Canadian Student Doing Work for U.S. Company-is it possible?

Hello, I am a Canadian university student in my second year of studies (I am in a four year multimedia design program) and an American company has offered to pay me for graphic design work. I will be working remotely from Canada and at no point will I be crossing the border for anything business related.

After hours of research, I am completely overwhelmed and even more confused as to what I need to do to make this work than I was when I started. So far, I have the impression that the easiest way to do this is for me to become an independent contractor (they had originally wanted me as an employee, but this sounds very difficult and almost impossible, given my current situation as a student). Do I need a visa for any reason? If so, which one? I don't think I qualify for the TN visa because I don't actually *have* my degree yet, even though my profession is on the approved list.

I'd appreciate absolutely any information or advice about my situation. Thanks in advance!