Have you ever wondered how creatives showcase their portfolios and connect with like-minded professionals around the globe? Two of the most popular platforms that cater to creative professionals are Behance and PowerToFly. These platforms have revolutionized the way talent is discovered, collaboration is fostered, and opportunities are accessed.
What is Behance?
Behance is renowned as a vibrant community for creative professionals across various fields such as design, photography, illustration, and more. It offers a unique space where you can not only exhibit your work but also get inspired by the creativity of others. Launched by Adobe, Behance leverages the power of the internet to bridge the gap between artists and potential clients or employers.
Origin of Behance
Launched in 2006 by a team led by Scott Belsky, Behance set out with the mission to empower the creative world. The founders recognized the challenges faced by creatives in gaining exposure and sought to create a platform that would level the playing field. Adobe’s acquisition of Behance in 2012 further propelled the platform, integrating it with Adobe Creative Cloud and greatly expanding its reach.
Key Features of Behance
Behance is not just a platform to post your best work; it’s a thriving ecosystem for creative collaboration and discovery. Let’s look at what makes Behance stand out:
Portfolio Creation: Upload and organize your projects in a visually pleasing format that showcases your talents effectively.
Work in Progress: Share snapshots of your ongoing projects to receive feedback from peers and refine your direction.
Discover and Follow: Keep abreast of trends by discovering new artists, following them, and getting inspired by their work.
Job Listings: Access job boards tailored specifically for creatives seeking roles in various industries.
Curated Galleries: Explore collections curated by the Behance team, featuring outstanding and thematic creative projects.
How to Get Started on Behance
Embarking on your Behance journey can be exhilarating. Here’s how you can set yourself up for success:
Setting Up Your Profile
Your Behance profile is your digital portfolio. To create a compelling profile, follow these steps:
Sign Up: Begin by creating an account, which can be done easily with an email or through an Adobe ID.
Profile Details: Craft a bio that not only highlights your skills but also tells your personal story. This is your chance to convey your unique identity.
Portfolio Projects: Upload projects that best represent your craft. Make sure each project includes high-quality images, detailed descriptions, and credit to any collaborators.
Project Tags: Use relevant tags to make your projects more discoverable. This optimizes your chances of being discovered by others interested in similar creative avenues.
Engaging with the Community
Being an active participant in the Behance community can be beneficial:
Feedback and Appreciation: Engage with other users by leaving constructive comments and appreciating their work to foster connections.
Joining Creative Groups: Become a member of groups that align with your interests to find collaborators or get inspired by niche work.
Customizable Moodboards: Use this feature to save and organize projects that ignite your creative spark for future reference.
Benefits of Using Behance
Behance offers multifaceted advantages to creative individuals:
Increased Visibility
With millions of visitors each month, Behance exponentially increases your work’s visibility. The platform’s global reach means potential clients or employers from different corners of the world are just a click away from viewing your portfolio.
Networking and Collaboration
Being on Behance puts you in a position where you can network with fellow creatives, engage in discussions, and potentially collaborate on projects. This can be a pivotal stepping stone for personal and professional growth.
Professional Opportunities
From freelance gigs to full-time positions, Behance’s job board is a treasure trove of opportunities where recruiters post roles specifically seeking creative talent. Regularly updating your portfolio and being active boosts your chances of landing dream projects or jobs.
PowerToFly: Complementing Your Creative Journey
While Behance focuses extensively on showcasing creative work, PowerToFly is another platform that aims to diversify the workplace by connecting underrepresented talent with employers.
Understanding PowerToFly
Born out of a need to address workplace diversity, PowerToFly was co-founded by Milena Berry and Katharine Zaleski. It emphasizes remote work opportunities, especially for women and underrepresented communities. Their aim is to create an inclusive workplace where everyone’s voice is heard.
How PowerToFly Works
Unlike Behance, which is primarily a showcase platform, PowerToFly offers a more direct approach to bridging employment gaps. Here’s how:
Company Profiles: Get to know companies better through detailed profiles before applying to ensure cultural alignment.
Skill-Based Matching: The platform matches candidates with opportunities based on skills and experience rather than traditional resumes alone.
Remote Job Opportunities: Focuses especially on remote roles, offering flexibility and bridging geographic employment challenges.
PowerToFly’s Community Impact
PowerToFly hosts events and forums that promote learning and connection among members. From virtual job fairs to webinars, you can gather tips and expand your knowledge in areas that elevate your career.
Synergies Between Behance and PowerToFly
Though distinct in their primary functions, Behance and PowerToFly can collectively empower your professional journey. Leveraging both platforms allows you to not only showcase your talent but also find opportunities that embrace diversity and flexibility.
Optimizing Your Presence on Both Platforms
Consistent Branding: Ensure your Behance and PowerToFly profiles tell a cohesive story of who you are and what you can offer.
Engage With Communities: Plant roots in both communities. Connect with creatives on Behance while participating in PowerToFly’s diversity-driven events.
Cross-Platform Navigation: Mention your Behance portfolio on PowerToFly and vice-versa. This kind of cross-promotion maximizes visibility and attracts attention from multiple channels.
Conclusion
Behance and PowerToFly have opened unprecedented pathways for creatives globally, democratizing access to opportunities. Whether you’re an artist looking to showcase your work or a professional eager to join a diversity-focused workforce, these platforms have something to offer. Taking advantage of them can be a game-changer in your creative and professional endeavors.