The Tribune

By Deidre Bastian

Do you agree that one of the most significant characteristics of a successful entrepreneur is one who understands himself, his mission, co-workers and clients?

Perhaps the hardest challenge is not learning how to determine who is what, but rather how to use intuitive versatility, as many people may not fit the personality profile you expected.

Essentially, knowing the personality type of someone can be a major advantage in building rapport, or even closing a deal. The purpose of this article is to make known one of the most anomalous personality traits of a web or graphic designer, as they often give others the impression they are arrogant or snobby, especially since they often have very little interest in what’s popping into other people’s lives.

Nonetheless, their ‘reserved persona’ can justly be bridged, and whoever succeeds in winning their respect and interest is definitely a ‘conqueror’ and deserves the highest badge of honour available.

I’ve had the opportunity to closely observe the many peculiarities of these geeks, as I’ve hung out with them for some time. And yes, 99 per cent of these graphic artist ‘left brainers’ are not only brutally artistic, but are very Chameleon-like in their behaviour with a unique way of looking at the world.

They are interested in theoretical findings, and might just dwell on their own undisturbed thoughts and expertise to further investigate what came first...the chicken or the egg?

They respect knowledge and experience, and can quickly become irritated with people who don’t understand aesthetics as easily as they do.

Details are very important, as inaccurate information can be the cause of a failed graphic design project, so it is crucial for them to understand and pay close attention to every specific design detail provided.

Moreover, isn’t it wonderful how they can repetitively observe a string of data and actually remember it? No, they are not clinical, but what I am trying to suggest is that they are straight-line logic thinkers ,which are the very traits that make them brilliant with computers. No doubt these people are unquestionably guilty of the ‘analytical bug’.

Before we get lost, let’s define how an analytical designer’s mind works and behaves in the design world. While these traits may apply in part or in whole to some, it is not my intention to imply that such a simplistic view applies to all analytical thinkers, as human beings are multifaceted thinkers.

But clearly, designers are reserved, confident, comprehensive, quiet, discerning and usually have a sharp intellect, as they are quick to grasp patterns, principles and structures. They notice trends, follow what’s popular and relentlessly think about how things are built. Every design is a problem to be worked out, and a puzzle to be solved.

With that snapshot, analysts appear to be very intelligent, nerdy or systematic. I’m not implying that all analysts are technologically advanced, but most of them pay close attention to the smallest details and are driven by FACTS.

Because the analyst likes to gather as many facts as possible before making an informed decision, they can be perceived as indecisive. Most of them are masterminds who make for great entrepreneurs, and would rather write their own rules than follow others. Analysts love structure, so they can sometimes hold to ‘rules’ even when results suffer.

They are also modest, like philosophers and scientists, who loathe contradictions and instead love to be right because they know that most times they are.

The very best engineers, artists, musicians, scientists, IT professionals, journalists and forensic accountants originate from this group and are usually straight ‘A’ students.

I believe we can now rest and announce that the analysts, no doubt, are realistic, calculating and seek the truth through valid data and not emotions. Therefore, it’s not easy to bamboozle or hoodwink these thinkers.

NB: Columnist welcomes feedback at deedee21bastian@gmail.com

ABOUT COLUMNIST: Ms Bastian is a qualified graphic designer. She has trained at institutions such as: Miami Lakes Technical Centre, Success Training College, College of the Bahamas, Nova Southeastern University, Learning Tree International, Langevine International and Synergy Bahamas.