We spent considerable time analyzing Command the Fees You Deserve, and here's what we discovered. This self-paced course, taught by Ilise Benun on CreativeLive, addresses a universal pain point for creative freelancers: how to stop undercharging and start commanding professional rates. The curriculum spans 44 video lessons (quite comprehensive for a free offering), covering everything from mindset shifts to practical pricing strategies.
What caught our attention immediately was Benun's credentials. With over 30 years coaching creatives and seven published books (including "The Creative Professional's Guide to Money"), she brings legitimate expertise to the table. The course structure follows a logical progression: first tackling the psychological barriers around money conversations, then moving into concrete pricing frameworks, and finally covering client negotiation tactics.
We noticed the course takes a refreshingly practical approach. Rather than promising overnight success or six-figure transformations (red flags we often see), it focuses on actionable tools like elevator pitches, LinkedIn optimization, and proposal templates. The emphasis on value-based pricing over hourly rates particularly resonated with us, as this shift often marks the difference between struggling freelancers and thriving creative businesses.
One interesting discovery: while the course originated several years ago, the core principles remain relevant. Yes, some digital marketing tactics have evolved, but the fundamentals of pricing psychology, client communication, and value proposition haven't changed. That said, we'd love to see updated examples reflecting today's remote work landscape and contemporary freelance platforms.
Beginner (No Prior Experience Needed)
light Light (1–5 Hours/Week)
Self-Paced (Work On Your Own Schedule)
Make Money
We found overwhelmingly positive reactions across creative communities, with particular praise for Benun's no-nonsense approach and actionable advice. Freelancers consistently report feeling more confident about pricing after completing the course.
"Ilise Benun is clear and well-organized. The methods she shares are easy to understand while honest and straightforward in approach." – CreativeLive Student
"Ilise's expertise was tremendously helpful. Thanks to Ilise, I'm not 'stuck' any longer and I'm so excited to implement the wealth of knowledge I've gained." – Course Graduate
"Finally clicked why I always hated pricing my work. Game changer for my confidence." – Freelance Designer
"Solid framework for anyone tired of lowball clients. Worth every minute." – Reddit User
"Wish I'd taken this before my first freelance gig. Would've saved me years of undercharging." – Creative Professional
Reddit discussions in r/freelance frequently recommend Benun's work when pricing questions arise. We noticed users particularly appreciate her direct communication style and focus on business fundamentals rather than get-rich-quick schemes. No significant controversies or complaints surfaced in our research.
Users consistently praise the course for delivering practical value, particularly for beginners and intermediate freelancers seeking pricing confidence. The free price point makes it an obvious recommendation for creative professionals.
The course promises to help creatives "command the fees they deserve." Our analysis confirms the curriculum directly addresses this through mindset work, pricing strategies, and negotiation techniques. No unrealistic income claims detected.
Currently free (remarkable value). Historical pricing data unavailable, but CreativeLive frequently offers courses at no cost.
None within the course. CreativeLive promotes other courses on their platform, but no aggressive upselling tactics observed.
Multiple testimonials reference increased confidence and better client relationships. While specific income increases aren't documented (refreshingly honest), the practical tools provided create clear pathways to higher rates.
Honest, value-focused marketing that sets appropriate expectations. The free price point eliminates any risk of misleading sales tactics.
CreativeLive's established platform provides reliable streaming and download options. Interface feels slightly dated but remains functional and user-friendly.
Full lifetime access with ability to download lessons for offline viewing. Closed captions available for accessibility.
Excellent. CreativeLive's mobile site works smoothly, allowing learning on any device.
Basic internet connection sufficient. No special software needed.
While not the most modern learning interface, CreativeLive delivers reliable access and good mobile compatibility. For a free course, the platform exceeds expectations with download options and lifetime access.
We found virtually no legitimate complaints about course content or delivery. The main criticism centers on the material being too basic for advanced practitioners (hardly a red flag for a beginner-focused course).
Not applicable (course is free). CreativeLive's paid courses follow standard refund policies with no reported issues.
Refreshingly transparent. No income promises, no pressure tactics, no fake scarcity. CreativeLive simply presents the course content and instructor credentials without hype.
Ilise Benun maintains an excellent reputation across creative communities. We found zero controversies or ethical concerns in our research.
This course passes our red flag checks with flying colors. Free access, reputable instructor, transparent marketing, and consistently positive community feedback make this as safe as online courses get.
At zero cost, the value proposition is unbeatable. We're genuinely surprised this level of comprehensive training is available free. Even if it were priced at $100-200, the ROI would be positive for most creative freelancers.
Command the Fees You Deserve represents everything we look for in a legitimate online course. You get a respected instructor with 30+ years of experience, comprehensive curriculum covering real business challenges, practical tools you can implement immediately, and transparent marketing without false promises. The free price point removes all financial risk while delivering content that could genuinely transform a creative freelancer's business. Yes, some examples feel dated, and advanced freelancers might find it basic, but for its target audience of struggling creative professionals, this course delivers exceptional value. We confidently recommend it as a starting point for any creative looking to improve their pricing confidence and business acumen.
At zero cost, the value proposition is unbeatable. We're genuinely surprised this level of comprehensive training is available free. Even if it were priced at $100-200, the ROI would be positive for most creative freelancers.
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