Online art classes and courses

Adult hobbyists, home-schooling families and beginners who prefer learning from home, in Canada or further afield.

Fees per live class series, one-off workshops, or paid recorded courses. A small membership with monthly live sessions can bring steadier income.

• Strong skill in one visual medium
• Clear explaining on camera
• Basic video and lighting setup
• Building an audience through social media or email

• Taking time to build an audience, early sales can be slow
• Platform fees and payment processing costs
• Collecting GST/HST, and check how tax applies when selling to students in other provinces or countries
• Copyright, only use reference images and artwork you have the right to teach from
• Consider business insurance that covers professional liability for online teaching

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $200 to $1,500, depending on your camera, lighting, course platform and any insurance. Platform fees and payment processing costs also add to your running costs.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $200 to $3,000, depending on your audience size, class prices and how many courses you offer. Early sales can be slow while you build an audience.

Check how GST/HST applies, including when selling to students in other provinces or countries. Check copyright, so you only teach from images and artwork you have the right to use, and consider insurance that covers professional liability for online teaching.