Embracing My Scanner Personality: A Journey in Colour Exploration

As an Illustrator and Artist, I've always been drawn to the vast spectrum of possibilities that creativity offers. Yet, beneath this excitement lurked a nagging sense of anxiety whenever I had to make decisions about my work—choosing materials, selecting colours, or deciding on a direction for my projects. This struggle stemmed from my identity as a scanner personality.

For those unfamiliar, being a scanner personality means having a broad range of interests and talents, often leading to difficulty in committing to one path. Instead of focusing on a single pursuit, scanners thrive on exploration and variety, embracing the richness of diverse experiences.

However, this innate curiosity comes with its own set of challenges. The pressure to choose one passion and stick to it has followed me throughout my life, echoing in the well-meaning advice of "grow up and make a decision, already." This constant tug-of-war between exploration and commitment created a profound sense of aversion within me whenever I faced a crossroads.

Fortunately, therapy became a sanctuary where I could confront these feelings head-on. Through introspection and guidance, I began to unravel the layers of anxiety that were intertwined with my identity as a scanner. It was during this journey that I stumbled upon a podcast episode discussing scanner personalities, and one simple sentence resonated deeply within me:

"I cannot do everything TODAY!"

This revelation was a game-changer. It reframed my perspective on decision-making, offering a much-needed dose of relief from the relentless pressure to choose. Armed with this newfound insight, I embarked on a quest to define my colour palette—a task that had previously felt daunting.

With the guidance of a supportive coach, I delved into the world of colour exploration. Drawing inspiration from interior design books, I curated a series of palettes, each reflecting my eclectic taste and love for vibrant hues. Despite the challenges of narrowing down my options (after all, who can resist the allure of all the colours of the rainbow?), I eventually found a palette that felt like home.

The process wasn't just about selecting colours; it was a journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Each brushstroke became a testament to my identity as a scanner—a celebration of my ability to embrace diversity and explore the endless possibilities of creativity.

So, do I have a colour palette now? Yes, I do. But it's more than just a collection of hues; it's a reflection of who I am—a scanner personality navigating the colourful tapestry of life.

If you, too, find yourself grappling with the challenges of decision-making or revelling in the beauty of colour exploration, know that you're not alone. Embrace your uniqueness, trust in the journey, and remember: you cannot do everything today, but there is always tomorrow…

Nora

Illustrator and Artist from Cologne / Germany

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Navigating the Overwhelm: Prioritizing Self-Care in the Midst of my artsy Chaos