Meet Alan Giana: The Artist Behind Your Favorite Jigsaw Puzzles
If you've spent time puzzling with us at Bits and Pieces, chances are you've come across the work of Alan Giana. Known for his vivid color palettes and peaceful, nature-inspired scenes, Alan's artwork has been featured on some of our most beloved jigsaw puzzles. His style blends traditional painting with digital media to create timeless, dreamlike settings—filled with blooming gardens, country cabins, and coastal escapes.
We recently talked with Alan about his journey as an artist, his creative process, and what inspires him. Whether you're a long-time fan or discovering his work for the first time, you'll enjoy getting to know the person behind the puzzle.
How Alan Got Started
"I've been drawing since I was a child," Alan says. "One of my earliest creations was when I was four—I grabbed a marker and started drawing on the wall!" That early spark led him to study graphic design and business management in college. In the 1990s, he launched his own illustration company. Eventually, he transitioned into art licensing, where his work appeared on various products, especially jigsaw puzzles.
A Unique Artistic Process
Alan describes his artwork as mixed media, blending traditional and digital techniques. "I often take photos of nature and man-made structures to use as references for my scenes," he explains. It allows him to build realistic yet whimsical landscapes that feel familiar and fantastic. Working digitally gives him flexibility and efficiency. "Sometimes a client requests changes, and working digitally makes those revisions easier," Alan says. "It also ensures I can deliver high-quality, print-ready files."
Inside the Studio
Alan works from a studio in the lower level of his home, which overlooks a perennial garden. It's a peaceful space where he creates and conducts business—often with music playing in the background. "I listen to everything from classic rock to jazz," he says. "Music fuels my creativity almost as much as nature does."
Inspiration, Travel & Nature
Much of Alan's inspiration comes from the natural world. "I'm always admiring sunsets, flowers, butterflies, and clouds," he says. "Even my fantasy scenes are grounded in reality—based on places I've visited or elements I've seen while traveling." Whether it's a mountain in Alaska or a cabin in Wyoming, Alan's artwork captures the beauty of everyday life and transforms it into something magical.
Beyond Puzzles: Art in Everyday Life
Alan's art isn't just on puzzles. Over the years, his designs have appeared on calendars, mugs, greeting cards, coasters, music boxes, clocks, and even shower curtains.
Music as a Creative Outlet
While art is his profession, music is Alan's passion. He plays several instruments—including flute, ukulele, and electric guitar—and practices regularly. "A few years ago, my fiancé gifted me Zoom guitar lessons with Marc Ford from The Black Crowes," Alan says. "It was a dream come true."
The Rewards of Creating Art
For Alan, the most meaningful part of being an artist is how his work resonates with people. "I once got an email from a woman whose son was deployed in Afghanistan. She sent him puzzles featuring my artwork, and she told me it helped him during a tough time," he recalls. "That kind of feedback is what makes this work so rewarding."
Alan's Connection to Puzzling
Although Alan's primary role is behind the scenes, he enjoys puzzles, especially 300-piece to 500-piece designs. "I used to complete every puzzle with my artwork on it," he says. "And as a kid, I remember doing a round jigsaw puzzle with giraffes at my aunt and uncle's house. I'll never forget it."
Shop Alan Giana Puzzles
You'll love Alan's collection if you enjoy peaceful landscapes, quiet cottages, and vibrant florals. Each design reflects a sense of calm, wonder, and appreciation for the world around us.
