Drawing Inspiration from the Void

Creative people notice patterns and meaningful connections that most people miss––a characteristic known as “apophenia”. This ability to construct meaning from seemingly out of nowhere may also give creatives a stronger sense of purpose and life satisfaction.

These alien figures were drawn by UCSB undergraduates while doing the “invented alien creatures task”, a test psychologists commonly use to assess creativity. Studying the minds of people who produce the most imaginative drawings can help reveal strategies everyone can use to feel more inspiration and meaning in everyday life.