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Blake, Wm. Frontispiece to Songs of Innocence. 1789.

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Research into a condition that causes vivid mental imagery has found a strong correlation with childhood creativity, suggesting children experience intense imaginative visions more commonly than adults. This phenomenon gradually diminishes into adulthood as sensory details in memory are replaced by abstract concepts.

“The child’s memories offer a more concrete appreciation of the world,” one researcher said, pointing out that only a small percentage of people can maintain this into later life.

The condition, known as hyperphantasia, impacts how humans imagine the world around them. It runs on a spectrum, with some unable to visualize objects like apples in their minds while others imagine visuals with profound details.

Among those in that second group was artist William Blake. While drawing historical or mythical figures, he would wait until the “spirit” appeared in his mind’s eye. The visions were so detailed that Blake could sketch as if a real person were sitting before him.