The arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic saw millions of people around the world stuck at home. While some of us were lucky enough to have a stable 9-5 to get us through all the insanity, many were not. However, as we always tend to do; we looked out for each other. We saw numerous businesses stepping up and offering support to the creative community. From free software to online resources for kids, people were stepping up in all areas to offer some much needed distraction and support, for free.
As we are a creative bunch here at Digital Works and would hate to see other creatives and innovative people left with nothing to do, we have created a list of our favourite online resources available for free during this third lockdown.
- Affinity from Serif
Affinity ranges from photo editing software to graphic design and publishing software, and is highly recommended by our brilliant Head of Design, Becca. Affinity are offering a free 90-day trial of the whole Affinity suite (Still available to those of you who have already availed of this awesome offer) as well as 50% off for those who would prefer to buy and keep the aps. Even if you’re not a design whiz, Affinity provides you with tutorials and you can be sure to find helpful Youtube videos online.
https://affinity.serif.com/en-gb/
- Doodles with Mo Willems
The American writer, animator, voice actor, and creator of children’s books is doing a free Youtube series entitled, ‘Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems’. This is a great opportunity for you and your kids or housemates to get your creative juices flowing for 20-30 minutes each day and create wacky and fun doodles.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjaYnyCJDdU&list=PL14hRqd0PELGbKihHuTqx_pbvCLqGbOkF
- Colour for Calm
Creative illustrator Claudine O’ Sullivan is offering a free PDF that you can print out and colour in or use as a digital template for iPad/tablet drawing! Including 7 different illustrations, Claudine hoped this would provide a little bit of creative release for those who are feeling anxious and need some headspace, those in self isolation and of course, young aspiring artists in need of extra activities.
https://www.claudineosullivan.com/shop/colour-for-calm
- Audi’s Colouring Book
Car manufacturer Audi jumped on this trend and has released it’s very own colouring book in PDF format. It includes 13 blank illustrations featuring various Audi vehicles in different locations and is a great resource for those of you into cars and looking for a way to wind down and relax.
https://www.audi.fr/dam/nemo/fr/PDF/Audi_cahier_coloriage.pdf
- Pearson College’s Online Courses
Pearson College London has offered over 300 free courses to the public throughout this pandemic. These courses range from innovation and entrepreneurship to coding to the branding of culture. If you have anywhere from 2-200+ hours to spare, then why not expand your horizons during lockdown 3.0?
Whatever the case, there’s something in it for everyone and honing your creative skills during this lockdown is easier and cheaper than you might think. Be sure to let us know how you get on and tag us in your recreations!
