Gisele Nelson: Behance is more that what you see at first glance.  There are many dimensions to what you are doing.  Could you explain a little bit about the different aspects of Behance?

Behance Network: Yes, we definitely have a unique model with many different components, but they all fit under our umbrella mission of organizing the creative world. A bit about each component:

Action Method Online is a novel take on project management. The web application helps you to break down your goals into “Action Steps” – concrete tasks that encourage users to make a project a reality by breaking it down into discrete, actionable pieces. We recently launched an iPhone application for “on the go” tasking.

Our Action Products came right out of this same methodology, and were designed to be used in an offline capacity. Ideally, during a meeting or brainstorm, you can take tons of notes and get really messy (as creatives often do), but also have a place to gather actionable tasks.

The Network is a platform where creative professionals can upload their portfolios, interact with others in their circle, and generally get more exposure, the opportunity for work, and inspiration from the amazing creatives who have portfolios on the site. We’re continually impressed by the quality of work we see our members uploading.

We think of the 99% as our think-tank branch; it’s where we gather best practices advice from leading creative professionals, and distill it into great advice for those looking to up their productivity. Every year, we also hold a conference based on the same philosophy.

Gisele: The whole idea of the Behance Network seems somewhat contrary to the vocational norm of hoarding ideas, and stepping on others to get ahead.  It feels more collaborative and open in terms of allowing people to see creative aspects of each other’s work.  Why do you think this is working so well?

Behance: The biggest feedback we get from users is how inspired they feel when browsing the network. To us, this is a huge compliment, and exactly what we were striving for in creating the Behance Network. Not only do we want to help organize the creative world by offering a template to upload portfolios, we want to create a talented and inspired community of creatives, who will encourage and push each other to keep making great things. In the digital age, it is more and more uncommon to have a hefty briefcase portfolio that creatives tote around to different interviews. Using the internet to do what tangible portfolios used to do makes complete sense, and increases exponentially who can see the work.

Gisele: In a down economy, you have a list of 60 jobs on your website for organizations looking to hire people working in creative fields.  How do you account for the rise in the need for artists?  In the last 5-10 years, how do you think this has changed?

Behance: To us, creative work and design is important now more than ever. It’s the great differentiator between a good brand and a great brand. In this economic climate, we’re pleased that creative jobs are staying afloat, and companies are seeing the value that can come out of a cohesive aesthetic. Career or not, creatives will keep on making beautiful things, and we’re happy to give them a place to display it.

Gisele: Would you share a story of how the Behance Network has made a difference for someone working in a creative field?

Behance: We hear a lot of success stories. One of the more recent ones sent to us was this one from Franceso Muzz:
“This is not only the most stimulating network I’ve ever joined: it’s also the most “useful”: thanks to Behance I’ve been hired for a bunch of work, including illustration and infographics for Wired magazine, without doing anything but putting my work in here. It was the first time in years I actually thought: “So having my work on the internet really is better than having them only on my hard drives, nice…More than that, it gave me the opportunity to get in touch with really great creatives around the world. Finally, from the main page, it introduces me every single day to some of the best and most inspiring works you can find on the web. I think these are the 3 most important things for this kind of network, and Behance excels in each one of them…just great.”