I'm not a designer, but I can tell you the X20x is a great series of laptops. I have an X200 myself, and I'm very happy with it. A friend of mine scoffed at the 12.1" screen, but given it's supposed to be a portable computer, not having a cumbersome 17" hulk with me everywhere I go is great. Admittedly, it also helps that I have a PC at home with a larger monitor. If this is going to be your main computer, I think you might want to consider keeping a larger monitor at home to output to.
Since you're looking for something with design and creativity in mind, Lenovo also do a thing called the ThinkPad W700ds, which has an integrated graphics tablet and Wacom stylus, as well as a second monitor that slides out from the main monitor, if that would suit your needs.
Yes, the X200 lacks an optical drive too. Although at first I was like you and wasn't sure about that, I can tell you I've never once had the need for an optical drive. If I ever do, I'll buy an external USB drive. Hell, I haven't opened the tray on my main PC for a very long time either. That said, if you like your DVD's, you're in trouble.
Besides that, build quality is great, and it's got some nifty features like the spill-proof keyboard and titanium hinges. Oh, bear in mind it only has a TrackPoint as standard - I think with the X201 you have the option to incorporate a TouchPad now, if that's your thing.
