Behance is a company that organizes the creative world to make things happen. They do this by researching the most productive and creative people, and then tailoring products and services for them. They are based out of New York City, and really seem like a fascinating organization of driven people.
I stumbled across Behance about a month ago through their blog, The99Percent, and have been reading it casually ever since. Their articles and diagrams are very entertaining and informative. And more, their products are tailored to both those that enjoy online productivity tools, and those that cut out distraction by using only offline productivity tools.
The interview below features one of the many talented team members at Behance, Sarah. The interview centers on Behance as a company and how productivity and focus plays into their organization’s goals.
What Behance product has made you more focused?
The Action Method in general as a way of thinking has completely changed the way I go through my day. I start with big goals, and find a way to break them down so that they’re not so daunting. When I arrive in the morning, I try to get a handle on what the day will hold by looking at my Action Steps in AMO, reading through new emails, and checking my notes from the day before. Then, I use our Action Pad to make a comprehensive list of exactly what I have to get done that day, and I start working through those. I try not to add too much to the list as the day goes on, but focus on getting done what I listed in the morning.
What’s the behance environment like?
Most people at the Behance office have pretty clean desks – there’s always an abundance of coffee cups floating around, but on the whole the office is tidy.
Coffee or tea person?
Personally, I’m a coffee person, and could not start my morning without it. I wouldn’t say that coffee itself helps me be more productive, but I love the morning ritual that it provides, and the associations I have with getting in early in the morning, with a hot cup of coffee and settling down to get it all done.
Favorite productivity gadget?
Smartphones. I use an iPhone, and completely rely on it to have access to my email at all times, and my action steps via the Action Method Iphone app.
Today, cell phones are more than just distractions, they’ve become completely intertwined with daily life. Not everyone uses their phone in the same way, but being able to catch up on the news and read through emails and upcoming tasks as I get myself to work helps me to frame the course of my day and prepare me to be productive and calm.
Any favorite web productivity app?
Behance has developed a fantastic project management system called Action Method Online; everyone in the office uses it, and it helps break tasks, ideas, and projects down into smaller pieces called “Action Steps.” These steps can be delegated to one another, or just personal tasks and reminders for yourself. We offer monthly and yearly subscriptions, with discounts for non-profits and corporate teams.
What drives Behance?
I think everyone at Behance would agree that our enthusiasm for our mission drives us. The creative community is an essential source of inspiration and beauty in society, and we want to help grow the livelihood of these people by providing an organized forum, and opportunities for them to be able to do what they love and make a living from it, and keep their inspiration and vision intact along the way.
Overall thoughts on the concept of Focus
Something that will automatically help focus is simply getting to a place where you can be excited about and committed to what you’re spending your time doing. We all can’t afford to be working on personal projects constantly, but our work should sync with our passions, and finding ways to be excited about what you spend your hours on will help to change focus from something you have to work at to being something that comes naturally. Of course, even in a project you love, it’s important to be disciplined about hours spent, next steps, and staying organized.
IMPORTANT: If you enjoyed this article, I'd like for you to experience much more by purchasing the book. You can check out via Paypal or Google Checkout. Click here to buy the book.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I was excited to read you article about organizational help for creative people. I am an artist and creativity coach and find one of the hardest things for creatives is often to get a handle on their ideas and engage in the next step – production.
I like the way their site is broken up into different areas that enhance the creative process and also take into account the intuitive aspect of creativity.
It is fascinating to see a company out there dealing with this issue
and indicates that perhaps the business world is beginning to understand the huge role that creativity has to play in its success.
Thanks so much for your post, which brought this company to my attention – what a great resource!
Im looking forward to keeping up withyour blog
Kadira
Kadira — Thanks for checking out the site. I really appreciate your feedback. I definitely agree with you on organization being the hardest thing for creatives. I, too, have a wealth of friends that are very talented. They’ve started many projects, but rarely finish them. On their desk sit scattered art pieces, but nothing completed. I’m writing this book for them in mind, too. Definitely check out their book that’s coming out soon: Making Ideas Happen. http://the99percent.com
Scott – Thanx for your reply – I will keep an eye out for your book – sounds interesting