Cartel partners with creative agencies that combine creative excellence, strategic thinking, and a track record of real results.
If you're interested in joining Cartel, just fill out the short application form on our website. We'll review your work, get to know your agency, and follow up if there's alignment. Since Cartel is a curated platform, quality and fit matter most.
There's no cost to join or remain on the platform, and Cartel only gets paid when you do, via a small commission on completed projects.
No monthly fees, no gimmicks, just aligned incentives.
Each agency has its own customizable Cartel profile, where you can showcase your work, process, and personality. Clients will browse those before shortlisting or selecting proposals to review.
You may also link to your own portfolio where the client will get more insight to your agency.
Absolutely not. Proposals are only visible to the client. There's no public competition or race to be the lowest bidder. Like any client proposal, your bid is confidential.
Nope. Only pitch when a project feels like a fit. If you're unavailable, unaligned, or it just doesn't feel right - skip it. No pressure, no penalty. Cartel is designed for creative freedom, not constant hustle.
Let's do another short answer: yes.
If a project changes or something doesn’t feel right, you can withdraw from consideration at any time.
Cartel is built for transparency and mutual respect. We want your work to be aligned, not forced.
That said, please be mindful of the client’s time and energy. Try to clarify requirements before pitching, and avoid withdrawing after selection unless absolutely necessary.
If you want to, then yes, absolutely. You set your own pricing when submitting proposals. You can message with clients directly through your dashboard to discuss budget, scope, timeline, and expectations, just as you would with any client.
During this process, if a client asks to negotiate your rates, feel free to do so. That's 100% up to you.
It looks like your proposal - and that’s the point. Upload your standard pitch deck, slide presentation, PDF, etc.
How you present is part of what makes you exceptional. That's why you're here!
Not at all. You keep your voice, your rates, and your relationships. Cartel's purpose is to provide new opportunities. We won't tell you how to handle those opportunities...we're here to support your process, not overwrite it or micromanage you.
Think of Cartel as your quiet business development partner - surfacing great leads without interfering with your independence or process.
Directly, through your own dashboard. Before you submit a proposal, you can message the client to clarify scope, negotiate terms, or answer questions - no middlemen.
Once your proposal is accepted, you can communicate through your project page.
Short answer: yes.
We prefer if all communication is done through the portal, but that's probably not realistic. We understand there will be times when communication has to go offline for teleconferences or Zoom meetings.
We encourage a quick recap on your project page after any offline call or meeting just to keep everything documented. But it’s not required.
Yes. If a brief lends itself to collaboration, Cartel can support multi-agency proposals or paired project delivery. Let us know, and we’ll help structure the engagement.
Nope. Pitch projects on your terms. That includes billing, communication preferences, deliverables, and timezone considerations.
Cartel supports flexibility - but you’re in control of the terms.
Obviously, we hope it never does - but if it does, we’re here to step in. Cartel provides neutral support and conflict resolution in cases of scope disputes, payment delays, or communication breakdowns.
Our role is to facilitate clarity, not take sides. In most cases, issues are resolved quickly through structured messaging and clear documentation inside the platform.
That’s also why we recommend recapping any off-platform communication on your Cartel project page - it keeps everyone protected and aligned.
Many of our clients work under NDAs, and so do we. You’ll be notified during submission if an NDA is required, and you can upload your own terms if needed.
Cartel is a secure, invite-only platform, and confidentiality is baked into our culture.
We’re not another portfolio site. Your work is already proven - Cartel exists to connect you with the right brands at the right time.
We’re not a broker. You work directly with the client. You pitch your way. You deliver your way.
Cartel is a creative network for professionals who’ve already earned their seat at the table, and want smarter, more strategic opportunities.