Behance is one of the most popular platforms for designers to showcase their work and connect with industry professionals. Creating an attractive portfolio on Behance can open doors to job opportunities, freelance projects, and creative collaborations.
In this article, we will explore practical tips for building a portfolio that stands out on Behance, capturing attention and conveying professionalism.
Why Use Behance?
Platform Benefits:
- Global Reach: Access to an international community of designers.
- Interactivity: Opportunity to receive feedback from other professionals.
- Professional Visibility: Companies frequently search for talent on Behance.
💡 Example: Many freelancers use Behance to attract clients and build their personal brand.
Choose Relevant Projects
Prioritize Quality Over Quantity
- Include 5 to 10 well-developed projects.
- Avoid adding incomplete work or projects that don’t showcase your best technical level.
Variety Is Important
- Showcase different skills (branding, illustration, digital design).
- Tailor the projects to attract the audience you desire.
💡 Tip: If you’re just starting out, create fictional projects or collaborate on volunteer initiatives.
Structure Your Projects Clearly
What to Include in Each Project:
- Title: Be descriptive and creative.
Example: “Redesign of Visual Identity for an Artisan Bakery.” - Description: Explain the purpose of the project and challenges faced.
- Creative Process: Show sketches, wireframes, or prototypes to tell the project story.
- Final Result: Include high-quality mockups or images of the final product.
💡 Tip: Use short, direct text to keep the focus on the images.
Use High-Quality Images
- Resolution: Ensure your images are sharp and free of pixelation.
- Professional Mockups: Present designs in real-life contexts.
- Composition: Use montages or collages to display multiple images in one project.
💡 Helpful Tools: Use Smartmockups or Placeit to create impactful visual presentations.
Personalize Your Profile
Basic Information:
- Full name or professional pseudonym.
- Professional photo or logo.
- A brief description of you and your specialties.
Add External Links:
- Personal website or additional portfolio.
- LinkedIn or other relevant social media profiles.
💡 Tip: Include an inspiring quote that summarizes your vision as a designer.
Engage with the Community
- Comment on Projects: Leave constructive feedback for other designers.
- Follow Inspiring Professionals: Helps you build connections.
- Join Challenges: Behance hosts competitions that highlight emerging talent.
💡 Tip: The more you interact, the higher your visibility on the platform.
Optimize for Keywords
Why Is This Important?
Companies and recruiters use Behance to find designers. Keywords help your work get discovered.
Where to Use Keywords:
- Project titles and descriptions.
- Specific tags related to the type of design (e.g., “branding,” “UX/UI”).
💡 Example: For a website redesign, use tags like “Web Design,” “UX/UI,” and “Responsive Design.”
Update Your Portfolio Regularly
- Add new projects as soon as they are completed.
- Update old projects with new images or information.
💡 Tip: Set a schedule to review and update your portfolio every 3 months.
Highlight Your Creative Process
Employers value designers who can explain their choices.
- Include text or graphics showing how you arrived at the final result.
- Share insights like color palettes, typography choices, and wireframes.
💡 Tip: Using visual storytelling helps capture the viewer’s attention.
Invest in Presentation
Project Covers:
- Use eye-catching images for project covers.
- Ensure all covers have a consistent visual style.
Internal Layout:
- Organize project content logically and attractively.
- Use dividers or spacing to separate sections.
💡 Tip: The first impression is crucial to maintain interest.
Conclusion: A Portfolio That Stands Out
Creating an attractive portfolio on Behance is a combination of creativity, organization, and strategy. With the tips outlined in this article, you’ll be able to build a portfolio that grabs the attention of employers and fellow designers, helping to propel your career forward.