I came across this Michael J. Maloney in a Facebook group when he posted about his artwork being used by PuzzleYOU.

Here’s a quick summary and keep scrolling for the interview!

Michael J. Maloney is, by trade, a remarkable technical draftsman who possesses a unique talent for merging precision with creativity.

He graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design and has worked as a technical illustrator for more than three decades.

With a keen eye for detail and a passion for innovation, Michael brings concepts to life through meticulously crafted artwork.

Get ready to explore a world where imagination knows no bounds, guided by the masterful hand of Michael J. Maloney.

Michael J. Maloney – An Interview

Tell us a bit about yourself!

I’ve always been fascinated by art trends, including Surrealism (like Dali), Tessellations (inspired by Escher), Pop Art (Warhol), and OP Art (Riley). I served as the “class artist” at Portsmouth High School, class of ’68, in Portsmouth, NH, USA. After my military service as a combat engineer paratrooper, I married my high school sweetheart, celebrating our 52nd anniversary this year.

In early 1971, we relocated from NH to RI, where I worked as an illustrator and began doing design patent drawings for HASBRO toys. I also attended night school at RISDI (Rhode Island School of Design) under the GI Bill, focusing on commercial art and related courses. Later, we moved to SC, and I joined Homelite as a technical illustrator in 1974.

I provided patent drawing services to patent attorneys in Charlotte, NC, and eventually launched my own technical illustration and technical manual production company in Charlotte, serving national and international clients.

I sold and trained technical illustration solutions to blue-chip clients nationwide and overseas. The demanding pace led to several health challenges, including heart attacks, cardiac arrest, brain surgery, and a motorcycle accident, ultimately prompting my wife and me to downsize to our current mom-and-pop home/office/studio.

Despite a unique personal skill set marked by ADD, ADHD, and dyslexia, my vocabulary, especially in writing, is quite strong. This background in visual art stems from my early years when I wasn’t diagnosed with dyslexia but was classified as “developmentally handicapped.” Despite the challenges, I successfully graduated, inspired by my passion for art and mechanical drawing.

As you are not a jigsaw puzzler yourself, what inspired you to have your artwork made into jigsaw puzzles?

I’m not a good puzzler because of my extremely short attention span (ADD). I’ve experimented in many art styles and have a fondness for fashion, asemic art and writing, tessellations, etc.. My curiosity and interest drifts from day-to-day. About a year ago, noticed that jigsaw puzzles are one of the few art platforms that allow for an extreme variety of image types. Right up my alley.

What is your creative process when designing a new jigsaw puzzle?

I post to a number of FB Groups. I get inspired often when I visit a group. For example, I like custom cars. When I watch videos from an automotive FB Group, it inspires me to create art representing car building, car design, etc.. (examples available). When I see a flower arrangement or a seascape, or still life, I get inspired and start creating. Currently I am creating “space art” because I am playing STARFIELD video game. I create art and post to one or more of the STARFIELD groups.

What tools/software do you use?

I use many tools/software titles – depending on what I’m trying to create. I might start with a fractal (ref: MB3D), or a photo, a doodle, etc.. I have a full set of digital tools including the Adobe and Corel suite of products. I also employ (as required for what I am trying to accomplish) programs such as REPPER, Gimp, DAZ 3D, SketchUp, online image enhancers, online filters, digital enhancement programs and recently Midjourney.

How do you decide on the image, colors, and overall composition?

Color is my weakness, but I’m improving. After spending about fifty hours a week for well more than 20 years exclusively creating pen and ink technical drawings, it’s no wonder I’m not as confident with color. I try to make the compositions interesting, unique and “different” from the usual fare.

Is your artwork published in other forms besides puzzles, and if so, what form?

Of course I’ve had thousands of printings of technical manual ranging from complex textile machinery to publications for the B1 Bomber and everything in-between. I’ve also created surface pattern designs for fashion – including recently a tessellation concept for Bottega Venetta of Italy. I’ve created surface pattern design for curtains, upholstery, paper products, etc..

What are your plans for future projects?

For now, I have a full plate of “patent work” and a jigsaw puzzle motif contract with puzzleYou to fulfill. I am also beginning to create wall poster art and may set up a POD outlet. Beyond that? Who knows?

Are there any specific artists or influences that have shaped your work?

Oh yes. The 1960’s developed my “influences”. No only was it the psychedelic 60’s, but a time of turmoil, war, protests, hope and despair. I would have to say that Salvador Dali was probably my most important artistic influence. It shows.

PuzzleYOU & Michael J. Maloney – A Fab Collab

PuzzleYOU specializes in custom jigsaw puzzles, but they also carry a catalog of interesting designs. You can read my review of them here.

Michael’s designs are available and ready to ship. They come in a box with just the image of the puzzle on the front for reference, but they do offer a step during check out to customize the box.

I customized mine to have the name of the artwork and the artist. The shipping box is super sturdy and kind of fun so I saved mine.

Michael J. Maloney Puzzles at PuzzleYOU

Here are a few of the puzzles from Michael’s catalog at PuzzleYOU. You can click directly on the photos to visit the listing. I do not receive affiliate compensation for the below links.

You can find Michael on Facebook – his art is sprinkled through several groups; check out Jigsaw Puzzlers, Jigsaw Puzzle Enthusiasts, and Jigsaw Puzzle Lovers for more concept art and updates on future projects.

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