The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Stimulus (CARES) Act is likely the bill you've heard about. The CARES act essentially widens the unemployment and benefits safety net to workers that, under normal circumstances, would not receive them.

Freelancers don’t have to take work because it’s in front of them. Here’s how to make sure the client is someone you want to work with.

Artists and freelancers have experienced substantial financial hardship since the COVID-related decrease in public gatherings. This collection of funds and grants aims to only include those that are actively dispersing funds and soliciting applicants.

With cities across the country shutting down to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly every industry is feeling the pinch.

If you’ve been successful as a freelancer and enjoy independence, you may want to establish your own small design firm. Here are a few things to digest before making the transition.

As a freelancer you are a one-person entity responsible for your own taxes, insurance and other business issues. Find must-know tips here on operating as a healthy company to avoid trouble.

A collection of legal guides, written by practicing lawyers, are a helpful resource if you have questions about intellectual property

Many designers work as independent contractors. This guide provides an overview of the legal and tax basics that independent contractor designers need to know.

It's the nature of working in a creative industry – each job and client has unique characteristics, requirements, and needs. What may work for one client, may not be quite right for another. Your best strategy is to approach your payment schedule as you would any design project, personalizing your methodology with forethought, fortitude, and creativity.

AIGA Blue Ridge asks a lawyer/chapter member how to draft a contract that prevents against late payments, and protects you when it happens.

Use an agreement like this when subcontracting with design firms and ad agencies. You should not use this form when you are selling services directly to a business client. For that, you should prepare a fixed-fee proposal and use the legal terms and conditions that are contained in the AIGA Standard Form of Agreement for Design Services.

It is important—and easy—to calculate an individually based hourly rate. Follow these simple steps to formulate your own freelance value.

The AIGA Standard Form of Agreement for Design Services does not take a one-size-fits-all approach, and it is not an extensive pre-printed document where you simply fill in the blanks. Instead, this agreement acknowledges that most design firms develop their own custom proposal document for each project and are looking for an appropriate set of terms and conditions to attach to it.

A client informs you it wants to a cancel a contract. What should you do?

It’s not wise to go through life without health insurance. Here are your options if you had employer-provided coverage and lost it, or were never covered at all.

If you're just starting out in business, the whole subject of insurance can be rather confusing. To put things into context, here's an overview of the various players and what it is that they provide.

With tax deadlines on the horizon, we’re shifting our attention—albeit, just slightly—away from type design and smart graphics, and towards money and the IRS. It’s been said that taxes are certain.

Now that you’re an independent businessperson, you are required to properly upkeep your own income taxes. Start here with an overview of tax issues for entrepreneurs.

Up-to-date news about any changes in tax filing deadlines, as well as stimulus check payment updates.

Support for those whose jobs have been affected, and how to keep moving forward in an evolving job market.

From new legislation to contracts and getting paid, resources for active freelancers and those transitioning to a freelance role.

Curated by the Design Educators Community (DEC) for education best practices in an uncertain time.

And those transitioning into the design field.

From freelancers and solo practitioners, to small businesses and mature practices employing more than one designer.

Both personal and professional resources to stay healthy, creative, and inspire.