How to illustrate kids’ puzzles: from simple to complex!

How to illustrate kids’ puzzles: from simple to complex!
Teacher: Bhavi Patel, Advocate Art Agent/ ITSme Learning

Almost every theme and subject matter can be adapted to both kid and adult age groups; the key element that differentiates the two is the level of difficulty. This is determined by how much detail is in the piece. Kids’ puzzles tend to focus on one or two main, big elements which are easy to piece together. Each puzzle piece will hold a significant part of the design that helps the target audience piece it together. In a puzzle design aimed at adults, the amount of detail is exponentially higher. Usually, adult puzzles have multiple focal points, and due to the higher number of pieces, the finer details are more difficult to put together.

As you look through the examples in this blog, you can also notice that, alongside detail, the textures and additional finishing also play a part in determining which age group a puzzle is best suited to. Kids’ puzzles work best using a vector style, as this emphasises the simplicity in the design and overall product, as seen in Kevin Payne and Sara Nicely’s pieces. Both designers create solid focal points and recognizable shapes, making the puzzle easier to work with. In contrast, Hannah Abbo’s and Nichola Cowdery’s designs hold more depth through their use of textured brushes and finer lines, creating more delicate details within the bolder, more interesting shapes and overall design.

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