Have you ever wondered how creative platforms like Behance come to be? It’s fascinating to explore the roots of something that has become a staple for artists, designers, and creatives worldwide. In this post, we’ll dive into the history of Behance and uncover the story behind its unique name. With a focus on creativity and collaboration, this platform has evolved into a go-to space for showcasing talent and connecting with like-minded individuals. Let’s embark on this journey together!
The Origins of Behance

Behance was founded in 2005 by Scott Belsky and Matias Corea, two passionate individuals who aimed to create a platform for creative professionals to showcase their work. Before Behance, the landscape for sharing creative projects online was quite fragmented. Artists had limited options to display their portfolios, which often meant that their amazing work would go unnoticed.
The name “Behance” is derived from the phrase “behave,” but with a twist. The founders wanted a name that resonated with the idea of *taking action and showcasing one’s work. By modifying “behave” to “Behance”, they emphasized the notion of expressing creativity proactively, giving users a space to present their best work to the world.
The platform’s early days were marked by a simple yet powerful mission: to provide creatives with the tools to showcase their work effectively. Behance introduced features that allowed users to—
- Organize projects into customizable portfolios
- Search and explore a diverse range of creative fields
- Network and collaborate with other professionals
This innovative approach caught on quickly, and the platform attracted a community of designers, photographers, illustrators, and artists eager to share their creativity. Before long, Behance became synonymous with high-quality creative work, fostering a network of talented individuals who inspired one another. This laid the groundwork for what we now know as a thriving creative ecosystem. It’s truly remarkable to see how a simple name and a clear mission can pave the way for something so impactful!
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The Meaning Behind the Name "Behance"

The name "Behance" is more than just a catchy title; it's a reflection of the platform's mission and vision. The word is a fusion of "be" and "hence," suggesting a call to action. It encourages creatives everywhere to be active in showcasing their work and talent. This essence highlights the brand's commitment to promoting creative professionals across different fields.
In essence, the creators wanted a name that encapsulated the idea of action and visibility. When you break down the name, "Be" represents a state of being—it inspires individuals to present themselves authentically. Meanwhile, "hence" implies direction or purpose, reinforcing the platform's role in guiding artists towards greater exposure and professional opportunities.
This duality in the name reflects a broader ethos: Behance is not just a place to display art; it’s a holistic platform where creatives can thrive. The name resonates with the philosophy that creativity should be nurtured and shared, fostering a community where artists can connect, collaborate, and grow.
So next time you hear "Behance," think about what it truly stands for—a dynamic space for creative expression and professional growth, inviting artists to be seen and recognized.
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Founders and Early Development

