CreativeLive, a renowned platform for online creative education, is embarking on a new chapter, transitioning from near-shutdown to a vibrant resurgence. Founded in 2010 by photographer Chase Jarvis and entrepreneur Craig Swanson, the platform distinguished itself with live-streamed workshops from industry experts in photography, design, business, and music. Its innovative model, offering free live viewing and paid access to recordings, quickly established CreativeLive as a significant player in the burgeoning online learning sphere.
Despite its initial success, substantial venture capital funding, and expansion into mobile and TV applications, CreativeLive encountered mounting challenges from the evolving landscape of digital content, dominated by short-form videos and free tutorials. In 2021, a pivotal moment arrived when Fiverr, a freelance marketplace, acquired CreativeLive, integrating it into its broader strategy to support freelancers with both educational resources and client access. However, in September 2025, CreativeLive announced its impending closure by year-end due to sustainability concerns. In a dramatic turn of events, just weeks before its scheduled shutdown, online learning marketplace CourseHorse acquired CreativeLive, averting its demise and paving the way for its current revitalization.
After a notable period of public silence from 2022 until January 2026, CreativeLive has re-engaged with its community, expressing gratitude for its foundational role in countless creative journeys and announcing the official return of live classes. This strategic shift involves embracing real-time learning, expert instruction, and a broader curriculum that now includes food photography, travel storytelling, composting, and artificial intelligence, alongside its traditional photography focus. Further demonstrating its commitment to direct community interaction, CreativeLive plans to host an Ask Me Anything session on Reddit's r/Photography community on February 17, marking a proactive effort to reconnect with its audience and solicit feedback. This renewed strategy reflects CreativeLive's aspiration to not only reclaim its position as a leader in creative education but also to evolve with the needs of a dynamic creative landscape.
This revival story underscores the resilience and adaptability required in the digital age. CreativeLive's journey from potential obsolescence to a promising new beginning exemplifies the enduring power of community, continuous learning, and strategic evolution. Its commitment to live, interactive education and expanding content areas offers a beacon of opportunity for creatives globally, fostering skill development and inspiring new pathways for artistic expression.