Creativity
Can you be creative without mental imagery? Absolutely. People with aphantasia often develop unique creative approaches, using abstract concepts, emotions, non-visual and non-sensory methods to innovate and create art across various mediums. Rather than limiting artistic expression, aphantasia often leads to distinctive creative processes. Many successful artists, writers, and designers with aphantasia demonstrate that creativity thrives through multiple pathways, not just visual and sensory imagination. On this page, you'll find research, interviews, stories from aphantasic artists, and discussions about creativity with aphantasia.
I’m an Author With Aphantasia: You, Too, Have the Power to Do Anything You Set Your Mind To
For years, I thought something was wrong with me. While others “pictured” scenes in their minds, I saw nothing. I couldn’t visualize characters or settings, and it left me feeling disconnected—until I learned I had aphantasia.
The Shape of Things Unseen: Conversation with Dr. Adam Zeman On The New Science of Imagination
What if everything you thought you knew about creativity was wrong? The scientist who discovered aphantasia unveils the "new science of imagination" and explains why visualization might not be essential to human creativity.
Creating with Conceptual Thinking: The Art of Not Seeing
As an artist with aphantasia, I create without mental images, relying on conceptual thinking and tactile exploration. My process transforms abstract ideas into tangible works, using recycled materials and collage to bring concepts to life. Without visual preconceptions, I embrace discovery, letting the journey shape my art and reimagining creativity as a dialogue with the world around me.
Describing What You Cannot See—A Horror Writer With Aphantasia Explains His Process
As a horror writer with aphantasia, I can’t visualize the creepy skulls I write about. Yet, I still describe vivid scenes by focusing on sounds, smells, and emotions. My imagination doesn’t need visuals to create gripping stories—character depth and atmosphere are my strengths.
Writing Fantasy Without a Mind's Eye
Aphantasia, living without a mind's eye, doesn't hinder creativity. Despite my inability to visualize, I wrote and published a fantasy novel, proving creativity thrives in unique ways.
John Green Aphantasia Discovery: Shining a Light on the Mind's Eye
Best-selling author discovers aphantasia. Discover the buzz behind John Green aphantasia discovery and its significance in the community.
How a Visual Artist With Aphantasia Drew What She Couldn’t “See”
I achieved something I had never done before as a visual artist with aphantasia. How I “imagined” light in a dark cave with no mind’s eye.
Mental Images and the Design Process
When I learned about aphantasia I began to wonder... How might the vividness of our individual imaginations impact our design process?
Visualisation and Why We Don’t Need it to Make Visual Art
Artists, writers, illustrators, photographers and all people who work with their creative impulses are not limited by their aphantasia.
Creative Workarounds for Aphantasics
How do I create if I cannot create things in my imagination? Artist shares creative workarounds for aphantasics.
Do aphantasic novelists write differently?
Do authors with unique visual experiences approach description differently, and how does this influence their writing style?
Photography, Creativity, and Aphantasia
Master photographer shares tips for expanding your photographic talent with aphantasia in this article on photography, creativity, and aphantasia.
Fellow Professional Artists, Animators: Please Share!
How has your artistic journey been shaped by unique cognitive experiences? Share insights on the challenges and unexpected advantages!
How to Write with Aphantasia
If you can’t visualize, how can you write? Write by patchwork. Award-winning aphantasic author shares tips for how to write with aphantasia.
The Art of Aphantasia
Discover the art of aphantasia. How Disney animator and 'mind blind' artist Glen Keane creates without visualising.
5 Ways to Enjoy Reading with Aphantasia
Squeeze more joy out of reading without visualizing. Aphantasia is an opportunity– and an excuse–to let yourself get distracted by language. Breathe it in, enjoy it.
I Spent a Day with Aphantasics (People Without a Mind's Eye)
YouTuber, Anthony Padilla spends a day with aphantasics. Featuring Founder of the Aphantasia Network, Tom Ebeyer and artists AmyRightMeow and Katherine Yaochen Du.
Being a Writer When You Literally Cannot Visualize Scenes
How embracing aphantasia helped one writer unearth a novel approach to building worlds without seeing them.
Are you an Art type with Aphantasia? (Musician, Artist, Writer, Dancer) I’d love to hear your stories!
Curious about how artistic pursuits shape experiences? Share your journey and insights on pedagogy for those with unique cognitive styles!
Art and aphantasia
Can creativity thrive without visual imagination? Share how your unique process shapes your art and influences your storytelling.