Behance is Adobe’s portfolio network for designers, illustrators, photographers, motion artists and other creatives. Adobe bought it in 2012, and it has grown from a showcase into a place where creatives can find freelance work, list services, send proposals and sell digital assets. Clients can hire you through your profile or post freelance jobs. Behance charges a platform fee on these transactions, but if you subscribe to Behance Pro, from about $9.99 a month on an annual plan, that fee is waived for both you and the client.
At a glance
| What it is | A portfolio network with freelance hiring and asset sales |
| Owner | Adobe, since 2012 |
| Who it’s for | Designers, illustrators, photographers, 3D and motion artists |
| Ways to earn | Freelance projects, listed services, asset sales, subscriptions |
| Platform fee | Applies on the free plan; waived with Behance Pro |
| Behance Pro | From about $9.99 a month, billed annually; varies by region |
| Payments | Through Stripe or PayPal |
How it works
You publish projects, which are case studies of your work with images, video and process notes. Turn on the Hire Me option to show you’re available, and you’ll appear on Behance’s Hire page, where clients search for talent. Clients can contact you with project inquiries, or you can browse freelance jobs and apply with a proposal. When you agree terms, the project runs through Behance’s Freelance Projects system with milestones and payment. You can also list fixed services, such as a set of illustrations with a set number of revisions, and sell downloadable assets.
Fees and Behance Pro
On the free plan, Behance charges a platform fee on freelance transactions, asset sales and subscriptions. Behance’s help center says that with Behance Pro you pay 0% platform fees on all Behance transactions, and if either the hirer or the freelancer is a Pro member, there are no Behance platform fees on the whole transaction. Stripe and PayPal processing fees still apply. Pro also adds analytics, a Pro badge, an Adobe Portfolio website and project scheduling and password protection.
Building a portfolio that gets hired
Clients browse Behance visually, so the cover image of each project matters. Show the brief, your process and the final result, and focus on the kind of work you want more of. Use clear titles and relevant tags so you appear in search. Publishing regularly keeps your profile active and visible.
Is it worth it?
Behance is free to join, and for creatives it’s a natural place to be seen. It works best as a portfolio that brings inbound inquiries, alongside other channels. If you’re getting regular paid work through the platform, Behance Pro can pay for itself by removing the platform fee.
Common mistakes
Some creatives upload only final images without context, which makes it hard for clients to judge their thinking. Others leave the Hire Me option off. Tell the story behind each project and make it clear you’re available.
Selling assets and services
Besides client projects, Behance lets you sell downloadable assets such as fonts, brushes, templates, mockups and 3D files. You set your own price and licence type, and assets appear on Behance’s Assets page. You can also list services with a fixed scope, such as a logo package with two concepts and one revision, so clients know exactly what they’re buying. These options can add income between larger projects.
Getting started
Create a free account, upload three to five of your strongest projects, and complete your profile with a clear headline and location. Turn on Hire Me, list one or two services, and check the freelance jobs board regularly. Reply quickly to inquiries, and ask happy clients to leave reviews.
Owen’s take
Behance is one of the easiest ways for a creative to get noticed by clients, and the freelance tools turn attention into paid work. Keep your portfolio fresh and focused, and consider Pro once projects start coming through.
Who it suits
It suits designers, illustrators, photographers and other visual creatives. It suits less well writers, developers or anyone whose work isn’t visual.
Similar options
- Dribbble is a design community with client briefs.
- 99designs runs design contests and projects.
- DesignCrowd uses design contests.
- Fiverr sells packaged creative services.
More options are in Freelancing.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free portfolio with built-in audience
- Freelance projects, services and asset sales
- 0% platform fees with Pro
Cons
- Platform fee on the free plan
- Heavy competition in popular fields
- Best for visual work only
FAQ
Is Behance free?
Yes, joining and publishing a portfolio is free.
Does Behance charge fees on freelance work?
Yes on the free plan; Behance Pro waives platform fees.
How much is Behance Pro?
From about $9.99 a month on an annual plan, varying by region.
Who pays fees if one side has Pro?
If either the hirer or freelancer is Pro, no Behance platform fees apply.
How does Behance pay creatives?
Through Stripe or PayPal.
