After testing and discovering my Enneagram type, 6w5 (The Loyal Skeptic), I developed Anxiotel, a conceptual hotel brand designed as a safe space for individuals experiencing anxiety and panic attacks. The project shows how branding can communicate personality traits through visual design.
Motivation
After early research on my Enneagram type 6w5, I found myself relating to many of the characteristics associated with the personality type, particularly feelings of anxiety and a desire for security. Rather than creating a brand that simply represented the number six, I wanted to build something that addressed those experiences directly. This led to the concept of Anxiotel, a hotel designed as a safe space where individuals could seek comfort, support, and relief during moments of anxiety.
The Challenge
The challenge was to create a brand identity that represented both my Enneagram type and the emotional experiences associated with it. The identity needed to include either the number or name of the type and it needed to communicate the feelings related to the most common traits found in a 6w5.
Research
Research began with taking the Enneagram assessment and studying the characteristics of Type 6w5, commonly referred to as "The Loyal Skeptic". Moving forward, research focused on understanding the motivations, fears, strengths, and behaviors associated with the Enneagram Type 6w5 personality. Key findings revealed recurring themes of security, trust, preparedness, anxiety, and the constant anticipation of potential risks.
While type 6 individuals are often strategic, perceptive, and loyal, they can also struggle with self-doubt, indecision, and persistent worry. These characteristics became the foundation for the brand concept and visual identity.
Inspiration
The project drew inspiration from mental health awareness, hospitality branding, and the emotional experiences associated with anxiety. Concepts surrounding safety, uncertainty, trust, and reassurance informed the visual direction of the brand.
Sketches
Initial sketches explored a couple of ways of incorporating the numbers six and five into a single visual mark. Other early concepts experimented with layered forms, negative space, overlapping typography, and abstract symbols. Through these explorations, I noticed an opportunity to create a mark that visually represented both numbers and reflected the emotional complexity of the Enneagram type.
Attributes and Color
Descriptive words were used to define the traits of a 6w5, drawn from research on the Loyal Skeptic personality type. These helped shape the brands voice, visual identity, and overall experience, showing the importance of creating a space where individuals can feel secure, understood, and cared for.
The color palette was developed to balance feelings of security and personal growth while supporting the identity of Anxiotel. Onyx Black represents strength, stability, and protection, while Mellow Mint introduces a sense of calm and emotional relief. Envy Green offers a sense of growth, healing, and renewal, reinforcing the brand's focus on providing moments of uncertainty.
Process
Through multiple rounds of refinement, the logo evolved into a sharp, incomplete 6 that can simultaneously be interpreted as an abstract 5, representing both aspects of the 6w5 personality. The angular, unfinished form reflects feelings of uncertainty and incompletion, while the structure itself remains stable and grounded, reinforcing the desire for security and support. Each stroke in the mark was intentionally designed to represent characteristics uncovered during research, allowing the final logo to serve as both a numerical symbol and a reflection of the personality type it represents.
Purpose
The goal of this project was to create a meaningful brand identity that transformed personality research into a visual system while exploring how design can communicate emotional experiences and provide a sense of comfort and belonging.
Key Design Aspects
• Conceptual hotel brand focused on anxiety support
• Custom logo combining the numbers 6 and 5
• Symbolic use of form and shape to represent personality traits
• Research-driven identity development
• Emotional storytelling through branding
• Exploration of mental health and wellness themes
• Custom logo combining the numbers 6 and 5
• Symbolic use of form and shape to represent personality traits
• Research-driven identity development
• Emotional storytelling through branding
• Exploration of mental health and wellness themes
Outcome
The final identity successfully transformed extensive personality research into a conceptual brand centered around safety, comfort, and emotional support. By combining the 6 and 5 into a symbolic mark, the project visually communicates the complexity of the "Loyal Skeptic" while maintaining a strong, recognizable brand identity. This project strengthened my ability to translate personal experiences and psychological concepts into thoughtful design solutions grounded in research and storytelling.
References
Type 6: The questioner. The Narrative Enneagram. (2025, November 12). https://www.narrativeenneagram.org/enneagram-type/type-6-the-loyal-skeptic/
How the enneagram system works. The Enneagram Institute. (2024, February 28). https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/how-the-enneagram-system-works/
Enneagram 6w5 - the defender. Enneagram Universe. (2024, June 21). https://enneagramuniverse.com/enneagram/learn/enneagram-wings/enneagram_6w5
Enneagram type six: The skeptic. True You Journal. (n.d.).
https://www.truity.com/blog/enneagram-type/type-six
https://www.truity.com/blog/enneagram-type/type-six
