Behance

Overview

Behance is a creative networking platform owned by Adobe, focused on showcasing and discovering creative work such as portfolios and projects. Users build profiles to display projects, follow others, and engage with content, with features integrated into Adobe's ecosystem. As of 2020, it had over 24 million members, serving as a hub for designers, artists, and creatives to connect and find inspiration.

History

Behance was founded by Matias Corea and Scott Belsky in November 2005. It initially generated revenue through banner ads, job postings, and 99U conference tickets, securing $6.5 million in funding in May 2012 from investors including Dave McClure and Bezos Expeditions. Adobe acquired the company for $150 million in December 2012. In 2021, it introduced subscription features for selling tutorials and crypto wallet integration.

Notable Products

• Project Profiles - Core feature allowing users to upload and organize creative portfolios as structured projects viewable by all.
• Served Sites - Category-specific sites like fashion, industrial design, and typography that aggregate content from the Behance network.
• Subscription Services - 2021 feature enabling creators to sell tutorials and services directly on the platform.
• Crypto Wallet Integration - 2021 addition for blockchain-based transactions and services.

Reputation

Behance is regarded by creatives as a primary platform for portfolio showcasing and networking, valued for its organized project structure over less curated sites like DeviantArt. Professionals appreciate its integration with Adobe tools and large user base for discovery. Some criticize it for favoring visually polished work and occasional algorithmic biases in visibility.