What Type of Artist Are You?

I was listening to an episode of the podcast “Unpublished” with Amie Mcnee and James Winestock where Amie had created artist archetypes. I love archetypes and personality quizzes, and throw into the mix life as a creative… I was all in. For some time now I’ve wanted to create my own archetype system, and listening to this podcast gave me the nudge I needed to just do it!

The archetypes are based off of the enneagram, however they are my own abstraction of what an artist from each enneagram number might look like. I’m working on creating an online personality quiz out of the archetypes, however in the meantime, here’s a peek into the different types of artists!

The Refiner

You are a fantastic craftsperson, careful, meticulous, and measured. You may be slower to learn new skills, but once you do, you do it at a high level. You tend to focus on technique and facts over symbolism and emotions.

Invitation: Examine your perfectionism, and recognize that you and your work are still valuable even when messy and imperfect.

Also, what new skill have you thought would be fun to learn? Now is the time!

The Healer

Very thoughtful, generous, and supportive, you tend to use your creativity to make considerate gifts, and enjoy mentoring others. Others find you verbally affirming and nurturing, and you understand the healing power of gesture and beauty. When you're at your best, you recognize that creativity is medicine.

Invitation: Remember to give equally to yourself as to others - self-care IS caring for your community.

Also, you can ask for money for your work if you'd like to! You are worthy of it.

The Warrior

Pragmatic, multi-talented, and a go-getter, you have big list of dreams and the determination to get them accomplished! You are capable, productive, and able to learn on the fly. You tend to work solo due to your pace and ability.

Invitation: It is safe to soften and rest - you will still have enough time to accomplish your dreams! Also, consider journaling or some other form of self-contemplation to help connect into your emotions as well as your ambitions.

The Dreamer

Authentic, unusual, and highly creative, you have beautiful dreams that you bring forth in your own method and time. You are multidisciplinary in nature and always have many projects on the go. Your work tends to be vulnerable and heartfelt, and your process is intuitive.

Invitation: To recognize that all people are creative dreamers, and that you are seen for who you are.

Also, work towards finishing projects - this aspect of the creation process can also be exciting and inventive!

The Sage

You are a creative who is on a quest for knowledge! You are often quiet and contemplative, and are capable of creating very thoughtful and thought-provoking art. Your work tends to offer a cutting and/or intelligent perspective, and you enjoy playing the devils advocate.

Invitation: To learn through the process of doing rather than thinking - try some exercises to help shift you out of the left brain mode and into a state of flow.

The Mirror

You often use your creativity to plumb your inner depths as well as to deeply understand society at large. This type of Artist is drawn to symbolism, self-discovery modalities, mantras, and religions. Art for you is often a tool for change, whether it is personal or societal. As your goal is create greater harmony and equality, you are a great collaborator, and enjoy the role of being a troubleshooter.

Invitation: To feel safe enough to simply play and allow some of your art to be lighthearted and fun.

The Entertainer

Outgoing, zesty, and charismatic, you want to play, collaborate, dabble, and goof around! You bring joyful spontaneity to the table and love to make others laugh. You love a spontaneous idea, and are the first one to join in on a new adventure.

Invitation: Take your playful art seriously! We need your zest.

Also, consider using your creativity to help connect to your emotions and work through difficult feelings. This will only deepen your connection to yourself, and your creativity will have even more impact.

The Visionary

You are a visionary; able to see everything from eagle view, to mouse view. You are capable and inventive, and in a collaborative setting you take charge. When working solo, you continue to inspire people with your leader-like energy, honesty, and ability to see a path forward. To create, you follow your gut.

Invitation: To feel safe in hearing others/allowing them to take the reins. Also, know that you can trust in the universe and relax - your vision is already in the process of becoming manifest!

The Adaptive

Steady, easy-going, and multi-talented (one interest at a time please!), you tend to alternate between phases of being deep in your craft, and chilling on the couch resting. You naturally see a project through from beginning to end, albeit on your own time frame. Thankfully you are patient and trust that things will fall into place when they need to. You are a good collaborator as you are typically relaxed about which direction a project goes in.

Invitation: To initiate a spark of ambition through recognizing the importance of sharing your work! We need your art!

Also, it is helpful to allow for (and sometimes invite in) change, to help inspire and widen your perspective.