Goodbye CreativeLive - A Personal Farewell to a Beloved Learning Haven

Today, I stumbled upon the news I wasn't prepared for! CreativeLive - the platform that had once been a vibrant, inspiring corner of the internet - is shutting down. And as I read the announcement, a wave of sadness and disbelief hit me harder than I expected. It's more than just a website closing. It feels like the quiet end of an era that once held a special place in my heart.

I've been a regular visitor of CreativeLive for years. It was more than a place to learn; it was a space that felt alive with passion, purpose, and creativity. Some nights, I'd find myself diving into hours of photography sessions, completely lost in the lessons, scribbling down notes, pausing to absorb a concept, rewinding just to hear a profound insight again. It became a routine, a sanctuary; my own little virtual classroom filled with light.

Names like Sue Bryce, Ben Willmore, Lindsay Adler, John Greengo and so many others weren't just instructors to me. They were mentors, guides, and somehow, in the strange intimacy of online learning, companions. I still remember Sue's classes on portraiture - her gentle way of guiding students, her storytelling, her grace. Or Ben Willmore, who could demystify Photoshop in a way that felt like magic. And Lindsay Adler - always so precise, so passionate, pushing the boundaries of fashion photography. And John's Fundamentals of Photography - the first ever class I took as a photographer. 

Their voices, their lessons - they became part of my journey. CreativeLive was the place that gave me the confidence to pick up my camera with intention, to look at light and shadows with new eyes, to see art where I used to see doubt.

And now, knowing that it will no longer be there for others to discover, to explore, to fall in love with like I once did - it hurts. Especially because those who accessed courses through subscriptions (like I often did) won't have access anymore. Only those who purchased individual courses can still revisit that treasure trove. That feels like a loss, not just of content, but of a community spirit that made CreativeLive so unique.

There's a strange kind of nostalgia wrapped up in platforms like these. You don’t realize how deeply you're connected to them until they're gone. They live quietly in the background of your daily life, but shape so much of your growth and inspiration. And when they go, they leave behind echoes - memories of those nights you stayed up learning, the skills you developed, and the dreams they nudged you toward.

I wish there had been a different ending - one that allowed the spirit of CreativeLive to evolve, not fade away. But above all, I am grateful. Grateful for every educator who poured their heart into their sessions. Grateful for the moments of clarity, joy, and creativity that came from this platform. Grateful for the journey.

To anyone else who feels this loss - I see you. And to the team behind CreativeLive - thank you! You created something that mattered. And it will be missed.

 


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