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Writer's pictureHello Delanie

The Creative Power of Synesthesia

Say that your'e different at the risk of saying that you're nuts, "I see thangs"


More like, I have an ability to see, almost feel, a visual state that exists clearly in my mind. Ok, not crazy, but crazily creative. And why I totally understand the chaos that exists in the minds of creatives who live under the scrutiny of the public. You're always toeing the line between creativity or being seen as too eccentric or flat-out-crazy. You NEVER tell someone what you're thinking or envisioning, because they couldn't handle it, so you share the vision that their version of reality can digest. I am lucky to suffer from some variation of Synesthesia. Synesthesia is a condition where one sensory experience involuntarily triggers another, such as seeing colors when hearing music or visualizing shapes when listening to sounds. It's a fascinating blend of senses, allowing individuals to experience the world in a unique and multi-dimensional way. For example, hearing the name "Alex" might make someone with synesthesia see the color green.


Kanye West, a well-known figure with synesthesia, often speaks about his unique perception of music and creativity. He describes his experience as seeing music in a visual way, akin to a painting. "I see music. It’s more like a painting. You know, I see songs. I see them as colors. I see them as shapes. It’s something you can touch. It’s something you can see," Kanye explains. This multi-sensory approach significantly influences his music production, blending visual art and sound to create immersive experiences. [ I've always given his eccentric person the benefit of the doubt, I was floored when

I first heard him describe the experience, of seeing music It's

what I've experienced my entire life. ]


This unique sensory overlap not only applies to artists like Kanye but also profoundly impacts my approach to art, design, and product development. My fascination with coding from the Texas Instruments era and early video games like Pong allowed me to synthesize sensory experiences into cohesive concepts. During my undergraduate studies, exploring mediums such as printmaking, typesetting, and the Macintosh computer further enhanced my ability to articulate ideas visually.


This multi-sensory connectivity aids me in product development and project management, enabling me to visualize a perfect finished state and work through feasibility during the problem-solving phase. Bridging my advanced thought processes with my team, I guide, explain, and coach others from ideation to execution, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the vision and steps needed to bring it to life.

In conclusion, synesthesia's ability to blend sensory experiences is a powerful tool in creative fields. It allows for a deeper, more connected approach to art and design, enhancing creativity and innovation. This unique perspective helps me see and feel the end result as if it's already real, ensuring every project reaches its highest potential and creating a rich, multi-dimensional experience for everyone involved. Be Super Creative: toe the line between crazy and normal reality.


Written by Delanie West, MBA , Creative Director, Be Super Creative & Hello Delanie

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