A Detailed Look at ArtStation vs Behance: Transform Your Online Presence

In an era where digital presence can significantly impact an artist’s success, choosing the right platform to showcase your work becomes crucial. Two such platforms that have gained immense popularity among creatives are ArtStation and Behance. Both platforms offer unique features that cater to different needs, making the choice between them more about preference and objectives rather than a straightforward decision. This article will provide an in-depth comparison of ArtStation vs Behance, looking at their key differences, similarities, and when one might be a better choice over the other.

What is ArtStation and what is Behance?

ArtStation is a digital platform that acts as an online showcase and marketplace primarily for digital artists, including those working in gaming, media, and entertainment industries. It enables artists to display and sell their creations, from digital artwork and 3D models to physical goods and more. The platform provides opportunities for artists to network, receive exposure, and secure jobs or freelance opportunities. It also has an integrated learning section, ArtStation Learning, which offers video tutorials for various digital arts.

On the other hand, Behance is a platform owned by Adobe that enables creatives of all types to showcase and discover the latest work from top online portfolios by creative professionals across industries. It provides the users with features to create multi-media portfolios that showcase designs, photographs, graphics, and more. It is a global platform with a wide audience, allowing creatives to share their work on a large scale, gain inspiration, and network with others in the creative field.

Key differences between ArtStation and Behance

1. Focus of Platform: ArtStation is primarily geared towards digital artists, especially those in the gaming and entertainment industries. Behance, however, caters to creatives of all types across various industries.
2. Learning Opportunities: ArtStation provides an integrated learning platform with video tutorials for artists, which is a feature not found in Behance.
3. Ownership and Integration: Behance is owned by Adobe and is therefore integrated with Adobe’s Creative Cloud services. ArtStation, while not owned by a software company, offers direct software plugin support for popular creative software.
4. Monetization Options: Both platforms allow creatives to sell their work, but ArtStation provides a broader range of goods that can be sold, including digital downloads, print-on-demand products, and even physical goods.
5. Community and Networking: While both platforms offer networking opportunities, Behance provides more cross-industry networking opportunities given its broader user base.
6. Presentation of Work: Behance allows for a more multimedia and comprehensive project presentation , whereas ArtStation leans more towards a traditional gallery view of individual works.

Key similarities between ArtStation and Behance

1. Online Portfolios: Both ArtStation and Behance provide an online platform for creatives to showcase their work and build their portfolio.
2. Global Reach: ArtStation and Behance both have a global user base, providing a wide audience for creatives to reach with their work.
3. Job Opportunities: Both platforms provide creatives with the opportunity to find job postings and freelance opportunities in their respective industries.
4. Community Engagement: Both platforms offer means for users to interact, network, and engage with other creatives and potential clients.
5. User-Generated Content: The content showcased on both platforms is user-generated, providing an extensive and varied collection of creative work.
6. Free and Paid Options: Both ArtStation and Behance offer free membership options with additional benefits available through paid tiers.

Pros of ArtStation over Behance

1. Specialization: ArtStation is tailored specifically for digital artists, especially those in gaming, animation, VFX, and similar industries. This focus provides a more niche community and tailored resources for these types of artists.
2. Integrated Learning: ArtStation provides ArtStation Learning, a platform of video tutorials for artists, which is a resource not found in Behance. This can be especially valuable for up-and-coming artists seeking to improve their skills.
3. Monetization Capabilities: While both platforms provide the ability to sell artwork, ArtStation offers a more extensive range of options, including digital downloads, print-on-demand products, and physical goods.
4. Software Plugin Support: ArtStation directly supports plugins for popular creative software, aiding in the process of uploading and showcasing work on the platform.
5. Artistic Exposure: Given its niche focus, ArtStation can potentially offer more exposure for artists in the gaming and entertainment industries.
6. ArtStation Magazine: ArtStation provides a digital magazine featuring news, artist interviews, and inspiration, something Behance does not offer.

Cons of ArtStation compared to Behance

1. Niche Focus: While ArtStation’s specialization can be a pro, it can also be a con. Its focus on digital arts and specific industries means it may not be as suitable for other types of creatives or those in different industries.
2. Less Cross-Industry Networking: Because Behance caters to a broader range of industries, it might offer more cross-industry networking opportunities.
3. No Adobe Integration: Unlike Behance, which is owned by Adobe and is integrated with Adobe Creative Cloud services, ArtStation does not have this level of software integration.
4. Limited Multimedia Presentation: Behance allows for a more multimedia, comprehensive project presentation, whereas ArtStation focuses more on a traditional gallery view of individual works.
5. Smaller Audience: Compared to Behance, ArtStation has a smaller user base, potentially limiting the extent of exposure artists can achieve.
6. Lesser Known Brand: While ArtStation is well-known in its niche, Behance, being a part of Adobe, enjoys a wider general recognition, which can be beneficial for broader exposure.

