How Acceptable Is It to Send Your Portfolio with a Behance Link: The Dos and Don’ts

In today's digital age, showcasing your creative work online has become essential for artists, designers, and other creative professionals. One of the most popular platforms for this is Behance. But when applying for jobs or freelance gigs, the question arises: is it appropriate to send a Behance link along with your portfolio? This guide will explore the best practices—what to do and what to avoid—when including your Behance link in your job applications.

Understanding Behance as a Platform

Before we dive into the dos and don’ts, it's crucial to understand what Behance is and why it's a favored platform among creatives.

• Community of Creatives: Behance is a social media platform that connects designers, illustrators, photographers, and other creative professionals from around the world. It allows users to showcase their work, receive feedback, and network with others in their field.
• User-Friendly Interface: The platform is designed for ease of use, allowing you to create visually appealing project pages without needing extensive web design knowledge.
• Diverse Mediums: Behance supports various types of creative work—graphic design, illustration, photography, web design, and more—making it a one-stop-shop for potential employers to view your skills.

Using Behance comes with its own set of advantages:

In summary, understanding Behance is essential as it not only provides a platform for showcasing your work but can also serve as a valuable resource when you're applying for jobs. So, how do you incorporate it effectively? Let’s explore the dos and don’ts!

Read This: How to Open a Second Behance Account: A Step-by-Step Guide

When to Include a Behance Link in Your Portfolio

Including a Behance link in your portfolio can be a strategic addition, but timing is everything. You want to ensure that you're showcasing your work effectively while also respecting the preferences of potential clients or employers.

Here are some key scenarios when it’s particularly acceptable—or even beneficial—to include your Behance link:

• When Submitting Digital Applications: If you’re applying for positions in creative fields, such as graphic design, photography, or illustration, including a Behance link can provide immediate access to your portfolio. It’s like giving a sneak peek into your creative universe.
• During Networking Events: If you’re attending industry meet-ups or conferences, sharing your Behance link can be a great conversation starter, allowing others to engage with your work long after the event has ended.
• When Reaching Out to Clients: If you're freelancing and sending proposals, including your Behance link can help potential clients see the breadth of your work, enhancing your credibility and increasing your chances of getting hired.
• When You Have Recent Projects: If your Behance profile features your latest and most relevant work, it's a great time to include the link. This shows you’re actively engaged in your craft and consistently producing new work.
• When Applying to Creative Agencies: Agencies often look for creativity and flair. A Behance link allows them to see your work in a visually appealing layout, which is often more engaging than a static PDF.

By considering these scenarios, you can determine when it's most appropriate to include your Behance link, helping you make a lasting impression.

Read This: How to Join a Team on Behance: Steps to Participate in Group Projects and Showcases

The Dos of Sending Your Portfolio with a Behance Link

Sending your portfolio with a Behance link opens up a world of possibilities, but to maximize your chances of success, you need to follow some essential dos. Here are some best practices to keep in mind:

• Do Customize Your Portfolio: Tailor your portfolio to the specific application or client. Include work that directly relates to what they do or what you're applying for.
• Do Keep It Updated: Regularly update your Behance profile with your latest work and projects. This ensures that when someone clicks the link, they see your best and most recent efforts.
• Do Provide Context: When sending your portfolio, it's helpful to include a brief description or explanation of your Behance projects, highlighting what you did and the skills you employed.
• Do Use Clear Navigation: Make sure your Behance projects are easy to navigate. A clean, user-friendly layout allows viewers to explore your work without any hassle.
• Do Follow Up: If you haven't heard back after sending your portfolio, don't hesitate to follow up politely. This shows your genuine interest and enthusiasm for the opportunity.

By following these dos, you can enhance your portfolio presentation and increase your chances of standing out in a crowded field, making your work shine even brighter.

