SkillShare

Brief Overview of Skillshare

Skillshare is an online learning community designed for creative and curious individuals. It provides access to thousands of classes across a wide array of topics, including illustration, design, photography, video, freelancing, and more. The primary problem Skillshare solves for content creators is offering a platform to learn new skills, refine existing ones, and find inspiration from industry professionals. Classes are taught through video lessons, and members can create projects and even teach classes themselves. Skillshare supports a multitude of creative disciplines, from graphic design and animation to marketing and productivity. Notable differentiators include classes taught by creative pros and industry icons, the availability of Learning Paths to guide skill development, and Certificates to mark accomplishments.

Key Features for Content Creators

• Thousands of Creative Classes: With over 25,000 classes, content creators can explore a vast range of subjects like graphic design, illustration, film & video, photography, UI/UX design, marketing, and creative writing. This extensive library allows creators to continuously learn and expand their skill sets.
• Taught by Creative Pros and Industry Icons: Learn directly from experts and established professionals in various creative fields. Instructors include well-known figures like Marques Brownlee (YouTuber), Aaron Draplin (Graphic Designer), and Alicia Souza (Illustrator), providing valuable insights and techniques.
• Learning Paths: Skillshare offers Learning Paths designed to help creators achieve specific goals by providing a structured sequence of classes. This is beneficial for creators looking to master a new skill or delve deeper into a particular area of content creation.
• Hands-on Classes and Projects: Many classes emphasize practical application, encouraging students to create projects. This hands-on approach helps content creators solidify their learning and build a portfolio.
• Certificates of Accomplishment: Upon completing courses, creators can receive certificates, which can be a way to showcase their newly acquired skills and dedication to learning.
• Offline Viewing: Members can download classes for offline viewing, allowing creators to learn on the go, even without an internet connection, making it a flexible learning tool.
• Vibrant Community: Skillshare fosters a community of over 600,000 members, providing a space for creators to connect, share work, and gain feedback.
• Opportunity to Teach: Content creators themselves can become teachers on Skillshare, sharing their expertise and passion with others, which can also be an additional avenue for their creative endeavors.

Target Users & Use Cases

• Primary creator types: Skillshare is suitable for a broad range of creators including illustrators, graphic designers, photographers, videographers, animators, UI/UX designers, freelancers, marketers, social media managers, and creative writers.
• Experience level: The platform caters to all levels, from beginner to pro, with classes designed for various skill stages.
• Team size: While ideal for solo creators, Skillshare also offers Skillshare for Teams, making it a valuable resource for creative teams looking to upskill and foster professional growth.
• Specific use cases: Learning new software like Procreate, Canva, Adobe Premiere Pro, or Figma; mastering social media content creation; improving SEO and marketing skills using tools like ChatGPT; developing skills in iPhone photography or video editing; exploring freelance and entrepreneurship.
• Content types: The platform is well-suited for learning skills related to creating diverse content formats, including digital illustrations, graphic designs, animations, videos, photography, marketing materials, and written content.

Skillshare Pricing & Value for Creators

Skillshare offers a 7-day free trial for new paid subscribers. After the trial, a paid Skillshare membership begins. Memberships provide unlimited access to all Skillshare classes. Subscriptions are available on an annual or monthly basis and are billed automatically on a recurring basis until canceled. The specific costs for monthly or annual plans are not detailed on the main page beyond the trial offer. There is no mention of specific creator-only discounts apart from the general free trial.

Bottom Line: Should Content Creators Choose Skillshare?

Content creators seeking to acquire new skills, enhance existing talents, or explore diverse creative disciplines will find Skillshare to be a valuable resource. Its main competitive advantages lie in the extensive library of over 25,000 classes, instruction by industry leaders and creative professionals, and a focus on hands-on, project-based learning. The platform is particularly beneficial for creators who appreciate structured Learning Paths and the flexibility of offline viewing. For those looking to learn anything from graphic design and video editing to marketing and productivity, Skillshare offers a comprehensive and accessible learning environment. The ability to also teach on the platform provides an additional opportunity for seasoned creators. Overall, Skillshare presents a strong value proposition for creators at all levels committed to continuous learning and creative development.