Q: What is synesthesia?
A: Synesthesia is a neuro-cognitive phenomenon in which senses are linked in certain individuals, in that one will automatically evoke another. I think of it as a cross-wiring of senses. There are many types, and they manifest with varying degrees of intensity.

Q: Do you have other types of synesthesia?
A: Yes, I also have grapheme-color synesthesia (I see colors with letters and numbers) and spatial-sequence synesthesia (my alphabet, number lines, and calendars all have specific 3-D patterns/maps in my head).

Q: So you're a mutant?
A: Yes ;)

Q: Does it help you memorize things?
A: Sadly, no - it interferes much more than it helps, in terms of memorization, because my associations are already set. But it doesn't interfere with my daily life, rather enhances it.

Q: Is this what you actually see?
A: Yes, ish. It's more dynamic in my head, and I pick and choose elements to paint as a general overview of what I like or what stands out the strongest. It's hard to articulate, and even harder to have the skill to paint accurately.