Artistic (A): The Creators

Artistic types see possibilities. Give them a blank page, a stage or a problem with no single right answer, and they'll find a way to make something that didn't exist before. Holland's Artistic type isn't only about painting or music; it describes anyone who is drawn to originality and self-expression.

What Artistic types enjoy

• Writing, drawing, designing or making music
• Performing, presenting or storytelling
• Coming up with new ideas and original solutions
• Work where they can choose their own approach
• Visual details such as colour, layout and style
• Exploring feelings, culture and meaning through their work

Strengths you might notice

• They tend to be imaginative and open to new experiences.
• They often notice beauty, style and detail that others overlook.
• Many are comfortable with uncertainty and enjoy open-ended problems.
• They often bring a fresh angle to familiar topics.

Work settings that suit them

Artistic types tend to do well where creativity is valued and there's room to experiment: studios, agencies, media and publishing, theatre and events, design and architecture teams, and any role where ideas and originality matter. They usually prefer flexibility to strict routines.

How Artistic combines with other types

On Holland's hexagon, Artistic sits between Investigative and Social. An Artistic-Investigative person often enjoys creative work grounded in research or ideas, such as design that solves real problems. An Artistic-Social person often enjoys creative work that connects with people, such as teaching the arts or communication.

Artistic sits opposite Conventional. Someone whose code mixes the two might enjoy creative work that also needs organisation and accuracy, such as editing or managing creative projects.

If this sounds like you

If you're happiest when you're making something your own way, Artistic may be one of your top types. The careers below all start with A; take the assessment to see your full three-letter code and how it compares.