Hey everyone! I'm really trying to embrace creative hobbies like carving and crochet, but I'm facing a hurdle: I have aphantasia, which means I struggle with three-dimensional thinking. The challenge is that I can't visualize my projects, making it tough to plan ahead or adjust as I work. This leads to quite a bit of frustration and self-doubt. Has anyone experienced similar challenges? What are some strategies or tools you've found helpful for improving spatial thinking without relying heavily on mental imagery? Any exercises or mindset shifts that helped you stay engaged with your hobbies? Thanks, I really appreciate any advice!
2 Answers
Using a clay model to practice is a great way to get a feel for your cuts and overall shape. And if relief carving is your thing, it might be less stressful since it allows for a more 2D design approach. Just remember, when starting a carving, it helps to make your first cuts a bit oversized—you can always refine later! Plus, check out YouTube for inspiration; seeing others work can provide helpful insights.
Consider working with cheap 3D figures as reference materials. You can find toys or thrift store items to use as guides. Try cutting out outlines and rounding the edges to grasp the overall shape quickly. Also, don’t fear mistakes—they're part of the learning process!
Thanks for the tips! I'll definitely check out those YouTube channels you mentioned.