ISFP: The Artist (Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving)

We all have unique personalities, but according to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, we tend to fall into one of 16 different "types." The ISFP personality type, for example, is an acronym that means you tend to be introverted, sensing, feeling, and perceiving. If you have this sort of personality, you probably tend to be a considerat friend who is great with details, although you sometimes have a hard time seeing the big picture.

People with an ISFP personality—the Artists—have introverted, observant, feeling, and prospecting personality traits. Unlike extroverts, who gain energy from interacting with others, introverts must expend energy around others.

Characteristics of the ISFP Personality Type

According to David Keirsey, the creator of the Keirsey Temperament Sorter, approximately 5% to 10% of people have an ISFP personality type. They typically share a few common strengths and weaknesses.

ISFPs Have Many Strengths...

Just like other personality types, ISFPs have many strengths:

• A peaceful, caring, and considerate nature. They're kind, friendly, and sensitive, with an easygoing attitude. They tend to accept other people as they are.
• Great attention to detail. Their quiet calmness lends itself to tasks that require care and focus.
• Focus on the present. They spend more time thinking about the here and now than worrying about the future.
• Diligence. They tend to be doers rather than dreamers.
• Practicality. ISFPs don't do well with abstract theories unless they can see some type of practical application. They excel at projects and in learning situations that involve hands-on activity.
  

...But They Also Have Some Weaknesses

As with all personality types, being an ISFP can also mean that you'll face some challenges. Traits that might sometimes be your personality's Achilles heel include:

• Indecisiveness: Choice can be tough! Sometimes, you might put off making decisions just so you can see if things change or new options arise. (Which, of course, can make things even more confusing).
• Trouble with abstract ideas: As an ISFP, you probably don't do well with abstract theories. That is unless you can see some practical use for it. Most of the time, you probably enjoy learning by getting some real hands-on experience.
• Avoidance of conflict: Does just the thought of getting in an argument make you want to bury your head in the sand? Instead of facing problems head-on, you might try to avoid them rather than rock the boat.
• Introversion: Hey, there's nothing wrong with being an introvert! But it does create challenges, especially when you really need some time to yourself but you have to keep putting on your "social" front.
  

Understanding the Cognitive Functions of ISFPs

The MBTI works by focusing on four key cognitive functions (thinking, feeling, intuition, and sensing). Each of those functions is then either directed outwardly (extraverted) or inwardly (introverted). But personality isn't just about whether you're extraverted or introverted each of these main personality dimensions. It's the hierarchical order of these functions that makes your personality so unique!

Dominant: Introverted Feeling

ISFPs care more about personal concerns rather than objective, logical information. Feelings matter more than facts.

People with this personality type deal with information and experiences based on how they feel about them. You're more likely to trust your emotions than what your logical mind is telling you.

ISFPs have their value system and create spontaneous judgments based on how things fit with their ideas. This can be great at times, because it means you have a strong internal moral compass. It can be a challenge, however, if you let confirmation biases run the show and don't consider other information that might sway your opinions.

Auxiliary: Extraverted Sensing

People with ISFP personalities are very in tune with the world around them. That means you know what's going on around you. You notice things, no matter how small. This great attention to detail also means that you probably appreciate things like aesthetics and fine art.

ISFPs are always living in the moment. Awareness is your superpower, and you are always ready to jump into action and respond to even small changes. Others might overlook these things, but you have a natural knack for noticing the small things others miss.

Being attuned to the environment has other perks, too, including a vivid memory. You're able to visualize the past in rich detail. Sights, sounds, and smells trigger powerful memories associated with those senses.

Tertiary: Introverted Intuition

The tertiary function tends to run in the background, feeding off of the extraverted sensing function. It offers support, but it's much less developed than your dominant and auxiliary functions.

As ISFPs take in details about the world, they often develop "gut feelings" about events and situations. That means that while you generally do not like abstract concepts or ideas, your introverted intuition function means that you'll sometimes have important epiphanies.

Inferior: Extraverted Thinking

Your inferior function is the opposite of your dominant function, meaning it's the least developed part of your personality. Because of this, it can be one of your biggest weaknesses. For ISPs, this often emerges as a difficulty when it comes to organization, although they may use this function more prominently in certain situations.

This function is all about looking for the most efficient way to do something. As an ISFP, you might become focused on being very precise about the details and finding the most effective way to express an idea.

Personal Relationships With ISFPs

While you may have the classic ISFP traits that make you warm and engaging, you're still an introvert. And that means that, for the most part, you tend to have a reserved and quiet side. This is most true when you are around people you don't know well.

You might be outgoing and gregarious around your close friends, but a lot more closed off when you are in a large crowd of strangers. After a day of 'extroverting' at work, introverts usually need some time alone to recharge their mental batteries.

ISFPs are also quite private, so that means you sometimes keep your true feelings to yourself. You might hold back your thoughts, feelings, and opinions with other people in your life, even your romantic partners.

ISFPs have strong values but are not concerned with trying to convince other people to share them. They care deeply about other people, particularly their closest friends and family. They are action-oriented and tend to show their care and concern through action rather than discussing feelings or expressing sentiments.

How ISFPs Can Find the Perfect Career

Working a job that doesn't vibe with your personality can be disheartening, so it pays to think about which jobs are aligned to your ISFP traits. For example, people with ISFP personalities love animals and have a strong appreciation for nature. If that's you, then you might want to seek out jobs or hobbies that put you in contact with the outdoors and with animals.

Because ISFPs prefer to focus on the present, you'll also probably prefer a job that focuses on solving practical, real-world problems. But you also don't like to feel hemmed in, so consider options that give you a lot of personal freedom and autonomy.

Tips for Interacting With ISFPs

Knowing how to interact with an ISFP can help relationships run more smoothly. How you respond might depend on the nature of the relationship, i.e., you're going to talk to an ISFP friend a lot differently than you would a co-worker, parent, or lover. Here's a few tips that can help in each situation.

Friendships

• ISFPs are friendly and get along well with other people, but they typically need to get to know you well before they really open up.
• You can be a good friend to an ISFP by being supporting an accepting of who they are.
• ISFPs can be light-hearted and fun, but they are also quite intense at times. Recognize that there will be times when your friend wants to share and times when he or she will want to retreat to a more personal space.

Parenting

• ISFP children tend to be perfectionists and can be their own harshest critics.
• Because they place such high expectations on themselves, they often underestimate or undervalue their own skills and talents.
• If you are a parent to ISFP child, you can help your child by encouraging them to be kind to themselves and recognize their value.

Relationships

• ISFPs are very considerate in relationships, often to the point that they continually defer to their partners.
• Because they are usually not good at expressing their own feelings and needs, it is important that you make an effort to understand your partner.
• When making decisions, ensure that your partner's voice is heard and their feelings are given equal weight.