Pros of Behance over ArtStation

1. Broad Appeal: Unlike the niche ArtStation, Behance caters to a diverse array of creatives across various industries, potentially providing a wider audience and networking opportunities.
2. Adobe Integration: As a part of Adobe, Behance is integrated with Adobe’s Creative Cloud services, which can streamline the workflow for creatives who use Adobe tools.
3. Multimedia Presentation: Behance allows creatives to present their projects in a comprehensive multimedia format, which might better showcase the breadth and depth of their work.
4. Larger User Base: Behance has a larger user base compared to ArtStation, which might result in broader exposure and more opportunities for networking and collaboration.
5. Cross-Industry Networking: Behance’s broad appeal across various creative industries provides more cross-industry networking opportunities.
6. Greater Brand Recognition: As a part of Adobe, Behance is a well-known brand and may inspire more trust and recognition from a broader audience.

Cons of Behance compared to ArtStation

1. Less Focused Community: While Behance’s broad appeal can be an advantage, it might also mean a less focused community compared to the niche digital artist community on ArtStation.
2. No Dedicated Learning Platform: Unlike ArtStation, Behance does not provide an integrated learning platform with video tutorials for artists to improve their skills.
3. Limited Monetization Capabilities: While Behance does allow for the sale of work, it does not offer as extensive a range of options as ArtStation, such as selling digital downloads or physical goods.
4. Less Specialized Exposure: For artists in gaming, animation, VFX, and similar industries, Behance may not provide the same level of specialized exposure as ArtStation.
5. No Direct Software Plugin Support: Unlike ArtStation, Behance does not directly support software plugins for popular creative tools.
6. No Dedicated Digital Magazine: Behance does not provide a dedicated digital magazine for news, artist interviews, and inspiration, unlike ArtStation.

Situations when ArtStation is better than Behance

1. When Specializing in Digital Art: ArtStation is designed specifically for digital artists , especially those in gaming, animation, VFX, and similar industries. If this is your focus, you might find a more targeted community and resources on ArtStation.
2. When Looking to Learn: ArtStation provides an integrated learning platform, ArtStation Learning, which is ideal for artists looking to improve their skills through video tutorials.
3. When Selling a Variety of Products: If you want to sell a broader range of products, such as digital downloads, print-on-demand products, or physical goods, ArtStation’s marketplace could be more suitable.
4. When Using Specific Creative Software: If you’re using creative software that offers direct plugin support with ArtStation, you may find it easier to upload and showcase your work on this platform.
5. When Seeking Specialized Exposure: If you’re looking for exposure and networking opportunities within the digital art, gaming, and entertainment industries, ArtStation might be a better fit.
6. When Seeking Industry-specific Insights: With ArtStation’s digital magazine, users seeking industry news, artist interviews, and inspiration may find more value in this platform.

Situations when Behance is better than ArtStation

1. When Seeking Broad Appeal: If you work across various creative industries or your work does not specifically fit into digital art, Behance, with its wider appeal, could be a better choice.
2. When Using Adobe Tools: If your workflow heavily relies on Adobe tools, Behance’s integration with Adobe Creative Cloud services could be very beneficial.
3. When Showcasing Multimedia Projects: If your work involves complex, multimedia projects that benefit from a comprehensive presentation format, Behance might be a better choice.
4. When Seeking a Larger Audience: If you want to reach a larger, more diverse audience, Behance’s larger user base could provide more exposure.
5. When Networking Across Industries: If you’re looking to network with creatives across a variety of industries, Behance’s broad user base might offer more opportunities.
6. When Seeking Broad Brand Recognition: If the recognition and trust associated with a well-known brand like Adobe is important to you, Behance could be a better platform.

ArtStation vs Behance Summary

Choosing between ArtStation and Behance is not about deciding which platform is superior; instead, it’s about understanding which platform aligns better with your specific needs, goals, and the type of work you produce. Whether you are a digital artist focusing on the gaming industry, a graphic designer, or a photographer , each platform has distinct features that can be leveraged for your benefit. By understanding the unique characteristics, advantages, and drawbacks of each platform, you can make a well-informed decision to amplify your online presence and thrive in your respective field.

	ArtStation	Behance
Focus of Platform	Digital artists, especially in gaming and entertainment	Diverse creatives across various industries
Learning Opportunities	ArtStation Learning with video tutorials	None
Ownership and Integration	Standalone; Offers software plugin support	Adobe; Integrated with Adobe’s Creative Cloud
Monetization Options	Digital downloads, print-on-demand, physical goods	Limited to portfolio work
Community and Networking	Niche community for digital arts	Broader, cross-industry creative community
Presentation of Work	Traditional gallery view	Multimedia, comprehensive project presentation
Pros	Specialization, Learning Opportunities, Monetization Capabilities, Software Plugin Support, Specialized Exposure, Digital Magazine	Broad Appeal, Adobe Integration, Multimedia Presentation, Larger User Base, Cross-Industry Networking, Greater Brand Recognition
Cons	Niche Focus, Less Cross-Industry Networking, No Adobe Integration, Limited Multimedia Presentation, Smaller Audience, Lesser Known Brand	Less Focused Community, No Dedicated Learning Platform, Limited Monetization Capabilities, Less Specialized Exposure, No Direct Software Plugin Support, No Dedicated Digital Magazine
Better in Situations	Specializing in Digital Art, Looking to Learn, Selling Variety of Products, Using Specific Creative Software, Seeking Specialized Exposure, Seeking Industry-specific Insights	Seeking Broad Appeal, Using Adobe Tools, Showcasing Multimedia Projects, Seeking Larger Audience, Networking Across Industries, Seeking Broad Brand Recognition