Find Your Thrive: Creating your best work + making money from your art
and an intro to how to use Human Design as your guide.
Welcome to the very first post of the monthly series, Find Your Thrive. Each month, we’ll look at a different part of your Human Design chart to help you uncover your unique magic, so that you can build a cozy, feel-good art business.
For this month, we're going to pull double duty. First, we’ll lay the groundwork. Then we’ll dive into what your chart says about how you make your best work, and touch a little on how you can make money from your art.
Buckle up, because this one is a long one!
Housekeeping
Please note that this is my interpretation of the Human Design system in relation to being an artist. I’m still learning and may make mistakes. I will do my best to correct them as I continue to learn more and get feedback from readers like you!
What is human design?
Human Design (HD) is a smorgasbord of astrology, the I Ching, the chakra system, and Kabbalah. It was created by a man who calls himself Ra Uru Hu. He came up with the system after an 8-day mystical experience, where he received divine downloads from a being of higher power. He recorded these downloads and created the Human Design system.
I know, it sounds super woo-woo, but whether or not you believe his origin story, I can tell you that HD is eerily accurate. And after reading the rest of this post, you can decide if its insights resonate with you or not. But if you’re already into esoteric things like astrology, then I think you’ll find this helpful.
Why use human design?
I discovered HD in 2020. It was a time when I was feeling lost. My business, Parima Studio, was slowly tanking (financially, though not in recognition and accolades), and I was quickly losing my confidence, which then spiraled into deep depression. This prompted me to embark on a journey of personal growth.
During this time, I heard about a program called TCP (Transformation Coaching Program) taught by Jim Fortin, through James Wedmore’s podcast.
Jim doesn’t teach HD inside his TCP program (which is life changing btw), but someone from the community mentioned that it was a helpful companion, and I quickly fell down the rabbit hole. Between TCP and HD, I was able to turn around a failing business that very year. I grew my business, got out of debt, and regained my confidence.
A major reason why I love HD is that if you’re like me, you’ve probably identified yourself as an introvert, and maybe added some additional labels like “shy” or “sensitive”. And while these can help get to know yourself better, they can only tell you so much.
Human Design can help fill in those gaps because it gives you a complete picture of you, and can speak to even some of your more nuanced traits and characteristics. Your introversion, your shyness, your sensitivity are all part of your design, and it shows you how you can work with them, not against them. Which can feel like a huge relief because, if you’re like me, then you’ve probably viewed them as faults and wished you could be more like “other people”.
And in the context of building and running a business, it can answer questions about yourself, like:
How you make your best creative work
How you best make decisions
How to know when something is not right for you
How to know when you’re on the right track
How to have healthy work relationships
How to effectively communicate your ideas
How to market yourself
How to create an environment where your creativity can thrive
Where your opportunities come from
How to recognize signs of burnout
And so much more! It’s an incredibly powerful tool.
If there’s something you feel like you need guidance let me know in the comments, and I can turn it into a future post.
How to look up your chart?
Before pulling up your chart, I want to warn you that it will look visually overwhelming. There are lots of numbers, symbols, shapes, and lines everywhere. Don't panic! I repeat, do not panic! We’re going to take this one step at a time.
To find your chart, you’ll need to know the exact* time (hour and minute) and location of your birth.
Then, go to myhumandesign.com and enter your details. Save it as a PDF or print it out.
*If you don’t know your exact birth details, you can guestimate, but your chart might not be entirely accurate. Meaning some things might not resonate with you at all. Even a couple of hours or minutes difference can impact your Human Design, so just keep that in mind if you decide to move forward.
Nipping comparison syndrome in the bud before it begins.
Throughout this series, you will learn about things that are not a part of your unique chart because I’m compiling everyone’s info into one post, and so you might find yourself thinking that “other people have it better than you do”.
I get it. It’s natural to think that. I experienced this myself when I was first learning Human Design. But this is not a competition. Please don’t compare yourself to others.
If you pay close attention, you’ll see that everyone has their equal share of gifts and struggles. The truth is that there’s no “ideal chart”. (Sidenote: your chart will clue you in as to why you feel like you’re missing something or wish you had XYZ, but we’ll get to that later in the series.)
