About the puzzles
This whole thing started in 2020. For some reason, I had a lot of extra time that year, and I used it to figure out exactly how to build and host a street art-themed puzzle event. I called it Philly Street Art Hunt, and I thought it would just be a one-time activation. I simply wanted to give fellow street art lovers a safe, fun way to gather outdoors while supporting local artists.
But several things happened. First, I had a ton of fun designing some absolutely wild puzzles. Second, tickets sold out in one week. And third, the trusting fans who attended that first event had a great time.
So I decided to create another one—in a different neighborhood, with different puzzles and prizes made by different street artists. That one sold out too. And so did the next one.
By 2022, when Philadelphia International Airport came calling about commissioning an art-themed puzzle experience for travelers, I had realized that my aspirations had grown beyond Philly Street Art Hunt. So I became Eric The Puzzler.
Now, I design experiences of all kinds! In addition to crafting my own public events and bookable experiences, I also work with individuals and brands on commissioned and sponsored puzzle projects.
I’ve always got something new cooking. Stick around and feel free to reach out!
Press:
Profile on CBS Philadelphia’s The Heartbeat
Figure It Out podcast interview
Keys To Philly and The Philly Treasure Hunt on 6abc Action News
Keys To Philly and The Philly Treasure Hunt in The Philadelphia Inquirer
Pockets Of Light on WHYY
Pockets Of Light on Green Philly
South Philly Mural Escape in South Philly Review
PHL HeART Scavenger Hunt Challenge on 6abc Action News
I submitted a puzzle game to the podcast Hey Riddle Riddle and they made an entire episode out of it! Listen to it here or listen to the “Eric The Puzzler cut” below.
About the man behind the puzzles
When he’s not making you reconsider what a puzzle even is, mild-mannered Eric Dale is self-employed as a one-man creative agency. From graphic design and photography to writing and branding, Eric’s work helps local and national organizations elevate their communications. He’s also lead contributor at Streets Dept, where he’s interviewed more than 30 Philadelphia street artists.
Eric’s hobbies include piano, ceramics, Magic: The Gathering, coin collecting, and talking about that one time he volunteered on a remote atoll for four months.
Passionate about puzzles?
Here are some things you can do to help me grow as Eric The Puzzler:
Tell a friend about my unique, real-world puzzle experiences.
Join my email list, The Puzzle Well, to circumvent the social media algorithms.
Commission a custom experience for someone special.
Just send me a good old-fashioned tip, plain and simple!