Introduction: The New Home for Creatives
If you’re a freelancer or run a small creative agency, you’ve probably spent years showcasing your work on platforms like Behance or Dribbble — hoping to get noticed, find clients, and be part of the design community.
Well… it’s time to move on.
I recently started using Contra, and after a few weeks of exploring, I can confidently say — this platform feels like the future of creative freelancing.
In this article, I’ll walk you through what makes Contra special, how it works, and share a few pro tips I use to optimize my profile for discovery and clients.
Why I Moved Away from Traditional Platforms
Platforms like Behance and Dribbble have done a lot for the creative world — but lately, they’ve become crowded, algorithm-heavy, and less focused on helping freelancers actually get work.
They’re amazing for inspiration, but not so great for building a sustainable freelance business.
Contra, on the other hand, is built entirely around helping independent professionals find paid projects, collaborate, and grow — without the noise.
It’s clean, focused, and surprisingly social.
What Makes Contra Different
When I first logged into Contra, it felt like a cross between a portfolio platform, a job board, and a community hub — all in one.
Here’s what immediately stood out to me:
1. The Community Feed
Contra’s home page feels more like Twitter for creatives, but with purpose.
You can:
Post your latest project updates or behind-the-scenes shots.
Get feedback from other professionals.
Discover trends without leaving the platform.
Every time you post, your discovery score increases — meaning more visibility, more profile visits, and a higher chance of being invited to projects.
It’s not just about showing work. It’s about being active in the creative conversation.
2. Creative Challenges
Contra regularly hosts community challenges, often in partnership with tech startups or design tools.
For example, there was a recent Magic Path challenge with a $10,000 prize pool. I’ve covered Magic Path in another video, and it was cool to see how Contra helps designers collaborate directly with emerging tech brands.
These challenges are a fantastic way to gain exposure, build your portfolio, and even earn some extra income.
3. Portfolio + SEO Optimization
Contra gives you a built-in portfolio system — similar to Behance but simpler and more powerful for client discovery.
Each project includes:
A title and meta description (under 60 characters for SEO!)
A detailed case study section
Tags for tools and skills used
Links to live projects
Filling out these sections properly isn’t optional — it’s crucial. Contra’s algorithm actually scans this data to recommend your work to potential clients.
My tip:
👉 Treat every project like a case study, not just a gallery post. Explain your process, goals, and results — and always add keywords that describe your niche (e.g., Framer web design, branding, UI design).
4. Services & Reviews
One thing I love about Contra is that it treats your profile like a mini website.
You can list your services (like “Web Design in Framer” or “UX Prototyping”) and explain what’s included in each package. Add visuals, pricing details, and examples of past work.
And don’t forget reviews. They play a big role in your visibility.
After completing a project, always ask your clients to leave feedback — even a short testimonial helps you climb the discovery rankings.
5. Discovery Page & Algorithm
The Discovery page on Contra is where potential clients search for talent.
It’s beautifully designed and filters creators by their skills — whether you’re a Framer developer, Webflow designer, or brand strategist.
Your placement here depends on your discovery score, which is influenced by:
Completing your profile
Getting reviews
Posting to the community
Participating in challenges
And (most importantly) — getting paid on Contra
Yes, getting paid on the platform gives you a big visibility boost. Which brings me to the next pro tip.
Pro Tip: How to Boost Your Discovery Score Fast
If you already have clients outside Contra — bring them in.
Invite them to hire and pay you through Contra instead of off-platform.
When you process payments within Contra, the system recognizes you as an active and trusted freelancer, which skyrockets your ranking.
This one change helped me gain more profile visits and a few direct project invitations within the first two weeks.
Badges, Verification & Getting Qualified
Contra also introduced a really smart system of badges and skill verifications.
For example, you can become a Top Independent, a Framer Expert, or a Webflow Designer once you verify your experience and complete a few projects.
Badges aren’t just for show — they increase your profile’s credibility and make clients more confident in hiring you.
One of the top creators I follow, Daniel, has over 17 badges including “Instant Expert.” His profile ranks high in searches, and his visibility is amazing.
That’s what I’m aiming for.
The AI Assistant: Meet Indy
One of Contra’s most interesting features is Indy, their built-in AI agent.
Once you install the Chrome extension, Indy automatically searches LinkedIn and X (Twitter) for job opportunities based on your skills.
It then sends you these matches directly to your Contra dashboard — saving you hours of manual searching.
I love this feature. It’s like having a personal assistant scouting freelance gigs 24/7.
Payments and Payouts
Contra handles payments in a way that’s simple and transparent.
You can link your bank account or crypto wallet, and withdraw your earnings easily. For your first payout, you’ll need to verify your identity and tax details — after that, everything runs smoothly.
You can also manage contracts, invoices, and proposals inside Contra, which really streamlines the client process.
Why I’m All-In on Contra
After years of juggling Behance for visibility, Dribbble for aesthetics, and Upwork for jobs — Contra finally combines everything in one ecosystem.
It’s built for modern, independent creatives who care about both their craft and their business.
Here’s why I recommend giving it a try:
You get discovery without paying for ads or premium tiers.
You can actually build client relationships right on the platform.
You’re part of a creative community that talks, shares, and grows together.
You own your portfolio and brand, not just another profile in the feed.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a designer, developer, or creative freelancer looking to get more visibility and real clients — Contra deserves your attention.
It’s not just another portfolio site. It’s a living ecosystem built around collaboration, connection, and creative freedom.
I’ve already moved my work there, and it’s been a refreshing change.
👉 Join me on Contra and let’s connect: My Contra Invite Link
And if you want to see a full walkthrough, check out my YouTube video where I explain everything step-by-step — including profile optimization, earning tips, and how to attract clients.
Let’s build a better creative community — one independent at a time.
FAQs
1. What is Contra?
Contra is a free platform for independent creatives to showcase their work, find clients, and get paid — all without platform fees.
2. How does Contra differ from Behance or Dribbble?
Behance and Dribbble are for showcasing visuals. Contra combines a portfolio, community, and client marketplace — focused on real work opportunities.
3. Can I import my projects from Figma or Framer?
Yes, you can link live projects and showcase them with detailed descriptions, tools used, and links to hosted versions.
4. How do I increase my discovery score?
Post updates, collect reviews, participate in challenges, and get paid on Contra.
5. Is Contra free to use?
Yes! Contra is free for freelancers. The platform earns from transaction fees paid by clients, not by creatives.
