Raven Léa
What's your name?
Raven Léa
Where are you based?
Switzerland
Tell us about what your ordinary day looks like.
My current day is split between my work in IT and my bachelor studies in the evening in the same field to become an engineer. I usually try to puzzle when I get home for a while, but mostly it will be during the weekends as I have a bit more free time. I also try to read and play video games, therefore I’m trying to split my short free time for those hobbies, but let’s be honest, currently I almost only puzzle.
How did you get into the world of puzzling?
I owned a few small puzzles when I was a kid, but somehow I didn’t puzzle much when I got older. In January of this year, I had a video about puzzles coming up on my YouTube recommendations. Next thing I knew I was watching videos from Karen Puzzle and I ordered a bunch of puzzles. I liked them so much that I’ve been puzzling almost every day a little bit and I already own way too many puzzles from various brands.
What makes you keep puzzling & how often do you puzzle?
It’s an activity that really relaxes me and I love the satisfaction of putting the last pieces together, seeing the image come together. It gives me a sense of accomplishment to see them completed. When I’m done with one, I’m always excited to get the next one going. I also love the illustrations. It made me discover some artists whose art I really love, even in other format than puzzles. I try to puzzle everyday and it will usually be between 30 minutes and 1 hour. During the weekend I manage to puzzle sometimes between 2-4 hours if I get caught up in the puzzle.
What is your favorite type of puzzles?
I puzzle currently 99, 500 and 1000 (and one 1500 pieces because it was a Pokémon one and it was easy). I think I like all those formats for various reasons. 99 are useful when I just want a quick dose of satisfaction and 1000 when I’m ready for more challenge. I think 500 somehow fits in the middle of this, when I need a reset from a hard puzzle and 99 feels too small.
During puzzling sessions, do you listen to anything or puzzle in silence?
It depends. I can puzzle in silence, sometimes it feels good to just be focused. But I usually have either a YouTube video or a Twitch stream running in the background. I sometimes also listen to an audiobook.
If you were to describe what puzzling means to you, what would it be?
Relaxation and peace
Tell us about your other interests & joys.
I love reading! I own way too many books. My favorite genres are fantasy and romance but I am also opened to sci-fi, thrillers or contemporary stories. I also enjoy playing video games. I love a good Pokémon, Mario, Sims 4, Stardew Valley, but also games like Assassin’s creed or Life is Strange. I’m down to try multiple genres here too. Another activity I like is building Legos with my partner. Usually those hobbies are coupled with a nice cup of tea.
Do you have anything you want to share?
There’s no such thing as too many puzzles xD