This series is about uncovering more of who you are so that you can learn to block out the noise. When you focus on what other people are doing, you’re letting in outside smoke that snuffs out your unique magic light.
Remember, you’re here to thrive! So let your chart illuminate the way!
Where should you focus your attention on your chart?
Throughout this series, we will focus on ONE element of your chart, and believe me, that’s enough to experiment with. And we’ll be looking at it through the lens of being a working artist.
For this month, we are going to focus on your TYPE.
You’ll find yours underneath the visual bodygraph.
If you’re using a different Human Design website, then you might find it in the top right corner. Just look for where it says Type.
What your TYPE tells you about you
Your type is your overall energy signature, or color palette if you will. It will inform you of how you can best use that energy, form relationships, and interact with those around you.
But I promised you that I wouldn’t overwhelm you with all the things, so for this post, we will focus on what your Type says about how you best create art, and briefly touch on how you can make money as an artist.
There are 5 Human Design Types
Generators, Manifesting Generators, Manifestors, Projectors, and Reflectors.
Discover what your Type says about how you create your best work, below.
Generators
Generators have boundless energy. If you start Googling Generators, you’ll often see them described as the “workhorses”. As a Generator myself, I don’t like to think of it this way because it makes it sound like we’re here to do work for other people and ignore our joy, when in fact, we’re meant to prioritize our joy.
You are meant to pursue the things that make you feel so excited that you’ll often experience a visceral response, like an audible “oh!”, or you’ll jump out of your seat, do a happy dance, or you’ll feel a buzzing sensation throughout your body. Ultimately, you will feel expansive.
You are known as a master because you have the energy to learn and hone your chosen craft. You can go for hours and hours doing this one thing, without getting tired. You might start something in the morning, and by the time you look up, it’s already evening. Time just seems to melt away. You don’t even realize how much time has gone by because you were in the zone. Uninterrupted creative time is very important to you.
You’re meant to use up all of your energy every single day. You should feel exhausted, but in the best way possible; otherwise, you’ll feel restless.
You also have the stamina and tenacity to revisit a certain subject, style, or color palette over and over again, perfecting your craft with each new session. Professionally speaking, niching down can be a good thing, but you’re free to pursue other interests, just don’t try to monetize everything (I’m speaking from experience!).
On the flip side, it can be hard for you to let go of projects that no longer feel exciting because you feel like you have to see them through to the end. You like to complete things, but if you’re really not into what you’re doing, it’s going to be a long journey on the struggle bus. It’s ok to pause projects and return to them when the inspiration strikes again, or let them go altogether.
Your inspiration can come from anything that crosses your path. It can be as simple as a particular shade of blue you saw in a magazine, or a beautiful location you saw while scrolling through your phone. It can also come through traveling, reading, or literally anything. The world is yours to respond to.
However, there may be times when nothing feels inspiring. When you sit down to create, nothing seems to come out right. This lull in your creativity is completely normal. Sometimes it can last a few weeks, and other times it can be months. There’s no forcing yourself out of it.
The best thing to do during this time is to let go of expectations, and allow yourself to be present and curious. Loosely follow the threads that feel interesting, but don’t put pressure to make things happen. Take it one step at a time, and eventually the right thing will spark your inspiration.
You may work best in collections or single one-off pieces (I do best with one-offs). Whatever feels most natural to you, go with it!
You might be great at bringing other people’s visions to life, and commissions or collaborations may be a service you offer. Just be careful to only say yes to the projects that truly light you up. Otherwise, you’ll quickly feel frustrated and stuck doing something that no longer resonates with you. You can use an application process to help you decide which commissions are a good fit.
Other options are selling through your website, licensing, or working with galleries.
Manifesting Generators
As the name suggests, you are a cross between a Manifestor and a Generator. Like a Generator, you have boundless energy and passion for your art. But unlike a Generator, you’re not here to master just one thing.
Like a Manifestor, you're a multi-passionate, prolific artist. You create your best work when you give yourself permission to follow your joy and unapologetically pivot when it no longer resonates with you. You may experiment with different styles, subjects, media, and even disciplines.
