New online tool for finding local creative professionals

The Asheville Creative League is a new online marketplace at www.ashevillecreativeleague.com that connects local clients with creative professionals. The group’s goal is to be a one-stop resource for businesses that are searching for outsourced creative talent in Asheville, while keeping local money local.

The League invites businesses and organizations to submit their upcoming projects through the site, and local creative professionals to join the growing list of providers. The League is currently free to all members and users.

Launched in February, The League’s website includes a directory of local graphic designers, videographers, and other creatives, as well as a form for clients to submit projects and RFPs. Submitted projects are distributed to the members, who may then send proposals directly to the client.

The League was founded by Anna Raddatz, a local freelance copywriter who has worked on both sides of the provider/client divide, and recognized how difficult is was for the two sides to find one another.

“When business owners are in search of a creative professional for a new project, whether it’s a new website or a marketing plan,” says Raddatz, “they often end up doing random internet searches or hiring the first person recommended by a friend. I thought there must be a more efficient and effective way to find a good match.”

The League’s site currently lists over 100 members, and aims to become a comprehensive resource, presenting as many local creative professionals as possible. Asheville-based creative professionals in the fields of graphic design, web design/development, marketing/PR, copywriting, and commercial photography/videography are invited to join the site. Businesses and organizations are encouraged to submit projects through the site for their upcoming creative projects.