The author makes an extensive and impressive attempt to characterize the qualities of the artist that contribute to his choice of the role of creator. The material is based on interpretation of the form and content analysis of Rorschach protocols. The ultimate basis of why the artist is motivated to create is left unanswered; there remains the choice between creativity as an attempt to deal with unconscious conflict, or as a basic urge that is a natural characteristic of being human.

Some of the generalizations include a high degree of originality in perception; heightened sensitivity and responsiveness to inner needs with a relatively poor ability to respond to external reality; great ease of regression coupled with the ability to return to more mature ego functioning; an attempt to find ego identity through creation; and an exhibitionistic need to be seen as a special person.