What is #Behance?
#Behance is Adobe’s online platform for creative professionals to showcase and discover portfolios across all disciplines: graphic design, illustration, photography, architecture, fashion, and more.
Origins
Founded by Scott Belsky and Matias Corea in 2006, Behance launched as a professional network for creatives. The name comes from “behave” + “enhance”—improving how creative professionals share and discover work.
Adobe acquired Behance in 2012 for $150 million, integrating it with Creative Cloud.
How It Works
Project-Based Portfolios:
- Creatives upload comprehensive case studies (not just single images)
- Multiple images, videos, text breakdowns
- Process documentation and client context
- Tags and categories for discoverability
Features:
- Curated Galleries: Staff picks and themed collections
- Adobe Portfolio: Free website builder linked to Behance
- Job Listings: Creative job board
- Live Streams: Designers showcase work-in-progress
- Moodboards: Save inspiration from other projects
Integration:
- Direct publishing from Adobe apps (Photoshop, Illustrator, XD)
- Creative Cloud sync
- Adobe Fonts connection
Cultural Impact
Industry Standard:
- Became default portfolio platform for creatives
- Used in design school curriculums
- Recruiters scan Behance for talent
Broader Than Dribbble:
- Covers all creative disciplines, not just digital design
- Photographers, architects, fashion designers, illustrators
- More comprehensive project breakdowns
Behance Reviews:
- Live portfolio critiques from industry leaders
- Community events and workshops
- “For You” algorithm surfaces new talent
Criticism
Algorithm Complaints:
- “For You” feed favors certain styles/creators
- Difficult for newcomers to gain visibility
- Popular work tends to be photorealistic or hyper-polished
Adobe Integration:
- Some creatives wary of Adobe’s ecosystem lock-in
- Free users get limited features
Less Community Feel:
- More portfolio showcase, less social interaction than Dribbble
- Comments/feedback less active
Competitors
- Dribbble (2009): More focused on UI/UX, invite-only exclusivity
- ArtStation (2014): Dominates game art, concept art, 3D
- Carbonmade (2005): Simpler portfolio builder
- Coroflot (2000): Industrial design focus
Legacy
Behance democratized portfolio hosting and made comprehensive case studies the standard. Its Adobe integration made it the path of least resistance for Creative Cloud users. While less culturally influential than Dribbble for design trends, it’s more broadly used across creative industries.
Related: #Dribbble, #AdobeCreativeCloud, #PortfolioDesign, #CreativeCommunity
Sources:
- Behance official site: https://www.behance.net/
- Adobe Behance acquisition: https://news.adobe.com/news/adobe-acquires-behance-network
- Scott Belsky interview: https://www.smashingmagazine.com/