For example, you may like painting, embroidery, and working with ceramics. Embrace the different passions. Don’t worry about how it will confuse people because you’re doing “too many things”. You have the power to pull them all together and magically make them feel cohesive because the common thread is you!
Working in small batches of whatever discipline/subject brings you the most joy in that moment may be beneficial for you.
Anything can spark your creativity. You’re here to respond to the beauty you encounter, and then transmute it into something utterly stunning.
However, just like Generators, there may be times when you feel like nothing is lighting that spark within you. You feel like you’re moving through life aimlessly. Your inspiration is eluding you. But don’t fret, this downtime is totally normal for you. You can be in this space for days, weeks, or months. Don’t put pressure on yourself to create your best work when you’re in this lull. Instead, allow yourself to explore the world around you. Trust that your inspiration will come when it’s meant to.
Like Manifestors, doing custom work for clients where you’re given creative freedom to make whatever you want can be an exciting way to keep things fresh. People will hire you because of the unique and innovative perspective you bring to each project.
You’ll know which projects to pursue because your body will give you visceral clues, just like a Generator. Your body will contract or pull away when it’s a no, and will expand when it’s a yes.
Be careful with committing to long-term projects. You may feel excited initially, but if too much time passes, you may find yourself frustrated because you’ve locked yourself into a project that no longer resonates or excites you.
You can also go solo and focus on selling through your website.
Lastly, don’t base the worth of art on how long it takes you to do it. You are an innovator, and by experimenting, you can quickly uncover the best way to do something. You can skip steps and quickly churn out new art. Don’t punish yourself for having this amazing ability by undercharging. Your worth comes from the value of your unique ideas.
Mainfestors
I like to think of Manifestors as the firestarters. You are known as the initiator and have the power to bring new and truly unique ideas to life. You are the visionary who wants to make an impact on the world.
Growing up, you might have been told that you’re “too much”, “too hyper”, “too scattered”, and might have spent your life trying to shrink yourself to be more like “other people”. You may have been told to settle down or pick a focus.
But you have great energy that cannot be contained to just one thing. You’re not meant to niche down.
You are a prolific artist with many interests. Feel free to pursue any fully formed ideas that pop up. Embrace all sides of your creativity. Whether it’s photography, painting, or knitting, they’re all valid as long as you feel called to them.
Don’t worry about confusing your audience or clients with your various creative endeavors. People will follow/support you for you. They can’t wait to see what you’ll do next!
You’re not meant to be consistent. You might not create every single day. Forcing yourself to make art when you don’t truly feel the inner calling to do so is not the best use of your energy.
Another thing that can drain your energy and dull your magnetic sparkle is participating in long-term projects, like a painting-a-day challenge. Likewise, committing to long-term projects with clients and collaborators can lead to burnout. What ultimately decides your creative schedule and activities is the flow of your energy.
You work best in small blocks of uninterrupted time, or bursts, that leave you with ample time to rest afterwards. You might only spend a couple of hours a day creating, or you might not create every day. You’re a sprinter, not a marathon runner. So make sure you’re giving yourself time to refill your bucket. Try to avoid creating at night, as your body needs time to unwind and recharge your powerful battery.
You’re excellent at starting projects, but can fall short of completing them. Depending on the type of art you make, you might need people around you to help carry out your vision. Similarly, you might need a studio assistant or VA who can take care of the business side of things, so you can pour your energy into the creative part.
Just be mindful of the people who are helping you. Your brain tends to move quickly, and it can be hard for others to keep up. So if you’re working with a team or on a group project, make sure you clearly communicate what you plan to do and when you plan to do it. Keep everyone in the loop, and check in with them regularly to make sure they understand and feel comfortable with your plan.
That being said, you can still thrive solo by following the inspiration that sparks from within, honoring your energy flow, and not overcommitting to ideas. Remember, it’s ok to pivot when you feel the need to. Use your website and social media to showcase your diverse interests.
