The Gentle Rebel Podcast Are You More of a Host, Artisan, or Entertainer? (Notes From a Slow Coach)
Have you ever seen homes lit up at night and wondered what the lights in the windows say about the people inside? Just me? OK then!
A recent neighbourhood walk left me thinking about three broad tendencies or archetypes that we might embody in our creative energy: The Host, The Artisan, and The Entertainer.
The Host
You know that warm, glowing light you see in the window of a house at night? Unless you’re in a horror movie, there’s something comforting about it. It’s welcoming and can signal a sense of safety, telling us we’re expected, or if we’re lost, that there’s a refuge waiting.
Some people are like this. They have a beacon quality—inviting us in to rest, explore, and be ourselves. Their creative energy is collaborative and open. They make it feel safe to try new things, fail, and to discover surprising possibilities.
Can you think of someone like this?
The Artisan
There are other houses where the lights are carefully strung—beautiful, intentional, and inspiring. These displays have been thoughtfully crafted. The result of care, skill, and attention to detail. People can’t help but stop to notice and admire the display.
Some people are like this. Artisans care deeply about the creative process. They put deep effort and dedication into exploring techniques, learning skills, and achieving excellence. Their creative energy pours through their love of the craft and appreciation of quality and they believe the work speaks for itself.
Can you think of someone like this?
The Entertainer
Other houses have dynamic projected images on walls, trees, and lawns. These displays are intended to draw and focus the attention of onlookers, encouraging them to look at the surface on which the light is cast.
Some people are like this. Entertainers shine with an audience to communicate with. Their creative energy flows when people pay attention and react to them.
Can you think of someone like this?
When the Environment Doesn’t Align
The world is beautiful because of the diverse flow of creative energy that comes through hosts, artisans, and entertainers. But what happens when our natural tendency doesn’t match the environment we’re in? It’s not difficult to imagine how strong ego judgements about how people ought to be, could make someone who doesn’t naturally fit the mould feel out of shape and alone.
The Host in an Artisan World
Imagine the a Host in a world that values polished results and technical mastery. Hosts who create collaborative spaces for exploration may feel inadequate or invisible. They might undervalue the importance of what they bring to the collective.
The story they might adopt: “I’m not talented or valuable because I don’t produce anything remarkable.”
The Artisan in an Entertainer World
What about the Artisan in an Entertainer world that only celebrates and rewards those who are front and centre? Artisans who find joy in the quality of the work they do might become drained by the pressure to self-promote and feelings of self-consciousness as peoples’ attention is focused on them rather than their work.
The story they might adopt: “I can’t get the opportunities I deserve in a world that rewards style and confidence over substance and competence.”
The Entertainer in a Host World
Then there is the Entertainer in a space that only values quiet and subtle connection? Entertainers who love to feel the creative flow through social connection might feel like their energy is too much and may be painted as a narcissistic attention seeker.
The story they might adopt: “I take up too much space and annoy people.”
| Archetype | Potential Story | Impact | Supportive Shift |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Host | “You’re not talented enough.” | Feels undervalued; doubts their role. | Recognise that holding space is valuable. |
| The Artisan | “You need to put yourself out there.” | Feels pressured to perform or promote. | Let their work speak for itself; advocate for them. |
| The Entertainer | “You’re too big for your boots.” | Suppresses their natural energy and light. | Celebrate their presence as a gift, not a flaw. |
We Contain Multitudes
We might lean toward one dominant archetype, but that’s not the whole story, and we’re not defined by it. Different seasons, relationships, and projects can bring out other elements in us.
A Host might tap into their Artisan energy for a specific creative project. An Artisan might enter the spotlight to showcase their work. An Entertainer might host a collaborative space for people to rest, play, and grow. The point isn’t to box ourselves in but to recognise where our energy feels most alive (and those spaces where our natural tendency is unable to breathe like we need it to).
We might struggle in environments that don’t align with our creative energy, but we can also fail to appreciate how others shine their light.
If you’re a Host, you might not understand why an Artisan focuses so much on tiny details. If you’re an Artisan, you might find an Entertainer’s desire for attention baffling. And if you’re an Entertainer, you might not get why a Host is happy to let others take the applause.
The Host, the Artisan, and the Entertainer each bring something beautiful to the world.
So, do you see yourself in any of these descriptions? Are you more of a Host, an Artisan, or an Entertainer?
Have you ever found yourself in an environment that didn’t match your natural energy?