Freelancing Fundamentals

About this course

Many creatives start freelancing by accident: one job turns into five, and suddenly there are invoices, receipts and tax questions. This course sets up the foundations deliberately. It covers what self-employment means in Canada (and how to check the rules where you live), keeping business records, tracking income and expenses, when GST/HST registration becomes required, the parts of a simple written agreement, invoicing and payment terms, and protecting your time and health. It uses Canada Revenue Agency guidance as its primary reference and is educational only.

Who it’s for: Designers, illustrators and artists starting or formalising freelance work, especially in Canada. No business background needed.

You will be able to

• Explain the main differences between employment and self-employment for a creative worker
• Set up a simple income, expense and receipt record system
• Describe when GST/HST registration is required in Canada and where to confirm it
• Draft a one-page working agreement covering scope, timeline, payment and usage
• Issue a clear invoice with payment terms and follow up on late payment politely

Studio project

A freelance starter kit: readiness check, record-keeping system, tax questions list, one-page agreement, invoice template and payment reminder sequence.

To complete this course

• Complete every required lesson.
• Have the assignment “Freelance starter kit” accepted by an instructor.
• Records of completion are issued only for courses whose content has passed instructor review.

Part of

• Freelance Design Business Program