An analysis of the present-day state of the problem of interrelation between perception and creativity enables the authors to identify productive functions of visual perception in the creative process. The paper also contains data of an empirical study confirming a link between creative thinking and peculiarities of visual perception in primary schoolchildren. The data is interpreted in terms of the cognitive approach to creativity. The authors point out that methods for developing creativity in primary school children should take into account interrelation between creative thinking and cognitive ability.