I designed and sold my first puzzle in 2017 slowly grew a product line. Puzzle demand grew quickly in 2020 when covid hit, and by June of that year I launched Brainstorm Puzzle Co. with 15 new styles of illustrated puzzles.

From the packaging to the puzzle designs themselves, the branding, the social media, the gorgeous saturated photography and the “seriously lighthearted” tone, everything was made with enthusiasm and the spirit of bringing people joy in hard times. We were able to successfully pivot the Brainstorm brand during a period of uncertainty.

In addition to managing US factory production and outsourcing 3PL warehousing, we managed to triple the Brainstorm wholesale business and become a new competitor in the market. “The Puzzle Years” as they’ve become fondly known in my studio remain the most successful revenue years in Brainstorm history.

The Brainstorm Puzzle Co. brand lived independently until it was absorbed back into the Brainstorm parent company in 2024 for ease of warehousing.

My Role:
Co-Owner, Art Direction, Illustration, Design, Puzzle Maker

Partners:
Co-Owner, Creative Director - Briana Feola
Photography - Jennifer Bakos / Briana Feola
Videography - Anchor Line
SEO + Strategy / Ben Saunders at Shire Digital