Read This: How to Make an Account on Behance: Signing Up and Getting Started with Your Creative Profile

The Don'ts of Sending Your Portfolio with a Behance Link

When it comes to sharing your portfolio via a Behance link, there are definitely things to avoid. Failing to navigate these pitfalls can make the difference between impressing a potential employer or client and coming off as unprofessional. Here are some key don'ts to keep in mind:

• Don’t Send It Without Context: Simply sending a link and nothing else can leave the recipient confused. Always provide a brief introduction or context to your work. What projects are you most proud of? Why are you sharing this specific link?
• Don’t Overlook Quality: Make sure that your Behance portfolio is polished and showcases your best work. Avoid linking to unfinished projects or works that don’t reflect your current skills or style.
• Don’t Be Too Casual: While a casual tone can be friendly, sending an overly informal email can undermine your professionalism. Keep your language appropriate and respectful.
• Don’t Ignore the Format: Sending a long email with just a link could make it easy to overlook. Half-heartedly pasted links can be easily missed or disregarded. A well-structured email stands out.
• Don’t Forget to Follow-Up: If you don’t hear back after sending your portfolio, a polite follow-up can show your genuine interest. Just don’t be too pushy or insistent.

Avoiding these mistakes will help you present yourself as a serious candidate or collaborator, making it more likely for your Behance link to be well-received.

Read This: How to Clear Your Browsing History in Behance: Managing Your History for Privacy

How to Present Your Behance Portfolio Effectively

Presenting your Behance portfolio effectively is crucial in making a lasting impression. Here are some actionable steps to ensure your portfolio shines:

• Craft a Compelling Introduction: Start with a catchy introduction that summarizes who you are and what you do. This sets the tone and gives viewers an idea of what to expect.
• Highlight Key Projects: Choose 4-6 of your standout projects to spotlight. Creating a sense of narrative around these projects—like what inspired them and the results they achieved—adds depth.
• Utilize Visual Storytelling: Since Behance is a visual platform, leverage images and videos effectively. Ensure each piece is high quality and properly showcases your skills.
• Organize Your Work: Layout matters! Group similar works together or categorize projects logically. A clean, organized portfolio is easier to navigate and more visually appealing.
• Include Personal Touches: Adding personal anecdotes or processes can make your portfolio memorable. This draws clients and employers to not just your skills but also your personality.
• Engage with Your Viewers: Encourage feedback or engage in discussions by adding questions or prompts at the end of your project descriptions. This invites interaction and shows you value connections.

By following these guidelines, your Behance portfolio will not only be effective but also create a genuine connection with your audience, allowing for better opportunities to come your way!

Read This: How to Share My Behance Profile: Best Practices for Promoting Your Work

7. Common Concerns and Misconceptions

When it comes to sending your portfolio with a Behance link, it's understandable that various concerns and misconceptions might pop up in your mind. Let’s clear the air on some of these common worries!

• “Is Behance considered a professional platform?”
  Many people think of Behance as just a social media site for creatives. However, it’s a well-respected platform where industry professionals showcase their work. Sending a Behance link can actually highlight your commitment to your craft.
• “Will potential employers think I'm lazy for using a link?”
  Not at all! In fact, many employers welcome digital portfolios. They appreciate the efficiency and accessibility that an online link provides. Make sure your Behance profile is polished, and you're good to go!
• “Isn't it risky to showcase my work online?”
  Yes, there are risks associated with sharing your work online, such as copyright infringement. However, Behance offers privacy settings and options to protect your projects. Always be proactive about your rights and know what works best for you.
• “What if my Behance portfolio isn’t perfect?”
  No one expects perfection! What matters most is showcasing your best work and the journey you’ve taken in your creative process. It's more about your growth and your unique perspective.

By keeping these common concerns in check, you can feel more confident in sending your portfolio through a Behance link.

Read This: How to Join Curated Galleries on Behance: Steps to Have Your Work Featured by Experts

8. Conclusion

In today's digital age, sending your portfolio with a Behance link is not just acceptable—it's often encouraged! As we’ve discussed, there are effective ways to do this that can elevate your job applications and let your creativity shine.

Here are some key takeaways to remember:

• Make it Personal: Always tailor your message to the recipient and explain why you’re sharing your Behance link.
• Keep It Professional: Ensure your Behance profile reflects a polished image of your work. Edit out any pieces that don’t resonate with your current style or goals.
• Be Strategic: Consider the industry you're applying to and adjust your portfolio accordingly. Different fields may value different aspects of your work.
• Follow Up: If you send a link, don’t forget to follow up after a few days. It shows your enthusiasm and professionalism.

Ultimately, sending your portfolio via a Behance link can be a game changer. So, embrace the platform, keep honing your skills, and don’t hesitate to showcase your work proudly!

• Behance Don’ts
• Behance Dos
• Behance Portfolio
• Portfolio Submission
• Portfolio Tips