How to Make a Behance Portfolio Private and Control Who Sees Your Creative Work

Creating an impressive portfolio on Behance is a fantastic way to showcase your creative work. However, there might be times when you want to keep your projects private or limit who can view them. Whether you're working on something sensitive, or you simply prefer a more controlled sharing environment, understanding how to make your Behance portfolio private is essential. Let’s dive into the details of how to manage your portfolio settings effectively.

Understanding Behance Portfolio Settings

Behance offers a variety of settings that allow you to control the visibility of your projects. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:

Public vs. Private Projects: By default, projects on Behance are public, meaning anyone can view them. If you want to keep a project private, you'll need to change its settings.
Project Privacy Settings: When uploading a new project, you can select the privacy option. Choose "Private" to restrict access to only those you invite.
Inviting Viewers: For private projects, you can invite specific users to view them. This feature allows you to control who sees your work, making it ideal for collaborations or drafts.
Profile Visibility: Apart from individual project settings, you can also control who sees your entire portfolio through your profile settings.
Notifications and Comments: Adjusting these settings allows you to manage who can comment on or receive notifications about your projects, adding another layer of control.

In summary, understanding these settings empowers you to curate your creative space effectively, ensuring that your work is shared only with those you trust. Take advantage of these tools to maintain your preferred level of privacy while still showcasing your talents on Behance!

Also Read This: Ultimate Guide to Downloading and Sharing Behance Projects

Steps to Make Your Portfolio Private

Creating a private Behance portfolio is a straightforward process that allows you to showcase your work without it being publicly visible. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through it:

Log in to Your Behance Account: Start by logging into your Behance account. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to create an account first.
Go to Portfolio Settings: Once logged in, click on your profile picture in the upper right corner. From the dropdown menu, select “Settings.”
Navigate to Privacy Settings: In the settings menu, look for the “Privacy” section. Here, you’ll find options related to the visibility of your portfolio.
Select Private Portfolio: You’ll see an option that allows you to toggle your portfolio to private. Click on it to ensure that your work is only visible to people you permit.
Save Changes: Don’t forget to scroll down and hit the “Save Changes” button. This is crucial; otherwise, your portfolio will remain public.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your creative work is kept private and shared only with those you trust.

Managing Visibility for Specific Projects

Even with a private portfolio, you might want to showcase specific projects to select individuals or groups. Behance provides handy options for managing visibility on a project-by-project basis. Here’s how you can do it:

Create a New Project or Edit Existing Ones: You can either start a new project or edit an existing one by selecting the desired project from your portfolio.
Access Project Settings: In the project editor, look for the “Settings” option. This is usually found in the sidebar or at the bottom of the editor.
Set Project Visibility: Here, you’ll find visibility options. Choose between “Public,” “Private,” or “Invite Only.” Select “Invite Only” if you want to share it with specific users.
Add Viewers: If you choose “Invite Only,” you’ll need to enter the email addresses of individuals you want to grant access to. Be sure to double-check the emails!
Save and Share: After setting the visibility and adding viewers, save your changes. You can now share the project link with your selected individuals.

With these steps, you can easily manage who sees your work, ensuring your creative expressions reach the right audience.

Also Read This: Mastering Your Behance Username for Professional Appeal

5. Best Practices for Protecting Your Creative Work

When it comes to showcasing your creative talents, protecting your work is crucial. Here are some best practices to ensure that your portfolio remains secure yet visible to the right audience:

Watermark Your Images: Always add a subtle watermark to your images. This can deter unauthorized use and helps maintain your brand identity.
Use Low-Resolution Files: Uploading lower resolution images can allow viewers to see your work without being able to use it effectively. This is especially important for photography or artwork.
Limit Project Details: When sharing projects, consider withholding certain details, such as dimensions or techniques, that could allow someone to replicate your work easily.
Regularly Update Privacy Settings: Behance allows you to adjust your privacy settings. Regularly reviewing these settings ensures that only selected individuals can view your work.
Educate Yourself on Copyright: Understand your rights as a creator. Familiarize yourself with copyright laws to know how to protect your original work legally.
Engage with Your Audience: Building relationships with your viewers can help you gauge interest and trust. If they love your work, they’re more likely to respect it.

By implementing these practices, you can protect your creative work while still showcasing it to potential clients and collaborators.

6. Conclusion

In conclusion, making your Behance portfolio private is not just about locking away your creative work; it's about curating who gets to appreciate your talent. By following the steps outlined above, you ensure that your work is shared with a selected audience, giving you control over your creations.

Remember, privacy settings are just one part of the equation. Combining them with best practices—like watermarking, using low-resolution images, and understanding copyright—can significantly enhance your portfolio’s security. Your creativity deserves protection, and with the right tools and strategies, you can showcase your work while keeping it safe.

So, take a moment to reflect on what you want to achieve with your portfolio and adjust your settings accordingly. Whether you aim to attract clients or simply share your art with friends, staying in control is key. Now go ahead, share, and shine, but do it wisely!