory Des Jardins and Lisa Stone held a conference to answer the question, "where are all the women who blog?" Today, BlogHer conferences bring together thousands of these women from around the world to discuss, inspire and connect with each other... BlogHer '13 is open to anyone and everyone who considers themselves part of the social media landscape. All genders, ages, ethnicities, and levels of blogging experience are encouraged to attend! There's something for everyone."
"Founded in 2007, Nicole’s Classes offers a curriculum of online classes in photography, design, and Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign. Our courses are fun and interesting with practical examples that help our students have lots of “ah ha!” moments...
What makes our classes unique is our instructor involvement! We know how difficult it is to learn new material all on your own. You think you’re doing everything right, and for some reason, what you’re trying just isn’t working! And without someone to point out to you that one thing you’re doing wrong, you may never get it (or you’ll waste hours trying to figure it out). At Nicole’s Classes, you’re not left on your own. You watch the instructional videos at your own pace, and you are invited to email your instructor any time you have a question. In addition to email access to your instructor throughout your course, all courses include homework assignments that challenge you to try out what you’re learning. This is where the real learning happens! In the public homework galleries, instructors leave timely feedback, letting you know what you’ve done right, and what else you may want to try out. Your fellow students may also leave you a friendly comment or two!"
Decor8 e-courses with Holly Becker
"Welcome to Blogging Your Way, the first ever online class about blogging with a focus on creativity and writing with heart, soul and passion founded by pro blogger, best-selling author, freelance journalist and stylist, Holly Becker from decor8. Launched in March 2009, Blogging Your Way shows you exactly how to use your blog as a catalyst to live your best life all in a supportive online environment with plenty of ways to learn through written content, videos, webcasts, podcasts and our private student-only forum...
Blogging Your Way is both a workshop taught in person that pop up in random cities 2-3 times each year AND a self-paced interactive e-course held 2-3 times each year online that teaches, motivates and inspires bloggers and aspiring bloggers to transform a blog into all that you imagine it to be and more."
Mediabistro.com Courses and Seminars
"Career-building courses to launch you to the top of your field."
I have taken the greatest number of courses from MediaBistro. The online and in-person classes cover social media how-to, design training with adobe and other platforms, writing (both fiction and non-fiction), marketing and advertising courses and many more topics—over 130 courses are available right now. The instructors are top-notch. Imagine taking a Photoshop class with the managing photo editor at MarthaStewart.com. I did and the professional yet down-to-earth instructor created a class packed with practical tips and creative ideas and useful feedback on projects.
"A virtual school for artists, by artists... At Camp Pikaland, we believe that education is not limited to the four walls of an institution. We’re dedicated to spread the idea of art education beyond borders, and we’re thrilled to provide a virtual space where artists can learn, teach and connect!"
"Simple and pretty CSS and Photoshop tutorials and lots of other fun stuff. Written for stylish DIY blog design tweakers."
"If you want to connect and learn in a creative environment online you've found the right place. Our community of instructors and members mingle in custom classrooms uniquely designed to deliver expert guidance and engaging ideas so that you can more fully explore your creativity.
At BPC, you'll find a myriad of super convenient self-paced classes as well as interactive multi-week workshops on topics ranging from scrapbooking to photography, journaling to personal well-being—but it is the light-hearted and liberating philosophy behind our education that sets us apart and enables you to find your muse, follow it and immerse yourself in personal expression."
Image: Art by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to pin image on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!
