The Story Behind United Mazes of America
United Mazes of America is the culmination of a creative journey that began in the mid-2000s. What started as simple doodles in my notebooks evolved into a unique, intricate maze art style. Growing up, I was captivated by visual puzzles like Where’s Waldo, Magic Eye, and the impossible designs of M.C. Escher. My fascination with those detailed illustrations and the challenge they presented inspired much of the work you see in this book today.
Books like I Spy and The Ultimate Maze Book by David Anson Russo fueled my love for puzzles, while my passion for geography grew alongside. During school, I was always drawing fantasy maps and landscapes—my notebooks were filled with sketches of imagined worlds. Those early inspirations led me to explore the creative potential of mazes, and it was through those exploratory drawings that United Mazes of America was born.
How United Mazes of America Took Shape
The idea to create a maze book featuring all 50 states wasn’t part of a grand plan at first. In 2018, I drew Maine as a maze, just for fun. One state turned into two, and soon I realized the potential in creating mazes for every state in the country. The project really took off during the pandemic in 2020, becoming my creative anchor during a time when I could focus on this unique challenge.
Each maze celebrates the distinct shape and character of its state, while also incorporating state symbols, interesting facts, and historical landmarks. My goal is to make United Mazes of America not just a fun puzzle book, but also an educational experience. Whether you're a puzzle enthusiast, geography lover, or just someone who enjoys exploring new things, there's something for everyone in these pages.
Kickstarter Success and Community Support
In 2024, I launched a Kickstarter campaign to bring United Mazes of America to life. The response was incredible—the project was fully funded in just 8 hours and reached 350% of its goal by the end of the campaign. Thanks to the support of 45 amazing backers, I was able to bring this book to life.
What Makes United Mazes of America Special
This isn’t just another puzzle book. Each maze is a carefully crafted tribute to the state it represents, combining history, geography, and artistic design. I’ve included all 50 states, plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, to make the book as comprehensive as possible. The mazes are both fun and challenging, while the accompanying state facts add an educational layer that makes it perfect for all ages. Whether you're solving the mazes or learning about the states’ unique histories, the experience is designed to inspire.
With 113 pages of intricately designed mazes, interesting trivia, and beautifully illustrated state facts, this book is more than just an activity—it’s a journey across the U.S. And if you get stuck, don’t worry—the book also includes a Solutions section to help guide you through even the toughest mazes.
Why This Book Matters
At its heart, United Mazes of America is about celebrating the diversity and history of the United States through art and puzzles. I believe that geography is more than just maps—it's about the stories, symbols, and landmarks that define a place. My hope is that this book encourages people to explore, appreciate, and learn about the unique qualities of every state, in a way that’s interactive and engaging.
Every twist and turn of these mazes represents countless hours of research, design, and love. I hope you enjoy solving them as much as I enjoyed creating them!
