Learn The Art of Lighting Design

No prior experience is needed, as Sally explains every principle from first principles using clear demonstrations rather than technical jargon. In the John Cullen Lighting Pod she switches effects on and off in front of you so you can literally see the difference between downlights, wall-washing, uplighting and framing projectors. Beginners will gain confidence quickly, while interior designers, architects and renovators will pick up professional-level detail on specification and control.

Yes, the course is built around practical, real-world application, including Sally's own kitchen, living room and garden terrace where she reveals each layer of light step by step. You'll learn how to reduce reliance on grids of downlights, conceal light sources within joinery and cornices, choose the right fittings for tasks like reading, cooking and applying makeup, and programme preset scenes for different times of day. There is also guidance on listed or protected ceilings, waterproof exterior installation and where a professional electrician is essential.

Absolutely. A dedicated section on exterior lighting explains why lighting the garden stops glazed kitchens turning into mirrors at night, and how to zone a garden into outdoor rooms using layered spike uplights, mini floods, mushroom downlights and candle-style fixtures. Sally also covers lighting trees, sculpture, steps, pergolas and water features, plus ecological considerations such as dark skies, bat flight paths, IP68 ratings and concealing drivers.

It's taught by Sally Storey, one of the world's most respected lighting designers, creative director of John Cullen Lighting and founder of Lighting Design International, with decades of experience across homes, hotels, superyachts and museums. Rather than theory alone, she demonstrates effects live in a purpose-built lighting pod and room sets so you can see exactly how light reveals texture, volume, art and sculpture. You also gain insider knowledge she uses professionally, such as specifying 2400K versus 2700K and insisting on a high colour rendition index for true, lifelike colour.

All of our courses are online, meaning that you are able to watch them whenever and wherever suits you best. There is no beginning or finish date and they’re completely self-paced so that you can stop, start and pause each lesson to fit around your own schedule. You can begin watching a course as soon as you purchase it – simply login to your Create Academy account whenever you have a quiet moment to yourself.

Yes! You can rewatch each lesson as many times as you’d like. If you have purchased an individual course, you will have lifetime access to it, so you’ll be able to rewatch and dip in and out of each lesson forever - perfect if you have a busy schedule! If you purchased an annual subscription, you can enjoy full access to all of our lessons until you choose to cancel.

If you have purchased an individual course, you will have life time access.

An annual subscription gives you access to all courses for 12 months from the date of purchase, including those released during that period. Our subscriptions are set to automatically renew after 12 months so you have the benefit of uninterrupted access! If you choose to cancel, you will no longer have access to the platform.

Below each video lesson you’ll find the link to download the corresponding workbook pages. If you’d like to download the whole workbook at once, simply navigate to the very first lesson in the course and click 'Download Workbook'.

We’re on a mission to help you build your creative confidence and live a more creatively fulfilled life. Through beautifully curated video courses, we give you unprecedented access to the expertise of today’s best designers, makers, gardeners and chefs - allowing you to unlock your creativity whenever and wherever you want.

Yes – all our courses are available internationally. Please note, all our courses are taught in English.