The Invisible Sketchbook: My Journey as a Jewellery Maker with Aphantasia

As a jewellery maker with over 25 years of experience, I've always considered myself creative. From playing with boxes instead of toys as a child to spending hours in my Grandad's shed, creativity has been a constant companion. But recently, I discovered something about myself that shed light on my unique creative process: I have aphantasia.

My studio display wall acts as a creative catalyst as well as a reminder of things I have previously achieved.

What is Aphantasia?

Aphantasia is the inability to create or recall images in one's mind. When I close my eyes, there's no picture, no imaginary blueprint of my next creation. And for me, no imagined sound, smell, taste, or touch. Just darkness. I can think in words, but I'm unable to 'hear' them. I do not have conversations in my head, and (thankfully) I'm not prone to negative self-talk as my internal words hold no tangible power.

While I am aware I have a very 'busy brain' and it's whirring away nonstop, I can rarely tell you what it is thinking about. I liken it to a static radio signal. Now and then, a word breaks through, so you know something is broadcasting, but you can't hear the majority of it, so you have no idea what is being expressed.

This revelation made me question:

How Have I Been Creating All These Years?

The answer lies in my hands-on approach. I often joke that my design process involves sitting, staring at materials, poking them a bit, and then just starting to make. What I once saw as a 'flying by the seat of my pants' attitude, I now recognise as my brain's way of compensating for the lack of mental imagery and sensory recollection. I need to have tangible things in front of me. I need to make, then consider the concept and 'story' afterwards, once I can see my creation. My experience with aphantasia has taught me that creativity isn't confined to visual imagination. It's about problem-solving, tactile exploration, and allowing the materials to guide you. So, if you struggle with visualisation, remember: your creativity isn't limited, it's just uniquely yours, and you can embrace your preferred way of working.

Exploring Alternative Design Techniques

One technique I've found helpful is creating physical mood boards. Instead of trying to visualise a concept, I collect tangible objects, textures, and colours that inspire me. This could be anything from a piece of bark to a colourful fabric swatch. I arrange these items on a board, creating a physical representation of the 'feeling' I want to capture in my jewellery.

Create Sampler Sheets

Setting yourself a challenge to create as many textures or finishes as you can, and turning them into 'Sampler Sheets' by storing them with a record of what made that particular effect, can act as a powerful, visual resource that helps spark ideas.

Place Individual Elements Into Different Configurations

I learnt one of my favourite tips from Jewellery Tutor, Beccy Gillatt

Before Using Your Rawhide Mallet, Try Mallett's Mallet

Do you remember Wacaday? Where Timmy Mallett would wack you on the head with a giant foam mallet if you didn't come up with a word association quick enough? Ahhh, the 80's.

Word association can be a useful creative prompt. I'll start with a central theme or emotion and write down related words, as quickly as I can. This verbal brainstorming often leads to unexpected connections and ideas that I can then translate into physical designs.

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What I Am Yet To Do, But Plan To:

Work To A Creative Brief

At school and university we were often tasked to respond to a creative brief. 'A creative brief

is a document that outlines the goals, vision, and key elements of a creative project, serving as a roadmap for artists and designers. It provides direction and clarity, ensuring everyone involved understands the project's purpose, target audience, and desired outcomes.' - Adobe

I wrote my own series of creative briefs many years ago, as a resource for my jewellery students if they were struggling to develop their own ideas. I used to find creative briefs minimised my tendency for overthinking when given infinite possibilities, and kept me more focused on the required outcome. Yet, as usual I am yet to act on my own advice.

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Moving Forward

I plan to start a journal where I can note any ideas that pop into my head. My interests, inspirations and random musings, without the pressure of having to expand on them with sketching and more progressed design development.