Understanding the 8 Hobby Personas
We each have a Third Identity—an essential part of ourselves that exists beyond what we do and who we care for. Cultivating our Third Identity through hobbies is one of the most powerful ways to build resilience, purpose, and lasting wellbeing.
Created by Marina Cooley, the Hobby Persona Quiz helps you discover who your inner hobbyist is.
The Artist
Artists thrive on creative expression. An Artist feels content when interpreting the world around them through their medium of choice.
Although an Artist enjoys their work in its final form, they’re more interested in the process of creating. As a kid, they may have enjoyed doodling in the corners of a notebook or experimenting with clay or paint.
Artist hobbies are satisfying for those whose daily life is structured, involves a strong focus on goals + metrics, or demands constant productivity. Artist hobbies create space for imperfection, discovery, and self reflection.
The Curator
Curators thrive on discovery. A Curator believes objects carry meaning and enjoys assembling a collection of unique ones.
Curators might spend weekends scouring estate sales, or may prefer to collect a specific type of object aligned with a specific interest. Either way, they love the hunt and acquiring new stories.
A Curator is often described as someone who “always finds the best things.” As a kid, they had several objects that were extra special.
Curator hobbies are satisfying for those whose daily life is fast-paced or involves goals that constantly reset. Curator hobbies feed curiosity, foster long-term perspective, and tangibly showcase what matters to the Curator.
The Dynamo
Dynamos thrive in motion.
Whether the activity of choice is more intense or meditative, a Dyanmo reaches flow state when moving their body. Dynamos find it satisfying when they feel like they’ve used up all of their physical energy.
As a kid, Dynamos could be found racing their friends, throwing a ball, or climbing the nearest tree. Or, maybe organized sports were more their thing.
Dynamo hobbies are satisfying for those whose daily life is sedentary and cognitively or emotionally demanding. Dynamo hobbies provide a physical outlet that helps quiet a busy mind.
The Epicurean
Epicureans find joy in slowing down. They like feeling present in small moments that might otherwise go unappreciated.
An Epicurean’s perfect day is one without too much on the agenda, so they can enjoy a great meal or a long conversation. As a kid, they didn’t mind a quiet afternoon that let them sink deep into a game or puzzle without interruption.
Epicurean hobbies are satisfying for those whose daily life is fast-paced, marked by rigid routines, and full of responsibility. Epicurean hobbies provide relief from constant productivity, feel cozy, and keep the senses engaged in the present moment.
The Free Ranger
Free Rangers are natural explorers. A Free Ranger enjoys being outside and feeling awestruck.
Whether that explorations look like summiting a mountain or enjoying birdsong from the park, Free Rangers feel most alive when appreciating natural beauty.
As a kid, they viewed the backyard as a world waiting to be explored. They probably had to be called inside a few times before listening.
Free Ranger hobbies are satisfying for those whose daily life is fast-paced, mostly indoors, or demands focus on minute details. Free Ranger hobbies are helpful for zooming out, feeling connection, and breaking up monotony.
The Maker
Makers find satisfaction in using their hands to build something new.
A Maker might be found tinkering in the garage, or tackling a DIY home project (even if it takes longer). Or, maybe they’re the friend who loves to give handmade birthday cards. When they were a kid, others described them as crafty or inventive.
Engaging in Maker hobbies is satisfying for those whose daily life is screen-heavy, abstract, or involves constant decision-making without witnessing the outcome. Maker hobbies keep hands busy and provide the gratification of a finished product.
The Sage
A Sage feels best when completely absorbed in a subject of interest.
They’re the type to follow questions down a Wikipedia rabbit hole or stay up late to finish “just one more chapter.”
As a kid, they were described as “curious” or known for always asking “why?” Maybe they were fascinated by a particular topic like ancient Egypt or the Titanic.
Sage hobbies are satisfying for those whose daily life feels repetitive and understimulating–or those whose typical day doesn’t allow time to zero in on details. Sage hobbies feed an intellectual appetite and give the mind space to sink deep into thought.
The Storyteller
Storytellers enjoy articulating a unique perspective and sharing it.
Whatever the medium, a Storyteller is in their element crafting a narrative or mood. Storytellers don’t mind sharing their work; seeing how others react to it is part of the process.
As a kid, Storytellers enjoyed letting their imagination run wild by creating skits, stories, comics, or imaginary worlds.
Storyteller hobbies are satisfying for those whose daily life involves rote tasks or lacks autonomy. Storyteller hobbies allow for self-discovery, expression, and connection through shared experience.