You might do well with commissions or custom work where you’re given total creative autonomy. People will hire you because they value your fresh perspective and ability to create that wow-factor. On the flip side, doing commissions where people tell you what they want you to make does not support your creativity, so it’s best to avoid these.
Another avenue is partnering with different galleries, where you can submit your various artworks. You might have one that focuses on paintings, and another that specializes in photography. Having different partners ensures that you have outlets for your multiple interests.
Projectors
Projectors are known for their wisdom and ability to see the big picture of how systems work. People recognize this and often come to you for advice.
What this means for your creative pursuits is that you might spend a lot of time refining your creative process.
You may enjoy working in collections where you can take your time to tell a cohesive story.
Inspiration for your art may come from a meaningful one-to-one conversation, or thinking back to your life experiences and exploring a memory or idea even further. Whatever the source, you like to dive deep into the subject matter.
Your energy ebbs and flows. Ample rest, like an afternoon nap and a good night’s sleep, is an essential part of your creative process, and you shouldn’t feel guilty about it. Because of this, you might release less work or fewer collections in a year compared to your Generator, MG, and Manifestors colleagues. It’s important not to pit your progress against others, or fall into the trap that “doing more = more success”. Forcing yourself to “keep up” with others will lead to exhaustion. Trust that going at your own pace will take you to the same destination.
You thrive in one-to-one settings, and you may find that you love offering commissions, where you can dive deep with your client about their vision for the piece. You have a talent for asking the right questions and discovering just what they need.
Similarly, you might do well working with galleries, other brands, or even in-person events where you get to interact with people. The relationships you build through these can become invaluable. You’ll know which professional relationships to pursue because you’ll feel accepted and acknowledged.
When working with others, give yourself longer lead times. Add a time buffer if you’re doing commissions. Tight deadlines are not impossible for you to meet, but be careful not to find yourself in this predicament too often, or it can lead to burnout. Licensing can be a great source of revenue for you because it allows you to continue generating income even while you're resting.
There might be a time in your creative career when you may feel like you haven’t quite found your artistic voice yet. If this is you, don’t worry, during this period of your life, you’re meant to explore and try new things. Your voice and artistic wisdom will emerge from your many learned experiences. Exploring and learning by trial and error is a crucial part of your journey. So learn to let go of expectations and enjoy the process.
Reflectors
Reflectors are the rarest of the bunch, and they can often be a mirror for others. Reflecting truths about others and their environment back to them.
Reflectors are chameleons. You may find it easy to adapt to whatever environment you’re in or the people you’re with. While you're in these environments, you may find yourself temporarily picking up certain mannerisms and habits from others. When you are alone, those traits might fall away. Only the things that truly feel like you will remain.
Creatively, this means that you’re open to exploring a myriad of styles, subjects, and themes, depending on who you’re with and what environment you’re in. You have the ability to capture the essence of an experience, your surroundings, or tell the stories of the people you encounter. You soak up inspiration like a sponge and have the means to express it through natural talent.
At times, you may feel like you have no unique creative voice or signature style. Don’t try to box yourself in. You’re not meant to focus on one thing like Generators. Focus on whatever feels good to you at that time. Your art style is flexible, your creativity malleable.
That being said, it’s important to spend time away from people and let their energy fall away, so your personality can shine through - pay attention to what truly resonates with you.
Participating in artist residencies or being a part of different creative communities is beneficial to your growth as an artist. The quality of your environment matters. Discern which feels right for you. Feeling a sense of awe or delight is a telltale sign. If an environment or group of people starts to make you feel like you're slowly wilting like a plant in need of sunshine and water, then it’s time to find a new setting.
You might thrive working in collections that reflect the stories of your encounters, doing commissions/custom work, or working on group projects/collaborations with other artists, brands, or companies.
You may also do well at in-person events where you can cater your art to that specific event and interact with its attendees, like gallery shows, fairs, and markets.
Did this resonate with you?
Now that you’ve learned a bit about what your chart says about you, how do you feel? Did it resonate with you?
Is it different from how you’re creating and selling art now? If it’s different, what’s something you discovered that you’d like to try?
Journal it out or share it in the comments, I’d love to hear your perspective.
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