Giving Permission to Showcase Your Work on Behance: A Comprehensive Guide for Freelancers and Agencies

As a creative professional, showcasing your work is an essential part of building your brand and attracting potential clients. Platforms like Behance provide an avenue to present your projects to a broader audience. However, there are important considerations to take into account when uploading your work, particularly if it was previously created for a client. Let's explore the necessary steps and ethical guidelines to ensure you maintain client confidentiality and respect their rights as creators.

Client Agreement: The Foundation for Transparent Communication

The cornerstone of any freelance or agency relationship is a clear and comprehensive agreement that spells out the terms and conditions of the project. This document should include details about how and where your work can be showcased. Before uploading any samples of your work to Behance, take a moment to review the contract. Does the agreement give you the right to showcase the project in your portfolio? If not, obtaining clear permission from your client is non-negotiable.

Confidentiality: Respecting Client-Sensitive Projects

Not all projects should be made public, especially if they are part of a confidential or proprietary endeavor. If the project you are considering sharing has sensitive information, trade secrets, or is still under development, you need explicit permission to upload it to Behance. This includes ensuring that the project has been officially launched, printed, or made public on the client's side before you share it.

In cases where the project is linked to a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), uploading the work without client permission would be a significant breach of trust. NDAs are common in both agency and freelance settings, particularly when dealing with larger clients or in highly competitive industries. It's crucial to check whether an NDA is in place and strictly follow its terms. Failure to do so could lead to legal consequences and damage to your professional reputation.

Attribution: Preserving Client Branding and Reliability

Even if you obtain permission to share the work, it's essential to handle it with care. One crucial aspect is proper attribution. Properly acknowledging the client's contribution helps maintain trust and can uphold their brand image. This is especially important if the client has specific branding or marketing guidelines. For instance, if the work is associated with a particular brand, make sure to follow their guidelines for attribution and ensure the project's branding is preserved.

Use Cases and Best Practices

The permissibility of sharing your work on Behance can also depend on the purpose of the project. For instance, sharing work can be entirely appropriate for portfolio purposes, helping you network and attract new clients. However, if the work is intended for commercial use or marketing, you need to obtain explicit permission from your client. Some clients might be open to sharing work that is solely for portfolio purposes, provided it is not used for marketing or other commercial activities.

To avoid any misunderstandings, it's always advisable to communicate openly with your client and obtain explicit permission in writing. A simple email or contract addendum can serve this purpose effectively. If your client objects, the worst-case scenario should be discussed beforehand to ensure you have a clear understanding of the limitations.

Following these guidelines will help you effectively build your portfolio on Behance while maintaining the confidentiality and rights of your clients. Remember, transparency and respect in client relationships are key to long-term success in the creative industry.