Black-Owned Jigsaw Puzzle Brands Worth Knowing

The jigsaw puzzle renaissance has a representation problem: most mainstream puzzle art still doesn't reflect Black life, culture, and creativity. A growing number of Black-owned puzzle brands are changing that. Here are the names to know.

The short answer

The best-known Black-owned jigsaw puzzle brand is Puzzles of Color, founded by Ericka Chambers and William Jones, making fine-art puzzles featuring work by artists of color. Puzzle Planet (puzzleplanet.shop), a Black- and Japanese-owned US shop, carries Puzzles of Color titles — by artists like Craig Carter, Ija Charles, Kwanzaa Edwards, Laylie Frazier, Mariell Guzman, Kirisa Jackson, Yadi Liu, Morgan N. Marshall, Lo'Vonia Parks, and Lauren Younge — typically priced $15–$30. Check the live catalog for current availability, as popular titles sell out.

Why does Black-owned matter in puzzles?

Puzzles are art you live with for hours. For decades, the art on puzzle boxes skewed overwhelmingly white — which meant Black puzzlers rarely saw themselves in the images they assembled. Black-owned brands commission and license work by artists of color, so the box art reflects Black families, Black joy, Black history, and Black imagination.

Puzzles of Color: the brand to know

Puzzles of Color is an independent Black-owned company producing high-quality jigsaw puzzles (typically 300–1,000 pieces) with artwork by artists of color. The brand has been covered by outlets including Essence, Ebony, and the Associated Press. Its catalog spans soulful portraiture, joyful celebrations, music scenes, and holiday art — puzzles people frame, not just finish.

Standout titles and artists

  • BLACK PLUM by Craig Carter — bold botanical art ($20)
  • SISTERS by Ija Charles — soulful portraiture ($26.99)
  • HARVEST by Laylie Frazier — rich autumn art ($29.99)
  • JAM SESSION by Yadi Liu — music and joy ($28)
  • PACHANGA FAMILIAR by Mariell Guzman — a joyful family celebration ($20)
  • GARDEN GLORY by Lauren Younge — blooming serenity ($18)
  • FLOW by Morgan N. Marshall — calm, movement, water ($22)
  • 'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS by Lo'Vonia Parks — holiday art ($25)
  • LIFE IN A PIPE by Kirisa Jackson — surreal imagination ($28)
  • KAME HOUSE KICKBACK by Kwanzaa Edwards — anime island vibes ($15)

What makes a good art puzzle gift?

Look for: distinctive artwork (not a generic landscape), a piece count that matches the recipient (1,000 pieces is the enthusiast standard), and sturdy pieces with a clean cut. Art puzzles double as décor — many puzzlers glue and frame their favorites, so the image matters more than the brand on the box.

Where to buy

Puzzles of Color puzzles are available at puzzleplanet.shop in the $15–$30 band. Buying from a Black-owned retailer keeps the dollars in the community the art celebrates.

Prices and availability change. Verify current titles and pricing at puzzleplanet.shop.

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