It's essentially a network (one of many—but that's an article for another day) that uniquely targets Creatives, a big "pro" over other networks like Facebook, which although good, was originally meant to cater to the scholastic crowd, then adapted. As with other networks, they have the obligatory "profile" interface, where you can input likes, interests network groups (basically your base of operations) and so forth. Because it's catering to designers, illustrators and other creative ilk, it also offers a dedicated page just for you...like a free webspace server...and a section to upload a portfolio of work along with room to post the project details beneath the image (client, description, etc). When a person viewing the piece clicks on the image thumbnail, it acts as a link to that project. When clicking on the larger image header, it opens it at the center of the browser window (think "flash" pop-up) and...best of all...allows one to upload up to three different images related to the project. Just think—you can put up different product shots, or variations. It adds a refreshing dimension to the usual "one product image per portfolio piece" norm.
Taking a page from other sites like the new blogger, design:related doesn't bog you down with too much copy. Wisely catering to this visual (likely ADD rampant) market, they let the image stills of their site do the talking in their quick tour. Although I would've preferred the option of a short video tour with a narrator entailing the benefits in brief detail as well, what they had was sufficient enough to seal the deal.
There are also other issues that could have been addressed, like a dedicated "help" page. I for example had to discover some of the better bits on my own. I know many designers who neither have the time nor patience to sit and play for extended periods of time. They are however aware that there might be some kinks in the works and are eager for our input, which is good. Time will tell just how adeptly they apply the suggestions that are offered.
If you are a designer like myself who doesn't have a live web site for whatever the reason, this is a nearly perfect alternative. "Nearly." To ensure a higher degree of visibility, I resorted to taking a snapshot of their logo (no, it's not pirating, read on) and create my own affiliates link from my splash page to the site (yet another resource they should offer, to increase their viral power). Creating your own link and adding it to one's sig (if they are forum advocates like myself) is another good advertising tactic.
Even if you do have a website, it doesn't hurt to try design:related if for any other reason than to extend your networking base in a site that specifically caters to our creative ken. I imagine as their popularity continues to grow, more prospective clients will visit when looking to hire a designer.
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