CreativET - Digital content sharing website
Yohannes Abayneh
Overview
CreativET is a stock photo and digital art sharing platform built to empower Ethiopian creators. The goal was to address challenges with attribution, licensing, and monetization in the local creative community. Unlike foreign platforms that rely on international payments, CreativET integrates local payment methods and provides licensing flexibility, allowing creators to protect and monetize their work while building portfolios.
The Challenge
Ethiopian content creators often face issues such as:
Limited access to international payment systems (Visa/MasterCard).
Lack of localized content reflecting Ethiopian culture and society.
No centralized platform for portfolios or discovery by agencies.
Copyright and attribution problems on social media platforms.
The Approach
Conducted research and interviews with local creative communities to validate problems.
Designed a web platform with user flows for uploading, licensing, and selling content.
Integrated local payment gateways to allow transactions in Ethiopian Birr.
Developed creator profiles that double as portfolios, with options for showcasing top projects.
Added licensing options such as Royalty-Free, Creative Commons, and Public Domain.
Key Features
Local Payment Integration – Seamless transactions with domestic payment gateways.
Licensing Options – Flexible attribution and paid-use licensing to protect creators.
Portfolio Profiles – Creators can showcase and promote their work directly.
Marketplace & Hiring – Agencies and individuals can hire creators through the platform.
Community-Oriented Design – Promoted discovery of diverse Ethiopian-themed content.
My Role
UI/UX Designer & Lead Designer – Designed the full user interface, including onboarding, upload flow, licensing screens, and portfolio layouts.
Collaborated on research, system modeling, and architecture alongside the team.
Ensured usability and accessibility by following familiar design systems and introducing localized experience flows.
Impact
Created a dedicated hub for Ethiopian creators, increasing visibility and potential earnings.
Helped build a database of local digital content for use in advertising, media, and cultural promotion.
Reduced friction in licensing and monetization, providing a pathway for sustainable creative careers.
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Posted Sep 16, 2025
CreativET empowers Ethiopian creators to showcase, license, and sell digital art, offering local payments, flexible portfolios, and community discovery.
