World Map Jigsaw Puzzle
Last year, I was commissioned By Talking Tables to create a MEGA 1000 piece world map jigsaw puzzle! From the start, I really loved the unique concept- not only was it going to be a slightly unconventional circular shape, this map was also going to feature the secret and lesser-known landmarks of the world. The vision was to create something contemporary and uplifting, which would educate people on the hidden treasures of the planet.
I worked with designer Amy Bowers, who did a great job of researching to find out the quirkiest must-visit landmarks on people’s bucket lists! These lesser known places are all listed in a booklet which accompanies the puzzle, so you can do your own research and daydream about future trips. I painted most of the artwork for this throughout various lockdowns, so it was a good form of escapism for me too.
In terms of the process, I wanted to capture each landmark accurately, but with a sense of playfulness. I chose a bright and bold color palette to keep things fresh and fun, but also to help aid the future puzzler. When I came to putting the jigsaw together myself, I found colour and paint textures the most useful clues, especially when it came to the sea! I’d layered up a lot of watercolour washes and paint splashes to help avoid too many flat expanses of colour, but I still found it very challenging!
I’ve always liked to paint on a larger scale and I usually work in A3 sketchbooks. Despite the final icons being pretty teeny on the puzzle, each of these were painted A4- A3 size so that I could capture all the detail well, before being shrunk down on photoshop. I worked in gouache and layered colouring pencil on top, before finishing everything up digitally. The text was also hand lettered, using my favourite trusty Berol felt tip! I spent a lot of time reshuffling icons on photoshop, and we added landmarks in batches so that we could build up the empty spaces gradually.
When I completed the jigsaw, I couldn’t bear to break it up and put it back in it’s box! So I used puzzle glue to preserve it, and I plan to turn it into a little coffee table top. If you are a keen puzzler, the map is available to purchase here, and is available from a variety of independent retailers too. I hope you discover a new destination to add to your travel wish list, or learn something new about a curious hidden gem.
Here are some other jigsaw maps I’ve worked on with Talking Tables in the past few years too:
