Exclusive Interview with an Artist: Laura Korzon

Posted on Mar 04, 2022

This year we have released 11 new jigsaw puzzles in our White Logo Collection, our range of design-led jigsaw puzzles especially for adults who are looking for more contemporary designs rather than traditional puzzle scenes.

To celebrate, we’ve been talking to some our fantastic artists who designed the gorgeous illustrations. Today we are talking to the talented Laura Korzon, the artist behind our brand-new World Food jigsaw.

World Food 500 piece jigsaw puzzle circular.

Tell us a bit about yourself. How long have you been an artist for?

I am a freelance illustrator based in downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania and I specialise in decorative art for products and packaging. I am also a Professor at Pennsylvania College of Art and Design (PCAD) and work as a creative consultant for various startup projects.

I graduated from Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) in 2010 and have been working as a designer ever since. My professional background includes product design and graphic design. I've also worked in the world of art licensing as both a buyer and a seller. I started my freelance career in 2015 and work under the name Paper Jane Studio. I offer a wide selection of design services, but primarily work as a surface designer.

Jigsaw puzzle and illustrative artist Laura Korzon.

We’ve just released your jigsaw puzzle World Food. Can you tell us a bit about where your inspiration came from and your creative process?

I did quite a bit of research at the start of this project and pulled loads of reference images. While working, I listened to podcasts about food and watched episodes of food and travel shows. When I work on projects, I like to watch and listen to anything relevant to the project because it inspires me and keeps me interested. This is something I push my students to do also.

World Food jigsaw puzzle piecing together.

What’s your biggest achievement as an artist?

Taking the leap into freelance was an easy decision, but the first two years were tough. In 2017, things turned around. I illustrated a book for Harper Collins, which eventually turned into a series of books that can be found on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Walmart. One of those books has since been translated into Spanish. That was really cool. That same year, I was commissioned for a large mural that is mounted in London Bridge Station. Those jobs really propelled my career and I have been fortunate to work with so many amazing clients since.

What were your go-to snacks while creating a design about food?

I can't remember what my snacks choices were, but I do remember that my meal choices were often inspired by what I was drawing that day. I specifically remember drawing sushi and feeling that I needed to order that for dinner.