3 Ways to Make a Standout Class in a Popular Category

At Skillshare we’re often asked, “How can new teachers build followings in categories that are already very popular?”

While it might sound counterintuitive, categories with a high volume of classes indicate high student interest, and can be a great way for teachers to gain traction (no matter how many successful classes currently exist).

Using examples from some of Skillshare’s most popular subjects—watercolors, graphic design, photography, and hand lettering—here are three ways to make your class stand out in a crowd.

1. Showcase a unique project.

Carve a niche by building your class around an unusual, fun project. Even if students already know the basics, an intriguing project makes those skills feel brand new.

WATERCOLORS: From donuts to tiramisu, Fun and Easy Watercolors: All Kinds of Chocolate puts a delicious spin on standard watercolor techniques.

PHOTOGRAPHY: In DIY Studio Photography Lightbox + Demo , students make an essential photography tool using only a cardboard box and tracing paper. — PHOTOGRAPHY: In DIY Studio Photography Lightbox + Demo, students make an essential photography tool using only a cardboard box and tracing paper.

GRAPHIC DESIGN: Students turn an inanimate object into an adorable (or terrifying) vintage character in 1930’s Character Design: Illustrate Iconic Characters . — GRAPHIC DESIGN: Students turn an inanimate object into an adorable (or terrifying) vintage character in 1930’s Character Design: Illustrate Iconic Characters.

HAND LETTERING: Type as Image: Draw and Hand Letter Your Favourite Animal teaches hand lettering basics through a fun animal-inspired project.

2. Keep it trendy.

No matter how crowded the category, on-trend classes are always in demand. Center your class around a skill, tool, or motif currently popular in design circles and on social media.

WATERCOLORS: Modern Watercolor Techniques: Explore Skills to Create On-Brand Paintings covers trends like ombré gradients and metallic textures.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Low-light photography meets the botanical trend in Dark Botanical Photography: Capture Beautifully Moody Images of Plants . — PHOTOGRAPHY: Low-light photography meets the botanical trend in Dark Botanical Photography: Capture Beautifully Moody Images of Plants.

GRAPHIC DESIGN: Source & Mix Botanical Illustrations with Typography to Create Trendy Designs capitalizes on the popularity of florals.

HAND LETTERING: In Lettering Trends: Patterned Ink , students create the patterned hand lettering that now appears everywhere on Instagram. — HAND LETTERING: In Lettering Trends: Patterned Ink, students create the patterned hand lettering that now appears everywhere on Instagram.

3. Highlight a special perspective or technique.

Students often take multiple classes within a category because they enjoy different teaching styles. Use your personal expertise to share an unusual technique or to approach a familiar subject in a different way.