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I was listening to an episode of the podcast “Unpublished” with Amie Mcnee and James Winestock where Amie had created artist archetypes.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

Fantastic craftsperson ship, careful, meticulous and measured. May be slower to learn new skills but once they do, they do it at a high level. These creatives focus on technique and facts over symbolism and emotions. 

Invitation: examine perfectionism and recognize that themselves and their work is still valuable when messy and imperfect. Also, what new skill have you thought we be fun to learn? Now is the time!

The Healer

Very thoughtful, generous and supportive, this creative turns their act of creativity into considerate gifts and or mentorship of others. Verbally affirmative, gift-giving and nurturing, this artist understands the healing power of gesture and beauty.

Invitation: give equally to self and to others - remember that self-care IS caring for your community. You can ask for money for your work.

The Warrior

Pragmatic, multi-talented, and a go-getter, this creative has big dreams and has the determination to get there. These artists are capable, productive, and able to learn on the fly. Tend to work solo due to their pace and ability.

Invitation: To soften through rest and relaxation, and connecting to their emotions as well as their ambitions

The Dreamer

Authentic, unusual, and highly creative, this artist has beautiful dreams that they bring forth in their own method and time. They are multidisciplinary in nature and always have many projects on the go. Their work tends to be vulnerable and heartfelt. Their process is intuitive.

Invitation: To recognize that all people are creative dreamers and that they are seen for who they are. To finish projects and recognize that this aspect of the creation process can also be exciting and inventive

The Sage

On a quest for knowledge, quiet and contemplative, this creative creates very thoughtful and thought/provoking art. Can offer a cutting and or intelligent perspective. Enjoys playing the devils advocate.

Invitation: to learn through the process of doing rather than thinking, and drop out of left brain mode into a state of flow

The Mirror

This artist uses their creativity to plumb their inner depths as well as society at large. They are drawn to religions, spiritual traditions, self-discovery modalities, symbolism, and mantras. Art for them is often a tool for change, whether it is personal or societal. Great collaborators and troubleshooters.

Invitation: to feel safe enough just to play and allow some of their art to be lighthearted

The Entertainer

Outgoing, zesty, and charismatic, this creative wants to play, collaborate, dabble, and goof around. They bring joyful spontaneity to the table, and love to make others laugh

Invitation: to take their playful art seriously, and to connect to their emotions/heart-centre

The Visionary

A leader, with a bold perspective on the world, this creative is capable and inventive. In a collaborative setting they take charge, and when working solo, they inspire others with their presence, honesty and energy. They follow their gut.

Invitation: To feel safe in hearing others/allowing them to take the reins. To relax and recognize that their vision is already in the process of becoming manifest

The Adaptive

Steady, easy-going and multi-talented (one interest at a time please!), these artists alternate between phases of being on a roll and deep in their craft, and chilling on the couch resting. These artists naturally see a project through from beginning to end, albeit on their own time frame. Good collaborators as they are typically relaxed about which direction the project goes in

Invitation: To initiate a spark of ambition through recognizing the importance of sharing their work. Allowing for change to help inspire and widen their perspective