Types of Partners you will Encounter as an Artist

As an artist, and in other roles too, there are different types of people that you will encounter. They may prove to be anywhere from extremely favorable to extremely unfavorable to you. Here are only a few (more might be added in the future). Not necessarily in descending order from best to worst, but grouped by how recommendable they are or not to be invested in. And under this category, as partners.

Recommendable
• The Once-in-a-Lifetime
You inspire and motivate each other without even trying. Not only do you click, but it’s as though your prayers have been answered with bonuses. Or they are what you didn’t know you needed or even wanted, but now that they’re there, you feel blessed. It may be mutual or not, but you’re fortunate and they’re glad regardless. Whether it lasts for life or only for a period of it, you come better out of it.

• The Match
You’re a great fit. You complement and/or enhance each other. There’s no sense of superiority or inferiority between you two. And anyone comparing you both for it is missing the point. You work well together, quite effortlessly. And it is beneficial. It might be a pleasant surprise as you feared you were without one. But they exist.

• The Devoted
It isn’t perfect, but they care enough to get as close to it as they can manage. They’ll pay attention, correct and improve themselves, and strive to contribute positively to you and what you’re doing together. They are invested and committed.

• The Dealmaker
Sentimentality may be absent, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t taking it seriously. They are so professional about it that you can rest assured that what has been agreed upon will be delivered. And failure to do so will be handled maturely, with due apologies and/or compensation. Things will be clearly stated and outlined, so you’re on the same page about what’s expected.

Tolerable/Manageable
• The Malleable
May seem favorable but leaves some to be desired. You might feel alone, making all the decisions, without any significant input to steer you in any direction. If you’re wrong, they won’t be the one to tell you. You might even be worried about the influence you have on them, wishing they had more of a say for themselves. But otherwise, someone you can guide into being of help.

• The Conceited
They’ve been indulged and it shows. Their standards are high and they could be bratty about them. All while not meeting them themselves. However, not being a matter of malice or worse issues, they can still be set right for a more even exchange. Whether that extra hassle is worth it (or inescapable) is another matter.

Not Recommendable
• The Deadweight
You don’t usually nag but, with them, you turn into a nagger. Because you’ll kindly ask for something reasonable once, and they’ll put it off or find excuses. So you’re tempted to ask for less and you do. But they’ll also put it off or find excuses. And you go for less and less, but it’s still the same. You figure it’s easier to handle yourself what you can. But then, even when you ask for the bare minimum, it is a problem. They’re only slowing you down.

• The Saboteur
They speak and act like they’re on your side, but they’re really not. Consciously or subconsciously, they don’t want you to succeed. Maybe they don’t want success for themselves either, so they’re taking or keeping you down with them. Or maybe they’re undercover, simply there to sabotage you.

• The Narcissist
They’re a leech and not even a logical one. They are so unreasonable that they cannot be reasoned with. You cannot even predict their moves by assuming they have their best interests at heart, because they’re stuck in toxic cycles and absorbing others into them. They’ll say and do whatever they believe is most convenient to them, and you be damned.

• The Psycho
Dangerous if not just terrifying, taking things too far. Could become overly attached, ignoring and crossing boundaries, and justify any and all of their actions as ‘inevitable’ because this is how you or this is making them. Chaos and destruction thrill them.

Alternatively, as a partner, do you see yourself among the Not Recommendable or the Tolerable/Manageable and don’t like it? Start/keep working on your improvement.