The Artisan core needs include freedom, action, excitement, variation, and the ability to make an impact. This type lives in the moment, feeling the past is irrelevant, and the future not yet important. They are impulsive, thriving on situations where the outcome is not known and where there is freedom to test the limits. Artisans have an ability to assess situations quickly, and if needed, to quickly make decisions and take action to achieve the desired outcome, without the concern for competence or ownership that may hinder other types.

This type is most pragmatic, focusing on results rather than cooperation. This perspective leads them to do whatever is necessary in order to get the best result with the least effort. When the possibilities and emergencies increase, the energy with which the Artisan takes on the task increases. They truly enjoy putting out fires and may even start some to bring on some excitement.

They excel at observation of human behavior and are skilled at seizing opportunities and predicting the moves others will make. This focus provides a talent for improvisation, fitting things together, and revision. If something doesn't work they simply move on to something else.

Artisans can easily become bored with routine, liking action and variation, and almost always want to be doing something. Although they live in the present moment, they do plan so they can finish in order to move on to something else. A typical motto would be, "I need more ways to save time and more things to do with the time I save."

Artisans need a change of pace and enjoy both relaxation time and high adventure. They like to vary their work patterns each day. They are typically willing to try new things--new restaurants, vacation spots, and are ready to take the time for entertainment. They enjoy randomness and will vary tasks--they typically will study or have dinner whenever the impulse strikes rather than according to a set plan. They enjoy aesthetics and are very aware of their surrounding environment.

Artisans view most everyone as equals. They seek autonomy, tactical one-upsmanship, and competition in social situations. Yet they are very loyal, being the most fraternal of all types, adopting camaraderie with those on their "team." They do their best in an open atmosphere or a loosely structured one that allows competition, freedom, opportunity, variation, and change. They enjoy helping people by problem solving, fixing things, and making things happen. Weaknesses can include lack of organization, a failure to vision consequences, unpredictability, and procrastination.

Artisans in the Classroom

Artisans enjoy hands-on, applied learning with a fast pace and freedom to explore. They like to jump in and start doing, being active in some way. Activities such as giving demonstrations, repairing things, drawing, debating, delivering oral presentations or conducting experiments gives them opportunities to experience learning through action.

Artisans enjoy media presentations and performing. They want to be entertained and enjoy entertaining. They prefer to read material with an action theme, and writing that involves a practical purpose will interest them most. They enjoy telling others about exciting actions or events they've experienced or observed.

Artisans like mobility and can become bored or fidgety if they are inactive for too long. They need to know how something will benefit them right now. It is important for them to see the relevance of class material. They find it difficult to do tasks that hold no obvious immediate payoffs.

Artisans are most efficient if they can work on several things at once. This helps them have more variety and is apt to feel less like routine. However, they can have difficulty completing projects because they allow themselves to be come overloaded or their attention shifts to a new activity.

They enjoy competition, and when motivated, work hard to perform best. They can be excellent team members if there is a contest. They like challenging themselves. They will usually return from a disappointment or setback ready for something else. They are adaptable to changing circumstances, and therefore they usually don't mind if the instructor tries out new techniques. They are not as concerned that they do everything the best way but focus on getting the job done. They have an ability to improvise, using whatever materials are available.

Tips for Artisan Students

1. When possible, schedule classes that meet for shorter lengths of time, and schedule classes on varying days rather than have them all in the same one or two days.
2. Try to schedule at least one class that has opportunities for activity--such as a lab science or art class.
3. Scheduling study time might be difficult, yet schedule some anyway. If you deviate somewhat from your schedule, that's OK, just be sure to make up the lost time right away. You don't need to schedule exactly what subject you will study at what time, but make sure you study all subjects.
4. When reading textbooks, if you have difficulty paying attention, write notes. Writing involves physical activity, which will help you learn. Stop periodically to think of possible applications of the material.
5. Work on several things at once. Especially with subjects that are your least favorite, study different subjects for a short time, rather than spending hours on one topic.
6. When studying, periodically take short breaks. Get up and do something. If on campus, walk around a building, browse through the bookstore. If at home, perform a quick task--empty the dishwasher, straighten your desk--anything to get engaged in physical activity for a few moments.
7. Procrastination can be your biggest enemy, yet it can also be an asset. You likely get your best work done at the last moment. Realistically assess how much time you need to study for a test or to complete a project and make sure you allow yourself enough time for completion.
8. If you don't understand the relevance of an assignment tactfully ask your instructor outside of class. Ask for ways to immediately apply what you are learning. Explain that this understanding will help you to learn and complete the work with more energy.
9. Go ahead and engage in playtime. Just be sure to balance play with study time.
10. Academic classes that lack activity can be a challenge for you. So accept the challenge and determine how you can make it more fun and interesting. Engage in related physical activity outside of the classroom if applicable--be creative.