At The Jigstore, we’re passionate about the artistry behind every puzzle. From hand-painted masterpieces to digitally illustrated scenes, the story behind the image is often just as compelling as the puzzle itself. Recently, one topic has sparked plenty of conversation in the puzzle world: AI-generated artwork.
Some puzzle brands like Galison and eeBoo have pledged that they will not use any AI in their puzzle artwork. Other brands like Cobble Hill have identified puzzles made with the assistance of AI.
We recently had a customer tell us they would never purchase from us again because we sold them a puzzle where AI was used in the creation of the artwork.
So where do we stand on AI? Like most things, the answer isn’t black and white.
What Does “AI Art” Actually Mean?
There’s a big difference between:
- Fully AI-generated images created at the click of a button, and
- Artist-led work that uses AI as part of a broader creative process
The second approach is where things get interesting—and where many modern artists are exploring new possibilities.
A Kiwi Example: Lucy Gauntlett & Fern Song
New Zealand artist Lucy Gauntlett offers a great example of how AI can be thoughtfully integrated into puzzle art.
A lifelong creative, Lucy’s background spans painting, sculpture, printmaking, and digital experimentation. Her distinctive work, ranging from florals and native birds to surreal landscapes and abstract compositions combine techniques like photomontage, intentional camera movement, and AI-generated layering.
We asked Lucy to clarify how AI was used in her artwork and she responded that her process for Fern Song isn’t about letting AI “do the work”—it’s about using it as one tool in a much larger creative toolkit:
“I hand draw the concept with pencil, input into AI and get an AI generated framework / leadlight framework, manually inlay digital glass pieces into the framework in Photoshop (AI can generate more glass texture if necessary for a large area), often collage other parts of other frameworks into the current image, smooth and integrate with other filters and several other programmes. It’s not always this process but often involves these processes—every artwork is different.”
She also makes an important point:
“AI can instantly create anything now, so everybody thinks that AI can’t be used in a creative way—but it certainly can. I just see it as another tool to use selectively and as part of a creative workflow rather than it being the whole and instant workflow.”
This is a far cry from typing a prompt and hitting “generate.”
The Good: AI as a Creative Tool
Used thoughtfully, AI can enhance—not replace—creativity:
1. Speeds up ideation
Artists can quickly explore layouts, compositions, or patterns before refining them manually.
2. Expands creative possibilities
Complex styles (like stained glass, surreal collages, or intricate textures) can be prototyped and then carefully crafted.
3. Supports—not replaces—skill
As Lucy’s process shows, the real artistry still lies in composition, colour, detail, and finishing touches.
4. Enables hybrid art forms
We’re seeing exciting blends of hand-drawn, photographic, and digital techniques—AI simply becomes part of that mix.
The Bad: When AI Misses the Mark
Not all AI puzzle art hits the same standard—and that’s where customer concerns often come from.
1. “Something feels off”
AI images can include subtle (or obvious) errors—odd proportions, inconsistent lighting, or elements that don’t quite make sense.
2. Lack of intention
Great puzzle images are carefully designed for enjoyment—balance, colour flow, and visual storytelling matter. Pure AI outputs can feel random or cluttered.
3. Loss of artist identity
Some customers value puzzles because they connect with a specific artist’s style and story. Fully AI-generated work can feel anonymous.
4. Ethical concerns
There’s ongoing debate around how AI models are trained and whether they draw too heavily from existing artists’ work.
AI was clearly used to produce this Mindbogglers Greenhouse Library Puzzle. Note the disappearing mat, and a side table with only one leg. When these issues were pointed out by a customer, we decided to no longer stock puzzles by this artist.
Why Some Puzzle Fans Are Anti-AI
The pushback isn’t just about technology—it’s about what puzzles represent.
For many puzzlers:
- A puzzle is a connection to an artist
- It’s about craftsmanship and intentional design
- It’s something to slow down with—not something created instantly
So when people hear “AI,” they sometimes assume: “This was made in seconds with no real creativity.”
As we’ve seen, that’s not always true—but perception matters.
Finding the Balance
At The Jigstore, we believe the key question isn’t:
“Was AI used?”
But rather:
"Was this thoughtfully created?”
When artists like Lucy Gauntlett use AI as one step in a hands-on, multi-layered process, the result is still deeply creative, personal, and puzzle-worthy.
On the other hand, purely auto-generated images with little refinement can fall short of the quality puzzlers expect.
The Future of Puzzle Art
AI isn’t going away—but neither is artistry.
The most exciting direction forward is:
- Artist-led work
- Transparent processes
- High-quality, intentional design
At The Jigstore, we value transparency and the artistry behind every puzzle. We already aim to credit the artist wherever possible, and where we’re aware that AI has been used as part of the creative process, we’ll include this information in the product description—so you can make an informed choice about the puzzles you purchase.
We’d love to hear your thoughts—are you open to AI-assisted art, or do you prefer traditional methods?
Disclaimer: this blog post was written with the assistance of AI.