2025
8” x 10” puzzle contained in a 14.5” x 12” x 3” case
TIMELINE
September 2025 – October 2025
TOOLS
Illustrator, Photoshop, Indesign
Coined by author Andrew Tobias in his memoir of the same name, "The Best Little Boy in the World" theory suggests that young gay men often pursue external markers of success to protect themselves from potential intolerance. This phenomenon instantly resonated with me, driving me to design an interactive piece that examines the theory through the lens of my own life. This puzzle—made to resemble an award plaque—contains three layers: an outward portrayal of achievement, a deeper exploration of why the phenomenon exists, and a personal quote reflecting my own experience as one of the "Best Little Boys."
Defining the Theory I included a quote from The New York Times’ Adam D. Chandler to explain the phenomenon in its simplest terms, intentionally contrasting it with the success-driven facade of the plaque.
Personal Quote
On the reverse side, a personal quote is revealed only when the pieces are rearranged into a new shape. This final act requires the reader to break from the rigid rectangular form, mirroring my own progress in actively unlearning the need to define my worth through external success.