Great article by artist/designer/professor at the School of Visual Arts James Victore on the qualities of shyness and confidence. Mr. Victore brings up a very relevant point in the fact that shyness is something that we must deal with everyday. Though I wouldn't denote being shy as something negative, I would agree that shyness can definitely lead to another quality that can be deemed as negative -- doubt.

Doubt, especially in the creative industry, is a killer. Being new to the industry still, I know I need to be confident about my work. Aside from the obvious quality of your work, employers are looking for certain qualities and characteristics in regards to your personality and work ethic. People follow others who are assertive and have conviction. Confidence and trust in yourself is critical now and I realize its something I,personally, need to work on a little more.

"Trust yourself, lean into the fear, and resist the "be like us" mentality from a society that wants you to fit in."

Here is a link to the full article on the 99%, part of the Behance Network. Its a very insightful read and well worth the time.