It's hard to imagine how other people "see" images from memory.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aphantasia

and the other morning just waking up I "saw" a few seconds of an abstract yellow picture... the 1st time ever, don't know why now?

R/aphantasia, r/SDAM

on Google.

Briefly - I'm a visual artist. I usually make up up landscapes, scenery, people - though I sometimes draw from life; so being able "see" things in my mind's eye is very helpful. I use reference photos, too, but never copy.

If anyone wants to ask me questions, I'd be happy to answer.

My visual mind is a never-ending source of fascination to me. When I was in NY advertising, I recall we would talk about campaigns with our agencies and as we talked, I would instantly see the whole campaign, all mapped out. I would see the print ads, the TV ads, the magazine ads. These would be presented to me on a black background and as a series of ads lying like on a table, one after the other.

Whenever I worked with any client, I would simply ask one question: what is the sales problem? What are you hoping to achieve? As soon as I got the answer, I would see the campaign. Series of ads, copy solution, the whole bit.

I took an astrology class and the instructor looked at my chart. She said I had an angle that produced an instant knowing as to what do in a situation like a client/creative consultation.

These days I don't do ad campaigns but in the mornings, I listen to music for an hour each day. I listen to classical and neo-classical, and my faves are people like Einaudi, Myderwyk, Arnalds, etc. Sofiane Pamart and TonyAnn. Once I get fully relaxed, the visual show starts.This morning I was in a natural setting where there was beautiful greenery around a small, deep lake. Even as I write this, a picture from this morning is showing up in my head. There was some color to it. It had coral, upright, feathery flowers. It was sort of steamy, and I could see the steam rolling off the lake.

Sometimes the visuals are interiors! Oh, the magical interiors I've relaxed in while listening to my music.

Lately I've had my artist dreams showing up again. This is a dream about an artist who always dresses in colorful, creative clothing. Last time I had a series with a woman who looked like Kamala. This was before her campaign. The ones I have going now are about someone I actually know and who is an artistic dresser.

to your post tomorrow. 👍

So in certain cases my mind would start throwing up images, maybe headlines, or text blocks. All depending on what was being asked/proposed.

For my own ideas- sometimes it starts out with a bit of something. Other times It's pretty full blown "picture" which I can tweet mentally.

For those without this... You know how "big" your teeth feel j your head at the dentist, ot if you're trying to get a stuck piece of food out w your toungue.
At least to met they feel waaaay bigger then they are - read that so many nerve endings in our month gives us that sensation. So in that case my head would be "bigger" all around. Hard to explain!

So the images float mentally in front of my eyes, but as though they are still inside my head, or mind. I don't "see" them like a hallucination - out there.

They can be pretty vivid, and detailed.
I can remove things, add things (or people). This is to compose a drawing, or painting. It comes very naturally, though not always easily if I am fussing with a design of the piece.

Then I'm trying to draw what I "see".

They also can move - not so much for drawing- but for relaxation; they can move like a movie.


Hope that makes some sense! 🙂👍

I love your explanation... so different from total blackness

interesting that people can function with such differing conditions... my readings tell me that those with aphantasia are more often scientist, mathematicians... I love words, writing, creating... I do fabric arts and design buildings (just for me on my property) and wonder what my capabilities would be if I could "see" these things in my mind

how much do you build? Small structures?
Depends on your acreage.

I watch Treehouse Masters.

And drawing sometimes science fictiony cities is a thing for me. 😄

Without being able "see" internally - you might have to work harder. Idk.

Glad my explanation helped.

since the yellow abstract one that you mention in your OP?

very curious, why now, why yellow

I would like to think I am in good company.... seems there may be advantages...

https://www.discoverwalks.com/blog/world/20-famous-people-with-aphantasia/

ty for posting it!

Re yellow, I heard on a program I was listening today that yellow is a symbol for "of an intellectual nature."

Maybe it's an intuitive flash about something or someone coming your way of that nature. Just a thought.

...memories of my wife, meeting her, befriending her, going to plays, art events, events, that first touch, the first kiss, the births of my sons.

I can see her as she was.

I suppose if I had this condition not having these eidetic memories wouldn't trouble me. It would be interesting to understand the neurophysiology behind the condition.

so sweet.... I rely on the thoughts and memories of my husband... I have the photographs for the visual and the writings back and forth... it would be so special to "see' him... I think, like any differences or disabilities, we compensate

sometimes I wonder if it is the trauma from childhood?? not physical, but much emotional abuse... I wish I knew more... this I know, whatever I have gone through, or what I can or cannot 'see', I believe I have gained from how my life has played out... I have empathy, I know critical thinking, and compassion... I would not want to be without these