20 Free Courses & Resources For Creatives and Corporate
“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest”
Benjamin Franklin
Art from blackillustrations.com
I’ve learned but more so been forced to be a befriend rest in the same way that I am a fun of productivity. For a number of us, we have grown an unhealthy attachment to such phrases like “sleep when you die,” “the grind don't sleep,” and other cliche’s that have ultimately lead us down a path of destruction. Rest is essential to your success. The layered bags under our eyes and aching bones are celebrated as trophies of work ethic. We attach our self-worth to our success and productivity. It’s difficult to face ourselves and remember who we are without all of the titles. LLC Twiter (aka Brunch Boots Twitter, Rise & Grind Twitter, Roc Nation Brunch Twitter, Well Got The Same Twitter, and so on) has promoted a false ideology that rest and work can not coexist in the same body instead of rest being an essential particle of our every being. Hyper-productivity is a false-god for our generation.
I have used this time to do less and invest entirely in my self-up keep (the best way I can because nails) and self-care. I’ve spent more time cooking for myself, on skin-care, reading random articles on the chemical composition of skin care goods, and all of the things I said I didn’t have time to. Although I recognize that I am in a very fortunate position to say that I still have job security and am saying this from a place of privilege, I needed a break. Getting back to all of the things that I liked to do for myself reminded me that I let my job control too much of my life. Normal as we know it is over but I do hope that once the streets (and offices) open back up I can be mindful of keeping these same actions in place.
If you do not want to be productive to learn a new skill or side hustle right now that is perfectly fine. People are worried about their loved ones and their livelihood. It is quite acceptable to sit the entire fuck down during a pandemic. The way we feel vilified for not picking things up we can turn around and do the same for those who choose to use this time differently. Lead with empathy instead of opinions.
If you can manage taking care of yourself first then wanting to pick up something that sparks your interest or fills the gaps for your time, here are free resources for those who or creative, in corporate, or both to help during this time.
Work-Outs/Fitness
Nike made it’s premium version of the app free and full of workouts for your entire body. Also check out the YouTube Live workouts that Nike hosts weekly for an added bonus
Free workouts for every athletic level.
If you need some guidance but looking to build your own workout, WFW app allows you to put in your fitness level and choose from 5-15 minute workouts that are guided by a timer and videos.
Dallas Fitness Trainer Jordan Johnson is providing at at home workouts for free and are updated weekly for the duration of quarantine. If you have equipment like kettle bells and weights, he also has a variety of other programs to from full body to goal specific.
Taking to IG daily, optometrist and Yogi Dr. Danielle Richardson is giving helpful tips for diet, staying mindful, and yoga sessions during our time at home. Follow along at @fierceclarity for videos and more to help you stay healthy and full during this time. She also offers Yoga classes that you can purchase for your at home practice.
Tech& Digital
Stanford Code in Place (Application Ends April 8th)
If you have no experience with coding but want to learn Code in Place is an option for you. Get an intro to coding learning Python Language.
Needing a new website? Walk through a variety of lessons to assist you with basic coding and design of your next web page.
Google has a breadth of free resources to help grow your skills, business, or career. Quarantine has their official events on pause however the team is still producing great content and training to help those in this time of need.
Lead by Microsoft experts through edX, browse a variety of courses for free to pick up additional skills such as PowerBI, Data Analysis, and Ethics and Law.
Self care/upkeep
Yale Presents: The Science of Well Being
According to Fast Company, one in four students at Yale take this course making it pretty popular. Right now it is free on Coursera to “increase your own happiness and build productive habits”
Although not free, the $5 fee every two weeks is basically a no brainer for a the time and attention. Learn the basics of braiding in a safe place for Black Girls who never learned how to braid.
The non-profit dedicated to EQ (emotional intelligence) is doing a series of daily events to touch on various topics to help deal with the quarantine.
Organizing items is a science. Grab this course for free that has been recognized around the globe as helping people go from chaos to bliss.
Creative
Time to dust off your camera and get some socially distant shots in. Nikon is offering a full suite of photography techniques and lessons for free all of April. If you are a content creator this is a great way to learn good camera tricks for yourself.
Understanding Fashion: From Business to Culture
Deepen your understanding of the impact of fashion and society with the input of the names behind brands such as Chanel, YSL, Simon Porte Jacquemus and more.
We’ve all wondered at some point who designs theme parks and how. Here is our chance to find out. Disney is offering a free course which includes free videos, activities and more to learn the magic behind the scenes.
That guitar that you saved months for is still sitting in the corner lonely. You have nowhere to be anytime soon so might as well give it some attention. Fender is giving three months of guitar, bass, and of course the popular ukulele lessons for free.
Large corporations pay thousands of dollars at a time for SEO work. They are waiving the $300 fee to teach you the basics of getting your website to the top of the search page.
Skill Development & Career Focus
A number of big name universities allow audits of courses for free on various education sites. Topics range anywhere from excel functions to Chimpanzee behavior.
University of California, Berkeley
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Also browse websites Like Udemy, Coursera, and edX for other options that might spark your interest.