All the Other Lives I Could Maybe Still Live
All the Other Lives I Could Maybe Still Live
Honestly, I see a direct personal correlation between “being stressed at work” and “wanting to sign up for classes.” I wouldn’t say I’m not okay, but if you hear me trying to decide between two complicated certification series, it might be a good time to ask, “hey buddy, but how is everything else going?” I like the idea of doing something longer and more in-depth than single-day workshops, but also don’t feel like I have the time.
I try to be self-aware and temper that urge by simply keeping track of long courses and certifications that seem interesting, and revisiting them later. I keep a list on my are.na profile, but that’s not super user-friendly if you don’t use are.na (you SHOULD use it, though).
So, here’s my list! If you take one of these: TELL ME!
“CMYKinda* is a WORKSHOP PLATFORM organized by Travis Shaffer on the topic of multi-color risograph output with a specific emphasis on adapting the riso-printing process for photographic imagery.”
Duration: 1 year at a time
Cost: $400 with a $100 yearly renewal to stay in the community
Time commitment: ~12 live meetings
“The Ballymaloe 12 Week Certificate Course is an intensive immersion programme designed for anybody with a passion for food, from those who wish to pursue a professional culinary career to enthusiasts who would like to cook with confidence in their own homes.”
This is a cooking school in Ireland that has been offering cooking classes in a former castle since the 1980s. I love the idea of leaving everything behind and going to hang out on 100 acres of farmland.
Duration: 12 weeks
Cost: About $17,000
Time commitment: Daily!!!
“Advance your career, gain relevant skills, and build your confidence with a 3-6 month action-oriented learning experience. Certificate programs are designed to deepen your learning and broaden your professional impact.”
Duration: Roughly 3-4 months
Cost: $800
Time commitment: 4 hours/week
“Repertoire is a 12-week online course - taught by Bärbel Dressler - for surface pattern design students who want to move from beginner to advanced.”
Duration: 12 weeks
Cost: $997
Time commitment: ~10 hours/week
“Jump start your design skills by learning from working professionals who share what they have learned from years of experience designing and installing beautiful home landscapes. Intended for hobbyists and amateur landscape designers alike, our program will provide both foundational and cutting-edge concepts and techniques for creating functional, crowd-pleasing landscape plans for any type of budget.”
Duration: 2-3 months
Cost: $1,995
Time commitment: 26 hours
Designing for Themed Entertainment and Experiences
“What goes into creating these immersive-themed experiences we know and love? This class gives students a comprehensive look at the themed entertainment industry as a whole and the design process used to create world-class attractions.”
Duration: 2 Months
Cost: $415
Time commitment: 2-6 hours/week
Note: I actually completed this class in February 2025! And really loved it.
“Completion of the certificate will enable students to apply principles associated with the use of horticulture to increase human health and wellbeing. Students will explore the human dimensions of horticulture and its use as a vehicle for increased quality of life. They will gain knowledge in treatment assessments, plans, and methods, as well as activity analysis and adaptation and how they apply to special populations and varied settings. Documentation, funding, and staff, volunteer, and program management will be examined, as will the use of plants, gardens, and greenhouses in therapeutic programming. This program prepares students to develop activities, treatment plans, and programs using plants to achieve therapeutic outcomes in diverse public and private settings.”
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“Designed to provide advanced, specialised knowledge, ARCA’s postgraduate certificates offer applicants an interdisciplinary learning experience that addresses the complexities of cultural property ownership, circulation, and protection. At their conclusion, trainees who participate in these programmes will be equipped with the tools needed to confront the intricate challenges of art crime prevention on a global scale.”
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“We’ll take you as a true beginner and transform you into an experienced skipper able to operate medium sized sailboats on lakes and bays for day sailing. Our sailing lessons for beginners, will certify you to operate sailboats big enough to comfortably take friends and family as your crew.”
Duration: 3 Saturdays
Cost: $650
Time commitment: Class is from 9am-5pm on the 3 Saturdays