The Tether Directory is a curated list of creative image and content makers in the Cincinnati Region. This is the place for commercial and editorial photographers, writers, stylists, graphic designers, social media managers, and more. We promote you to businesses who are searching right now for the local creative perfect for their needs — they just haven’t met you yet.
You deserve the opportunity to do what you love, but even with social media, it’s not always easy to be found.
Joining the Tether Directory increases your exposure to future clients and makes it easier to connect and collaborate with fellow creatives.
Even better? We promote the Tether Directory to brands and agencies through direct outreach, networking events, and on social media, which means you get promoted, too.
“I’ve booked multiple jobs through Tether, either because people found me on the site or I won a project by responding [to an inquiry]. Thanks for always having our back.”
- Kevin Watkins, Photographer
Questions? Check out the Frequently Asked Questions or get in touch.
*In order to build this curated community, we review each application to ensure the work, experience, and portfolio presented highlight qualified creatives focused on commercial and editorial work. Note that we are not able to include creatives who are exclusively consumer-focused at this time.
Frequently Asked Questions
You got questions, we have (some) answers.
Q - What’s the application process?
A - Here’s how to get in on the action and land your next local gig:
Apply to join the directory by filling out the basics about you and your work.
Check your email for your acceptance message after we’ve had a chance to ensure your work, experience, and portfolio reflect the quality and standards of a top-notch creative in our area. This typically takes 5-7 days.
If you’re accepted, you’ll be billed just $10 per month to be included in the Directory and be promoted to Cincinnati’s business community.
You’ll enjoy benefits including notifications about exclusive job opportunities and collaborations, and promotion to future clients looking for the best talent in the city.
Q - Why does it cost to join?
A - Chalk it up to capitalism, baby—it costs money to host a website, buy the necessary software, pay the people (aka other creatives) and cover the administrative costs of running a business, not to mention the time it takes to create and maintain All The Things. You wanna make money to pay your bills, right? So do we!
And we might be biased, but we think it’s a worthwhile investment. According to a 2023 survey, the average project budget is $2,042 (and that’s at the low end). If someone said “pay me $10, and I’ll give you $2,000” wouldn’t you take the deal?
Q - Do I have to pay more if I get a gig?
A - Nope! Here’s how it works:
Apply and get listed in the Tether Directory, ensuring you have an amazing profile so the right clients find you for the jobs you want
Those clients search/filter/browse the directory and find you. You’re just who they’re looking for, so they send a message to you directly from your Tether Directory profile or profile link.
You reply to the customer and sell your services.
You get hired (yasss!)
There’s no commission and nothing more to pay.
Q - Who can apply?
A - We are currently welcoming people who currently reside in Greater Cincinnati and provide business-to-business services in these professions: Photographer, Videographer, Writer, Graphic Designer, Web Designer, Photo Stylist, Social Media Manager, Influencer, Creative Director, Producer, Makeup Artist, Hair Stylist, Set Designer, and Retoucher. As client needs expand and change, the list will too.
Q - Has anyone been rejected?
A - To keep the Directory from getting overwhelming, we are not able to include creatives who are exclusively consumer-focused (i.e. wedding and family photographers, visual artists, crafters) at this time.
We also ensure that everyone in the directory has at least one year of experience, a solid portfolio of work, and puts visible effort into growing their skills and their business. If we’re not able to include you now, we’re invested in making sure you have access to what you need so that you can be included in the future.
Q - Do I have to answer all of the profile questions?
A - Yup! Look, we want to be able to recommend the right Creator (you) for the projects that suit you best, so give some thought to what you include in your profile. Businesses are more likely to reach out to folks who’ve put in some effort and add a li’l personality—and they can tell a difference, trust.
Questions? Contact us. Already a member? Sign in.
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