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 I didn’t fully understand until recently - 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 is 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 lead to enhanced creativity, problem-solving skills, and even emotional experiences.

However it also comes with its 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 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 knowledge and experience.

Then in 2020, I added VisualDoodle commissions, note-taking and roadmaps to my range of services. 

Dreams Come True

During lockdown restrictions in 2021, I achieved my dreams by becoming a TEDx Speaker, and became a published author of The Clarity Quest IdeasBook in 2023.

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

Despite all these clues, I had no idea why visual communications seemed to be my superpower and the thing I was' just' able to do.

“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 was asked to share my journey, showcase my work, and provide inspiring insights I’d learnt along the way.

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, and a quick Google revealed it is defined as the inability to visualise.

Then I discovered something extraordinary, which blew my mind, and brought clarity to my life. 

Aphantasia exists on a visual scale… at the opposite extreme lies Hyperphantasia, defined as having 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 – 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 bitterness. My mouth even starts watering! - actually, as I mentioned this, has yours too?

This vivid visualisation is my superpower. It enables me to design, communicate and bring ideas to life in ways that really resonate with others. I use it everyday to help my clients as a Visual Strategist.

The Flip Side of Hyperphantasia

Hyperphantasia brings with it challenges. Intense imagery can overwhelm. That's why I avoid horror movies and the news, because vivid images linger and can cause distress. Instead, I fill my mind with inspiring things and like to focus on the positive.

This helps me maintain a balanced, happy mental space.

Today, I fully embrace hyperphantasia as my unique superpower. It's like having Mickey Mouse as the wizard in my favourite movie Fantasia. Every image, sound, and feeling creates rich, detailed scenarios in my mind.

Recognising Hyperphantasia in Yourself

Does any of this resonate with you and sounds familiar? 

If your daydreams feel incredibly vivid, or you can recall sensory details with striking clarity, If you see the world in extraordinary detail, and turn abstract ideas into tangible realities, then you might recognise hyperphantasia in yourself too.

The Visual Scale

Realising where you are on the Visual Scale can be a game changer. Wherever you are it's a gift. Embracing your unique superpower can transform how you approach creativity and problem-solving, along with career choices because different professions tend to attract minds which think differently.

Embracing Your Superpower 

Towards the Aphantasia end of the scale, those who experience little to no mental imagery often excel in data-driven, scientific and analytical fields. They may thrive in roles like engineering, finance, and technical sectors where abstract thinking, logical reasoning, enhanced numerical processing are key.

At the other end of the scale, Hyperphantasic minds with their vivid visualisation skills gravitate towards creative fields. They often excel in roles like design, in entertainments and the arts. Professions that involve storytelling, visualisation, and the ability to bring abstract 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 resonate with you? 

I love to connect with visual thinkers, creative minds, intuitive individuals, and fellow hyperphantastics. Whether you possess this incredible ability, or are simply curious to learn more, I want to hear from you. Drop a comment below.

Join me on social media to explore the hyperphantasic world of visual communications and discover how to harness your unique superpower.

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

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