ISFPs, also known as Artists or Adventurers, are warm, enthusiastic, and creative individuals who are drawn to new experiences and sensory pleasures. They are known for their love of life, their zest for new experiences, and their ability to make others feel happy and entertained. ISFPs are often referred to as "the Artists" because of their natural ability to see the world in a unique and beautiful way.
ISFP and Myers Briggs Personality Test
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is an introspective self-report questionnaire designed to identify a person's personality type, preferences, and strengths. It is based on the work of Carl Jung, who developed a theory of psychological types that categorized individuals based on their preferences for four key dichotomies:
Introversion (I) vs. Extraversion (E): Individuals who are more introspective and energized by solitude are categorized as introverts, while those who are more outgoing and energized by social interaction are categorized as extraverts.
Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N): Individuals who focus on concrete details and facts are categorized as sensors, while those who prefer abstract concepts and possibilities are categorized as intuitives.
Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F): Individuals who make decisions based on logic and reason are categorized as thinkers, while those who consider emotions and personal values are categorized as feelers.
Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P): Individuals who prefer structure and closure are categorized as judgers, while those who are more flexible and adaptable are categorized as perceivers.
Read more and take a quick MBTI test to assess your personality.ISFP Personality Type
ISFPs are artistic, loyal, and harmonious. Their primary function is Introverted Feeling which allows them to know what they value and make judgments based on these values. They strive to connect with others who share similar ideals. In turn, their auxiliary function is Extraverted Sensing which makes them “earthy” people who have a love of aesthetic beauty (“Portrait of an ISFP”). They live in a world full of sensation possibilities and have a strong value system in which they constantly strive to meet in their own lives.
ISFPs will generally be inclined to choose careers which allow freedom for creativity and displaying their personal goals. They prefer flexibility and do not fare will with schedules. They learn best in a hands-on approach and may be bored with traditional methods which emphasize abstract thinking. Logic is secondary to the ISFP for they are uncomfortable dealing with objective systems. In contrast, they prefer subjectivity and love music and the arts.
Weaknesses of the ISFP include their tendency to be cynical which does not translate well onto others. They also prefer to live in the moment so the big picture may be omitted out of the ISFP’s goals. They have an extreme dislike of conflict and criticism because they seek harmony and are generally irritated when their personal space has been invaded.
ISFP’s generally have the following traits:
• Keen awareness of their environment
• Live in the present moment
• Enjoy a slower pace - they like to take time to savor the present moment
• Dislike dealing with theory or abstract thought, unless they see a practical application
• Faithful and loyal to people and ideas which are important to them
• Individualistic, having no desire to lead or follow
• Take things seriously, although they frequently appear not to
• Special bond with children and animals
• Quiet and reserved, except with people they know extremely well
• Trusting, sensitive, and kind
• Service-oriented; they're driven to help others
• Extremely well-developed appreciation for aesthetic beauty
• Likely to be original and unconventional
• Learn best with hands-on training
• Hate being confined to strict schedules and regimens
• Need space and freedom to do things their own way
• Dislike mundane, routine tasks, but will perform them if necessary
The ISFP is a very special individual who needs to have a career which is more than a job. The middle of the road is not likely to be a place where they will be fulfilled and happy. They need to have a career which is consistent with their strong core of inner values. Since they prefer to live in the current moment, and take the time to savor it, they do not do well with some of the more fast-paced corporate environments. They need a great deal of space and freedom if they are going to function in their natural realm of acute sensory awareness. If they give free reign to their natural abilities, they may find a wonderful artist within themselves. Almost every major artist in the world has been an ISFP. Since the ISFP is so acutely aware of people's feelings and reactions, and is driven by their inner values to help people, the ISFP is also a natural counselor and teacher.
ISFP Relationships
ISFP’s are warmhearted, gentle people who take their commitments seriously, and seek lifelong relationships. They are very private people, who keep their true feelings and opinions reserved or hidden from others. This may cause them to constantly defer to their mates in their intimate relationships, which may cause problems if their mates are not extremely aware of the ISFP's feelings. Some ISFP’s who are in the habit of not expressing their needs and feelings find themselves in situations throughout their life where they feel overshadowed, overlooked, or even "tread upon" by others. Highly practical and cynical by nature, these feelings may cause the ISFP to become bitter, and to either give up on their relationships, or to start using their relationships for their own personal gain. Although this problem is observed sometimes in the ISFP type, it does not seem to be present in those ISFP’s who consistently express their feelings to those closest to them. These ISFP’s have a very positive, warm outlook on life and love, and are not as likely to find themselves in relationships where they are taken for granted or taken advantage of. ISFP’s go to great lengths to please their partners. They're very loyal and supportive, with a deep capacity for love. They detest conflict and discord, and highly value being seen and understood for who they are. They need space to live their lives in their own unique way, and will respect other's need for space.
ISFP Strengths
• Warm, friendly and affirming by nature
• Usually optimistic
• Good listeners
• Good at dealing with practical day-to-day concerns
• Flexible and laid-back, usually willing to defer to their mates
• Their love of aesthetic beauty and appreciation for function makes them likely to have attractive, functional homes
• Take their commitments seriously, and seek lifelong relationships
• Likely to value and respect other's personal space
• Likely to enjoy showing their affection through acts and deeds
• Sensuous and earthy
ISFP Weaknesses
• Not good at long-range financial (or other) planning
• Extreme dislike of conflict and criticism
• Focused on enjoying the present moment, they may appear lazy or slow-moving at times
• Need to have their own space, and dislike having it invaded
• May be slow to show their affection with words
• Tendency to hold back their thoughts and feelings, unless drawn out
• May become overly cynical and practical
Potential Problem Areas
ISFP may show some or all of the following weaknesses in varying degrees:
• May be extremely sensitive to any kind of criticism
• May be unable to see the opportunities inherent to a situation
• May perceive criticism where none was intended
• May have skewed or unrealistic ideas about reality
• May be unable to acknowledge or hear anything that goes against their personal ideas and opinions
• May blame their problems on other people, seeing themselves as victims who are treated unfairly
• May have great anger, and show this anger with rash outpourings of bad temper
• May be unaware of appropriate social behavior
• May be oblivious to their personal appearance, or to appropriate dress
• May come across as eccentric, or perhaps even generally strange to others, without being aware of it • May be unable to see or understand anyone else's point of view
• May value their own opinions and feelings far above others
• May be unaware of how their behavior affects others
• May be oblivious to other people's need
• May feel overwhelmed with tension and stress when someone expresses disagreement with the ISFP, or disapproval of the ISFP
• May develop strong judgments that are difficult to change against people who they perceive have been oppressive or suppressive to them
• Under great stress, may feel out of control and fearful, dwelling on the "dark side" of things
Careers
• Artist
• Musician / Composer
• Psychologist / Counselor
• Librarian
• Designer
• Social Worker
• Teacher
• Doctor
• Child Care
• Writer
Key Elements to Working with this Type
• ISFPs can see the positive in everyone but may need positive feedback for themselves.
• Do not criticize the ISFP’s ideas and opinions for they do not respond well to negativity.
• Assign projects that foster creativity without deadlines.
• Approach the ISFP by being direct and honest.
If you are an ISFP, you are a warm, enthusiastic, and creative individual with the potential to make a positive impact on the world. Use your strengths to bring joy and laughter to others, and don't be afraid to shine your light brightly!