Skillshare has become a popular platform for online learning, particularly for creatives and entrepreneurs.
Whether you’re a budding artist, a photographer, a writer, or even someone interested in business skills, Skillshare offers a wide variety of classes to help you grow and develop new skills. But is it the best choice for you?
In this review, we’ll explore the features, pricing, pros, cons, and overall value of Skillshare.
Skillshare Review: What is Skillshare?
Skillshare is an online learning community offering thousands of classes across creative fields such as design, photography, writing, art, illustration, business, and more.
Skillshare’s model focuses on hands-on learning, encouraging students to complete projects as they progress through lessons. It offers a subscription-based model, allowing unlimited access to all its classes during the subscription period.
Skillshare aims to provide high-quality, practical learning experiences for people who want to expand their skills, pursue hobbies, or even start a new career.
The classes are taught by industry professionals and creators with expertise in their fields, making it an appealing option for anyone looking to enhance their creativity.
Key Features of Skillshare
1. Vast Range of Classes
Skillshare offers a wide variety of classes, particularly in creative areas like graphic design, illustration, photography, film production, writing, and marketing.
They also have some business-related courses, such as those on entrepreneurship, productivity, and social media marketing. This diversity makes Skillshare a great platform for learners of all types, from beginners to more experienced creators.
2. Hands-On Projects
One of the highlights of Skillshare is its focus on project-based learning. Many courses are structured to encourage students to complete practical projects that allow them to apply what they’ve learned.
This can be particularly valuable for creative fields, where students can build portfolios and showcase their work as they go.
3. Expert-Taught Classes
Skillshare features classes taught by industry experts, creators, and professionals with real-world experience.
Whether it’s a professional photographer teaching you how to edit photos or a successful entrepreneur explaining how to build a brand, Skillshare gives you access to instructors who are working in their respective fields.
4. Community Interaction
Skillshare places a strong emphasis on community interaction. Learners can share their projects, receive feedback, and engage with other students and instructors.
This creates a collaborative learning environment where you can connect with other like-minded individuals, share ideas, and grow together.
5. Affordable Pricing
Skillshare offers an affordable pricing model compared to other online learning platforms. A monthly subscription grants you access to all the courses on the platform.
Additionally, they offer a free trial, allowing you to explore the content before committing to a paid plan.
- Premium Membership: $19/month or $99/year
- Free Trial: 7 days
6. Mobile App and Offline Learning
Skillshare offers a mobile app that allows you to learn on the go. You can download classes for offline viewing, which is especially useful when you’re traveling or have limited internet access.
This flexibility is great for busy people who want to learn while commuting or during downtime.
Skillshare’s Pricing and Plans
Skillshare offers two main pricing options:
- Monthly Membership: $19/month
- Annual Membership: $99/year (works out to about $8.25/month)
They also offer a 7-day free trial for new users, which allows you to explore the platform and its classes before committing to a subscription.
Skillshare: Is the Subscription Worth It?
Skillshare’s subscription offers unlimited access to thousands of classes, so if you’re interested in taking multiple courses, the annual plan can be an excellent value.
However, if you’re only interested in a few specific classes, the monthly plan might be a more economical choice.
Who Should Use Skillshare?
Skillshare is perfect for creative professionals or anyone looking to develop their skills in artistic fields.
It’s an ideal platform for beginners and intermediate learners who want to gain practical knowledge in areas like design, photography, writing, and art.
If you’re someone who learns best through hands-on projects and enjoys being part of a learning community, Skillshare is a great option.
Pros and Cons Of Skillshare
Pros
- Wide Range of Creative Classes: Skillshare offers thousands of courses across various creative fields, making it a go-to platform for anyone wanting to enhance their artistic and professional skills.
- Hands-On Projects: The platform encourages project-based learning, allowing you to apply what you’ve learned and build a portfolio.
- Affordable Pricing: With its relatively low monthly and annual fees, Skillshare is more affordable compared to many competitors in the online learning space.
- Expert Instructors: Classes are taught by professionals who are working in the field, providing practical insights and real-world applications.
- Active Community: Skillshare’s community of learners is engaged and collaborative, giving you the opportunity to receive feedback, share your work, and connect with others.
- Mobile App: Learn on the go with Skillshare’s mobile app, which also allows offline learning.
Cons
- Lack of Certifications: Unlike some other platforms, Skillshare doesn’t offer certifications for completing courses. While this may not matter for most learners, it could be a dealbreaker for those who want a credential for their work.
- Limited Business Classes: While Skillshare offers some business courses, the platform is more focused on creative fields. If you’re looking for in-depth business or technology training, you might need to look elsewhere.
- Varying Quality of Courses: Since many of the courses are user-generated, the quality can vary. Some classes may not meet your expectations in terms of depth or production quality.
- No Direct Access to Instructors: Unlike some platforms that offer live sessions or direct access to instructors, Skillshare primarily offers pre-recorded content with limited opportunities for direct interaction.
Conclusion: Skillshare Review
Skillshare is a fantastic platform for creative professionals looking to upskill in a variety of areas. It offers an affordable, accessible, and project-based learning environment with a wealth of high-quality classes.
While it lacks certifications and some business-focused content, its affordability and range of creative courses make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their artistic abilities or learn new creative skills.
If you’re serious about honing your craft, whether for personal growth or career advancement, Skillshare can provide the tools and community to help you succeed.
