Hyperphantasia: My Secret Superpower... and Maybe Yours Too!

Hello, I’m Ann English...

You might already know me as a Visual Strategist, founder of Create Intrigue, TEDx Speaker, and author of The Clarity Quest IdeasBook.

However, there’s something unique about me you may not know - and if you are a visual thinker, this might resonate with you too...

I've discovered the way I think, communicate, and experience the world has a rather cool name - Hyperphantasia!

What Exactly is Hyperphantasia?

Hyperphantasia might sound like something from a Disney movie, yet it's a real, rare and relatively unknown neurocognitive phenomenon.

Only about 3% of people have it. 

It's the ability to experience exceptionally vivid mental imagery. Making visual and sensory experiences in your mind seem almost as real as the world around you.

Why this Matters

For people with hyperphantasia, creativity takes on a whole new dimension.

This heightened visual imagination can enhance creativity, problem-solving skills, and emotional experiences.

However, it also brings challenges, such as difficulty focusing or becoming overwhelmed by intense mental images.

Clarity of Imagination

For me, hyperphantasia is like having a cinema in my head.

Every thought unfolds with stunning clarity and detail.

Words become pictures.

I can recall a past memory and narrate the story as if I’ve time-travelled back to the moment, with all the sights, sounds, and emotions intact. 

When I plan a project, I can visualise the future -  it's like watching a 3D movie.

I see every step and create imaginary maps which I can virtually navigate in my mind. 

This is what hyperphantasia looks like in my mind...

🎥 Watch Hyperphantastic Ann - YouTube Short

My Journey of Self-discovery

Understanding hyperphantasia has been enlightening.

It validates why, and how, I do what I do.

At school, teachers would tell me to "stop daydreaming" and "stop doodling" – no one realised this was my way of processing information.

In 1985, I studied Visual Communications at the Northern School of Art, specialising in Graphic Design.

This led me into an amazing creative career, and dream jobs working for the BIG 3 - Santa Claus, Willy Wonka and Mickey Mouse! 

Why Create Intrigue?

Following redundancy in 2013, I founded my own visual communications business called Create Intrigue. 

Tapping into my superpower skills, I developed the VisionMapping method to create visual business plans and SignatureSystems for clients.

I also launched Visual Marketing Academy training to share my design and display knowledge and experience.

In 2020, I added VisualDoodle commissions, visual note-taking, framework and roadmap designs to my range of services. 

Dreams Come True

During lockdown restrictions in 2021, I achieved my dreams of becoming a TEDx Speaker.

I became a published author of The Clarity Quest IdeasBook in 2023.

Throughout my career, I’ve transformed thousands of ideas into impactful visual narratives - helping others visualise their vision and achieve their dreams too.

Despite all these clues, I hadn't fully realised why visual communications felt like my natural superpower... until recently.

“I’ve always loved the buzz of coming up with creative ideas to overcome roadblocks and solve problems.” - Ann English 

The Moment Everything Changed...

In May 2023, I was invited to be the keynote speaker at a business event.

I shared my journey, showcase my work, and offered inspiring insights as I showed IdeasBook, The Clarity Quest visual roadmap, props and other items I'd created. 

Afterwards, someone from the audience said,

“I don’t know how you do what you do. I have aphantasia, I can’t visualise anything!” 

This comment intrigued me. I couldn’t imagine not having any mental imagery. 

What is Aphantasia?

My curiosity led me to research Aphantasia.

A quick Google search revealed it is the inability to visualise.

Then I discovered something extraordinary... and everything clicked into place.

Aphantasia exists on a visual scale… and at the opposite extreme lies Hyperphantasia - the ability to experience extremely vivid mental imagery.

"The more I learned about hyperphantasia, the more I realised, this is me!" - Ann English

The Magic of Hyperphantasia

Here’s a glimpse into the world of my imagination... 

When I think of a lemon, I don’t just picture it in my mind – I can see its bright yellow colour, feel its bumpy texture, hear the squeak of its waxy surface, cut it in half, and taste its sharp bitterness.

My mouth even starts watering! - has yours too?

I've come to realse this rich vivid visualisation enables me to design, communicate and bring ideas to life in ways that resonate with others.

I no embrace Hyperphantasia as my extraordinary superpower. I use it everyday as a Visual Strategist to help my client's IGNITE IDEAS!

The Flip Side of Hyperphantasia

Hyperphantasia brings challenges too.

Intense imagery can overwhelm. Which is why I avoid horror movies and limit my exposure to distressing news.

Instead, I choose to fill my mind with inspiring things and focus on the positive. This helps me maintain a balanced, happy mental space.

It's like Mickey Mouse as The Sorcerer's Apprentice in my favourite animated movie, Fantasia - Hyperphantasia magically brings every image, sound, and feelings to life in my mind.

Recognising Hyperphantasia in Yourself

Does this resonate with you? 

If your daydreams feel incredibly vivid... if you can recall sensory details with striking clarity... if you can imagine turning abstract ideas into tangible realities... then you might recognise hyperphantasia in yourself too.

The Visual Scale

I'm on a mission to raise awareness through my keynote speaking, workshop sessions and interactive talk 'From Chaos to Clarity: The Magic of Visual Strategy'.

I've also been invited as a guest on radio and podcasts such as #NurtureYour Zest talking about what it feels like to think visually.

Realising where you belong on the Visual Scale can be a game changer and highlights your unique perspective.

Embracing Your Superpower 

Embracing this superpower can transform how you approach creativity and problem-solving.

It can help with career choices, because different professions attract minds which think differently.

• Those nearer the Aphantasia end of the scale often excel in data-driven, scientific, and analytical fields.
• They tend to thrive in roles like engineering, finance, and tech sectors where abstract thinking, logical reasoning, enhanced numerical processing are key.
• Those nearer the Hyperphantastic end often gravitate towards creative professions.
• They often excel in design, entertainment, and the arts. Roles that involve storytelling, visualisation, and the ability to bring concepts to life with stunning details. 

"The hyperphantastic's superpower lies in transforming ideas into visual or sensory experiences others can engage with." - Ann English

Let's Explore the Hyperphantastic World Together!

Does any of this sound familiar? 

I love connecting with visual thinkers, intuitive individuals, creative minds - and fellow Hyperphantastics!

I'm equally fascinated by the world of Aphantasia too.

"Let me help you to unlock your inner world, ignite your vision and bring valuable ideas to life." - Ann English 

Whether you'd like to share your experience or learn more, I'd love to hear from you!

✨ Email me to share your story.

✨ Connect with me on LinkedIn to continue the conversation.

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What's your Superpower?