An interesting questionier to figure what type of work suits you.

xin li

Over the last couple of years, I have been very interested in the question of what kind of work/creative process fits with my personality. I try to pay attention to things that require energy from me, and things that give me energy. I originally was doing this as an attempt to come up with a strategy of dealing with potential burnout, as I knew it was extremely common in creative industries such as illustration.

Recently I came across a sort of personality test which focused on figuring out your type in the context of work.

https://sparketype.com

I was very intrigued by it and took the test. The result was not very surprising for me, but it does give me a bit more insight. I finally have an explanation why it is so energy-consuming for me to be active on social media, why starting a Patreon or youtube channel is so difficult for me to do(I had thought of doing these things for years, but never get around to do them), why learning to become an author/illustrator energize me, even though I have not sold a single book idea yet.

I thought I shared the info here - it might be interesting for some of you who are trying to figure out making a living in the art world.

carlianne

@xin-li that was very interesting! I always find these sorts of quizzes fun

Annaaronson

@xin-li - This was really fun! I love this sort of thing.. thanks for sharing!

I also struggle with social media.. it is so draining. I am glad I'm not alone!

julian beresford

Thanks for the link, the quiz was really interesting, the result was pretty accurate.

donnamakesart

Care to share what you guys got? Mine was Scientist, Maven and anti Nurturer. Lol

NessIllustration

Maker and Maven, anti Perfomer. Lol to that last part, they got my number haha.

xin li

I am Maven, and Maker. and Anti Performer.

@NessIllustration I had not guessed you are Anti Performer. I had been using this as an explanation to my partner why I am not in the business of making youtube, or running an online store. hehe....

Tristan Lapetz

This is a cool lil questionnaire. Of course, I land as a "Maker" haha I'm sure most of us do. If you're interested in another one that hits on career but also other areas of life, check out link text. It is surprisingly spot on and might help you pinpoint some weaknesses that you may struggle with in your art career.

NessIllustration

@xin-li YouTube is still very a solitary "making" sort of endeavor. I write a script and say it to the camera, alone in my studio That feels manageable! I break out in a cold sweat when I have to make a phone call haha... I also taught my first course live, and each and every lesson was so hard for me to get through. I had lots of anxiety, enough to cause me physical issues (insomnia, digestive issues... TMI I know lollll). I'm not comfortable with all that stuff! YouTube is easy in comparison.

KathrynAdebayo

@NessIllustration I hear you!

julian beresford

I also got Maker,Maven and anti Performer

xin li

@NessIllustration I hear you! I really understand that. I struggled with class presentations, and talking in front of crowd for years in my 20s. But my previous job really required me to do that. So I trained myself to the point I was actually pretty good at doing these things, even though every time it took so much energy out of me. I remember sometime I would do a 1 hour presentation for a group of clients, and the rest of the day, I was so tired that I could not do any more work. Now that no one had required me to do these things as an illustrator, I just avoid all types of performing activities.

But I see books I illustrated are coming out, I need to practice my performing skill again for book promotion.

xin li

@julian-beresford welcome to the club of anti Performer

xin li

@Tristan-Lapetz cool. thanks for sharing

@xin-li This is good stuff. I too have been designing a work flow and value system as it relates to my business plan. I think "everything" has to come into play when running a solid business. In many ways, making art can feel like a small part of an art career:-) We are on the same page in terms of social media, Youtube, Kickstarter, etc. I get so overwhelmed with the multiple channels of exposure. It's high energy, hyper "busy" noise. I know it's important, but it's hard to take in emotionally.

Thanks for sharing!!

-Tom

xin li

@Tom-Shannon haha... I wrote a story based on the feeling you just described. I am waiting to hear how the pitching goes at this moment. I ended on a positive note, although I do not always feel like that in my real life.

Gabby Correia

Very accurate! Like many of you, I am also a Maker and Maven and anti Warrior
Thank you for sharing this

Laurel Aylesworth 0

Another Maker/Nurturer here...and anti-Essentialist.

donnamakesart

When I evaluated why I do art, it’s mostly because of my desire to learn, to surpass my pervious work, to challenge and grow. I feel so alien with the artsy crowd but also feel the same way in many other fields. Somehow I’ve wanted art enough to make it work.

As an anti-nurturer, I appreciate the solo lifestyle freelancing affords. I like forums and occasional friend gatherings but being around people naturally drains me.

Nyrryl Cadiz

I just took the test and I got. Maker, Maven, Anti Essentialist