How to become a Craftsy instructor

In this post I'm specifically trying to encourage more tatting teachers to think about teaching a course on Craftsy, but the information here will apply to any craft subject.

So, first of all, if you don't already have a Craftsy account, sign up at https://www.craftsy.com/
You'll need to watch some Craftsy classes to get an idea of how the course platform functions. Watch several classes to observe different teaching styles. 

So, if you're thinking, "I could teach a Craftsy class!", the next step would be to prepare a plan of what you would like to teach. At the time of this writing, Craftsy's standard class format is 7 lessons, with each lesson lasting about 20 minutes. You don't need 7 different projects, but should take photos of what each lesson will be covering.

Contact Craftsy with your proposal of a class.

Some of the facts Craftsy will want to know about you is whether you have a blog, Facebook page, website, email list, or anything that shows you have followers that like your work. They will want to see photos of things that you've made, using skills related to your course proposal. If you have experience teaching classes at live events, be sure to tell them that and provide photos if possible. If you've written books or had your work published in magazines, that's a plus. Basically, they need evidence that you've developed a high level of skill, that you have enthusiasm for teaching it to others, and that people will want to buy your class.

Not all proposals are accepted.
But hey! Supposing Craftsy likes your proposal and accepts it! What happens next?

You will receive emails from a Craftsy contact person, with a formal title like "acquisitions editor" or "content editor". They will set up a convenient time to telephone you, and will help you through the process of preparing your class for the 3 day video shoot at their studios. You'll also be sent a contract to sign.


Craftsy will help with the travel planning. They'll also pay for any supplies that you need to purchase for your projects that you'll be demonstrating in your class. You'll need to submit the receipts for the supplies to be reimbursed for them.

An important task is to prepare "step outs", or projects partially completed, up to each step in the lessons that you'll be teaching. The reason is so that valuable studio time isn't spent waiting while you finish something. Basically, if something takes you more than a few minutes to do, you'll need to prepare another step out to that part of the project.

You'll also need to prepare patterns for the class projects, as part of the downloadable course materials.

When you get to the Craftsy studios you'll be given star treatment! They even have a professional makeup artist to get you camera ready! It may seem like a ton of makeup, but it's just enough for the camera work. The makeup artist will style your hair, too.

Showtime! Don't worry that you have to do everything perfectly in one take. The camera crew are super-nice people and will work with you to get your class to look great!

After the video shoot is done, you go home happy, and wait for your class to be edited, which takes about 6 to 8 weeks. You'll be notified when your class goes live! After that, you need to answer any student questions that come up in your class. Instructors giving personalized responses to student questions is what makes Craftsy classes truly interactive.