Is Skillshare Worth It? My Honest Review

The Allure of Skillshare: Learning Something New

So, Skillshare, huh? It’s kind of like the Netflix of online courses, right? All these classes at your fingertips, promising to unlock hidden talents and boost your resume. I mean, who *wouldn’t* be tempted? I certainly was. I’ve always been that person who loves learning new things, dabbling in different hobbies. One week it’s bread baking, the next it’s trying to learn Python (that one didn’t go so well, tbh). So when I saw Skillshare ads popping up everywhere, with their promise of affordable, bite-sized courses, I thought, “Why not?” Maybe this could be the thing that finally gets me off my creative butt and actually *doing* something.

I remember specifically being drawn to a course on calligraphy. You know, those fancy, elegant letters you see on wedding invitations. I always thought it looked so cool and sophisticated. Plus, I figured it would be a relaxing way to unwind after a long day of staring at a computer screen. Ugh, the thought of spreadsheets makes me cringe even now. I signed up for the free trial, fully intending to cancel before they charged me, you know, like we all do. And then… I forgot.

My Skillshare Experiment: Calligraphy Chaos

And that, my friends, is how I ended up paying for a Skillshare subscription for a month. But hey, no regrets! (Okay, maybe a *little* regret about forgetting to cancel, but let’s focus on the positive.) I dove headfirst into that calligraphy course. The instructor seemed nice enough, her handwriting was gorgeous, and the first few lessons were actually quite enjoyable. I was carefully copying her strokes, feeling like a regular Renaissance artist. I even bought a fancy calligraphy pen set from Amazon. I was all in!

Then came the “flourishes.” Oh, those damn flourishes. The swirly bits that make calligraphy look so fancy. I just couldn’t get the hang of them. My flourishes looked more like tangled spiderwebs than elegant curves. I spent hours practicing, my hand cramping, ink smudging everywhere. Ugh, what a mess! Was I the only one struggling this much? I started to doubt my artistic abilities. I mean, I can draw a decent stick figure, but calligraphy? Apparently, that’s a whole different ballgame. The fancy pen set started to feel like a symbol of my failure. It’s still sitting in a drawer somewhere, mocking me, I think.

Skillshare’s Pros and Cons: The Real Deal

So, is Skillshare worth it? Honestly, it’s complicated. On the one hand, the platform is packed with content. There are courses on everything from graphic design and photography to coding and marketing. And the price is pretty reasonable, especially if you snag a discount. But here’s the thing: the quality of the courses can be hit or miss. Some instructors are amazing, passionate, and truly knowledgeable. Others… not so much. I found that it really came down to doing your research and reading reviews before committing to a course.

Also, the whole “bite-sized” thing can be both a blessing and a curse. It’s great for learning new skills quickly, but it can also lead to a superficial understanding. I mean, I learned the basics of calligraphy, but I’m nowhere near being able to create those stunning pieces I admired. If you’re looking for in-depth, comprehensive training, Skillshare might not be the best option. It’s more like a sampler platter of skills, giving you a taste of different things. Think of it as a starting point, not the final destination.

Alternatives and Final Thoughts on Skillshare

If you’re as curious as I was about online learning platforms, you might want to dig into other options like Udemy or Coursera. Udemy often has massive sales, making individual courses very affordable. Coursera partners with universities to offer more structured and in-depth learning experiences, some even leading to certifications. I’ve heard good things, but haven’t personally tried them, so I can’t say for sure.

Ultimately, whether or not Skillshare is worth it depends on your individual goals and learning style. If you’re looking for a fun, affordable way to explore different skills and dip your toes into new areas, then go for it. Just be prepared to do your research and manage your expectations. And maybe, just maybe, skip the calligraphy unless you have an unusually high tolerance for frustration. I’m just saying. Learn from my mistakes! Who even knows what I’ll try to learn next? Maybe basket weaving? Just kidding… mostly.

And don’t forget to set a reminder to cancel that free trial! Trust me on that one. I totally messed up and lost money. Okay, well, I guess that money *technically* bought me some (frustrating) calligraphy lessons!