Behance was co-founded in 2006 by Scott Belsky and Matias Corea, two visionaries who recognized a gap in the modern creative landscape. They understood that many talented individuals struggled to showcase their work effectively and connect with potential clients. Thus, they set out to create a platform that filled this need.
From its inception, Behance focused on being more than just an online portfolio site. The founders envisioned a community-driven platform where creatives could share their projects, gain feedback, and find collaborative opportunities. They aimed to empower artists to embrace their work, hence the thought process behind the name "Behance."
One of the early challenges for Behance was standing out in a crowded digital space. However, its intuitive design and emphasis on high-quality visuals helped it resonate with users. The platform also introduced features like the "Creative Network" and project galleries that showcased the best work, which quickly attracted a dedicated user base.
By creating a home for creative professionals, Belsky and Corea* laid the groundwork for what would become one of the most significant platforms in the design and creative industry. Their commitment to empowering artists through technology has left a lasting impact, evolving Behance into a powerhouse for talent and innovation.
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Growth and Evolution of the Platform
Since its inception in 2005, Behance has undergone significant growth and evolution, fueled by the ever-changing landscape of the creative industry. What started as a simple platform for artists to showcase their portfolios has blossomed into a dynamic ecosystem that empowers creative professionals worldwide.
In the early days, Behance aimed to streamline the process of getting discovered. It introduced features like the ability to create project pages, showcase multiple images, and share work across social media, making it easier for creatives to gain visibility. As more users joined, the platform quickly gained traction, leading to its first major milestone: being acquired by Adobe in 2012.
With Adobe's backing, Behance expanded its reach and introduced several features aimed at enhancing user experience. Here are a few notable changes:
- ProSite: An upgraded feature that allowed users to create customized portfolio websites.
- Creative Network: A comprehensive platform for networking with other professionals and discovering inspiring work from various fields.
- Mobile Accessibility: Launching mobile apps to ensure users could share and showcase their work on the go.
As Behance grew, so did its global community of creatives. The platform now boasts millions of users from different disciplines—ranging from graphic design and illustration to photography and fashion. This diverse creative ecosystem has contributed to Behance's sustained relevance and popularity.
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Behance's Impact on the Creative Community
The impact of Behance on the creative community cannot be overstated. It has revolutionized how artists, designers, and other creatives share their work, connect with peers, and find job opportunities. Here are some key ways in which Behance has shaped the creative landscape:
- Visibility: Behance allows artists to showcase their work to a global audience, significantly increasing their chances of getting hired or commissioned.
- Feedback and Collaboration: Creatives can receive constructive criticism and collaborate with others, fostering a sense of community and encouraging innovation.
- Job Opportunities: Companies often scout for talent directly on Behance, giving users a competitive edge when seeking employment or freelance gigs.
- Creative Inspiration: The platform serves as a reservoir of inspiration with countless projects available for viewing, pushing the boundaries of creativity.
Moreover, Behance has nurtured sub-communities and trends, highlighting various artistic movements and styles. Events like Behance Portfolio Reviews encourage local meetups around the world, fostering connections and nurturing talent.
In essence, Behance has become more than just a platform; it’s a cultural phenomenon that continues to impact the way creatives express themselves and interact within the wider creative community. Its role in democratizing access to artistic expression and career opportunities has paved the way for the next generation of creatives, making it a cornerstone in the creative industry's evolution.
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Behance Today: Features and Offerings
Behance has evolved into a powerhouse of creativity and collaboration. Originally designed as a platform for showcasing portfolios, it now boasts a diverse range of features that cater to creative professionals across various disciplines. Let’s explore some of the standout offerings that make Behance a go-to for artists, designers, and marketers.
- Portfolio Creation: At its core, Behance still serves its primary function—allowing users to build stunning online portfolios. The platform provides customizable templates that help users present their work in the most appealing light.
- Project Features: Users can upload their projects with multiple images, videos, and descriptions, creating an engaging narrative around their work. The ability to showcase detailed case studies sets Behance apart.
- Networking Opportunities: With millions of creatives, Behance offers ample chances to connect. Users can follow others, appreciate (like) projects, and comment, fostering a vibrant community.
- Creative Fields: Whether you’re into graphic design, photography, fashion, or architecture, Behance supports an array of categories. This makes it easier for users to find exactly what inspires them or to showcase their specialty.
- Collaboration Tools: Behance also supports collaborative projects through its team features. This allows multiple creators to work together seamlessly on shared portfolios.
- Job Listings: With the integration of job boards, creatives can explore freelance and full-time positions, making it easier to land their dream gigs right from the platform.
In a nutshell, with its blend of portfolio showcasing, social networking, job searching, and collaboration tools, Behance remains at the forefront of the creative industry, helping artists connect and grow.
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Conclusion: The Legacy of Behance
When we look back at the journey of Behance, it’s clear that this platform has made a significant mark on the creative landscape. Launched in 2005, Behance has not only transformed how artists present their work but has also created a community that celebrates creativity in every form.
One might wonder: why does this matter? Well, the impact of Behance stretches beyond individual portfolios. Here are a few key takeaways regarding its legacy:
- Democratization of Art: Behance has made it easier for emerging artists to showcase their work to a global audience. Unlike traditional gallery settings, where accessibility can be limited, anyone with internet access can share their talent on Behance.
- Inspiration Hub: With countless projects and creative examples, the platform serves as a treasure trove of inspiration for both aspiring and established artists.
- Fostering Community: The platform has built a global creative community where collaboration and networking thrive. This sense of belonging is crucial for artists in a world that can often feel isolating.
- Professional Growth: By connecting talent to job opportunities, Behance has played a significant role in shaping the careers of countless creatives, helping them transition from passion projects to professional achievements.
In conclusion, Behance is not just a platform; it’s a cultural phenomenon that continues to evolve, reflecting and shaping the future of creativity for years to come. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting, Behance fosters a space where creativity knows no bounds.
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