We recently had the chance to connect with Grant Maniér and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Grant, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your customers?
What always surprises me about people is how they think my art is painted—until they get really close. Then they realize it’s made from recycled puzzles, paper, and even old jewelry. It blows their minds every time! I love seeing their reactions. They often say, “I’ve never seen anything like this!” That makes me smile because I’m not just making art—I’m giving old things new life. I’ve always loved turning puzzles into something bigger, and it’s cool to know others see the magic in it too. Their surprise reminds me that what I do is truly one of a kind.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Grant Maniér, (maun-yay), but many know me as “Jigsaw Grant.” I’m an eco-artist, illustrator, and autism advocate. I was born in Orlando, Florida and raised in Houston, Texas, where I lived for 22 years. When COVID hit, all the art events I loved came to a stop. As someone living with autism, that meant I lost my social outlet and work opportunities. In 2021, I was invited to Wisconsin to study multimedia at a school for students with autism, The Treffert Studios, and to continue my education in graphic design and animation—so my mom and I took the leap and moved north.
Shortly after, in 2022, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma cancer. But with faith, family, and determination, I beat it in just six months. That experience only made me more driven to create meaningful art and give back.
I’ve been an artist for over 15 years, and my style is what I call “Eco-Impressionism”—I create detailed art using recycled materials like puzzles, paper, and jewelry. From a distance, people think it’s paint, but up close, they’re amazed to see every piece was reused and repurposed. My work has won numerous awards and has been featured across the country. I’m also the illustrator behind The Jigsaw Giraffe & Friends children’s book series, which has been recognized by the Barbara Bush Literacy Foundation. It’s about me, but with a twist…. I’m a giraffe!
My brand, Jigsaw Grant, is all about advocating disabilities into possibilities, while promoting environmental responsibility. I’ve raised over $500,000 for nonprofits, helping fund wheelchairs, hearing aids, scholarships, and therapy programs. I’ve collaborated with companies like Coca-Cola, Goya Foods, and Kalahari Resorts, and my art hangs in hospitals, schools, and calming rooms for kids.
Through my art, books, and presentations, I want to inspire others to dream big, reuse what they can, and know that every puzzle piece—just like every person—has a purpose.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The part of me that I’ve chosen to release is the idea that autism defines who I am. For a long time, people looked at me and only saw the autism, not the person behind it. But I’ve learned—and now proudly say—I define my autism; it does not define me. I’ve let go of the labels, the limitations, and the assumptions people make. Also, to release the puzzle symbol for autism. I am not a puzzle.. My art is!
I live with autism, yes—but I also have a photographic memory, which has become one of my greatest tools. It helps me in college, with voice-over acting, and memorizing scripts. It helps me create. My creativity and imagination are powerful gifts. I’m an award-winning artist and illustrator, and I’ve used those talents to co-create Grant the Jigsaw Giraffe and Friends, a children’s book series that teaches kids about differences and abilities. My stories, art, and voice work come together to inspire others to see beyond labels.
I no longer carry the weight of what autism “should” mean. Instead, I carry purpose, passion, and pride in who I am. My autism makes me feel exceptional—not because of what I lack, but because of everything I’ve gained. That part of me that held back is gone. I’ve replaced it with confidence.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, I would say this: Trust and love—don’t hide within. I know I felt left out a lot, like I didn’t fit in or belong. I remember being bullied and wondering why I was different. But even through all that, I was surrounded by love—especially from my mom. She made sure I had a place where I could just be me. She created sleepovers, art nights, and fun hangouts so I could connect with other kids like me. That meant everything.
I want to tell myself that it’s okay to stand out. I wasn’t meant to blend in—I was meant to be different, and that’s something to celebrate. My autism, my art, my memory, my creativity—those are my superpowers. I don’t need to change who I am. I just need to keep trusting, loving, and believing in myself.
When I take chances, I know now that someone will always be there to catch me—whether that’s Mom, a friend, or even me. I’ve grown stronger, and I’ve learned that what made me feel different as a kid is exactly what makes me special today.
I’m proud of who I am. And I always will be.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
Someone I really admire for their character is my friend Bryan Mischler. He’s actually one of the main reasons I moved to Wisconsin. I met him at an autism conference, and right away, he was just easy to talk to. He has this calm way about him, and he knows a lot—like, a lot. He’s a gamer like me, which makes hanging out even better. But what I admire most is how he treats people. I’ve watched him talk to just about anyone, anywhere, and he makes them feel comfortable and heard.
Bryan is the kind of friend you want in your life. He checks in on me, makes sure I’m happy, and helps me feel like I belong. If my mom can’t be there, we both know we can count on Bryan. He’s a big, tall guy with a huge heart. I’m lucky to know him, and I admire him every day.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
Yes, I definitely tap dance to work—at least in my heart! I get really excited about what I do. I love to travel, meet new people, and share my art and my story. One of the best parts is seeing people’s reactions when they realize my artwork isn’t painted—it’s all made from recycled puzzles and materials. Their faces light up, and that always makes me smile.
What excites me even more is when kids say, “I want to do that too!” That’s when I get to teach them how to create eco-art, and it makes me feel proud to pass it on. I’m not just making art—I’m helping others find their creativity and believe in themselves.
I also get excited knowing that I’m doing something good for the planet. My art helps spread the message to reduce, reuse, and recycle. I feel like I’m helping Mother Earth stay clean and green.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.JigsawGrant.com
- Instagram: @JIgsawGrant
- Linkedin: Jigsaw Grant
- Twitter: JigsawGrant
- Facebook: JigsawGrnat
- Youtube: JigsawGrant
- Other: Tiktok: JigsawGrant
Image Credits
Photography: Julie Coy
