Puzzle Illustration: Sardines and Friends by Yoko Baum | Product & Licensing Artwork
Client : Cobble Hill Puzzles
Art Direction: Allegra Vernon
Deliverables: 500-piece Puzzle Illustration
Skills Used: Puzzle Illustration, Character Design, Product Illustration
Brief :
I had the wonderful opportunity to create the illustration for Sardines and Friends, a 500-piece puzzle published by Cobble Hill Puzzle. This whimsical, character-filled scene was selected for the Portland Jigsaw Masters 2025, a speed puzzle competition held in Portland, Oregon on July 18th.
This image was a joyful mix of colorful, finned friends—imagined from tinned fish from many countries—and filled with visual details, designed to delight puzzlers of all ages. I used my signature style—vibrant colors, bold shapes, and textured elements for extra expression—to create a high-impact image that pops on the table and keeps puzzlers engaged.
I’m always excited to create playful, eye-catching illustrations for puzzles, games, surface design, and other creative products—especially the kind that bring people together.
Final Product/Images
Close-up Image
Available here:
Sardines and Friends – 500 Piece Puzzle at Cobble Hill
Illustration by Yoko Baum
🧩 Artist Spotlight at Portland Jigsaw Masters 2025 🧩
I was honored to attend the event as the featured artist, where I had the chance to meet puzzle lovers in person and sign boxes of my work. Huge thanks to Cobble Hill's team, especially Allegra and Linda, and the Portland Jigsaw Masters team for including me in such a fun and meaningful way.
And to all the puzzlers—thank you! It was a joy to see my art come to life in your hands.
