“I’ve always loved how board games bring people together. They’re hands-on, interactive, and just designed to spark joy—a purpose in design I connect with deeply.”
Paul, a graphic designer and aspiring board game creator, has spent his life captivated by the world of games. Now, his latest Imagination Fund-winning project, Spin & Soar, is bringing his vision of joyful, accessible play to life. Designed as a book game, Spin & Soar simplifies play, creating fun and connection for families and friends alike.
Who is Paul?
“I’ve been designing board games for as long as I can remember,” Paul shared. “Growing up, my family loved playing games together, and I was always curious about how they worked. I’d sketch out my own ideas, eager to create something that could bring people some fun.”
Although Paul initially pursued computer science in college, he realized it wasn’t his passion. He shifted gears to advertising, where he’s spent the past four years working as a graphic designer. But board games have always remained close to his heart, and his love of designing for physicality and delight brought him back to game design.
About Paul’s Project: Spin & Soar
Spin & Soar is the first in a planned series of book games by Paul. Inspired by his family’s game nights, it solves a common issue: finding a game that both kids and adults can enjoy together.
“My nieces, who are 5 and 7, love their games, but sometimes the adults don’t want to join in because the rules for their favorite games are either too simple or take too long to set up,” Paul explained. “I wanted to create something that bridges that gap—a game that anyone can enjoy, anywhere.”
Spin & Soar is simple, portable, and ready to play right off the shelf. “There are no pieces to lose, no boxes to break. Just open it up and start having fun,” Paul said.
“Breaking down barriers to play is so important—Spin & Soar is designed to fit anywhere and be enjoyed by anyone.”
What does your creative process look like?
Paul’s creative process is rooted in bringing ideas to life quickly. “When inspiration strikes, I need to get it out of my head as fast as possible,” he said. His Notes app is a treasure trove of ideas, filled with stream-of-consciousness lists that he later revisits and refines.
For Spin & Soar, the concept came together quickly. “I started with sketches on paper, then moved to Illustrator to create the visuals,” Paul explained. He drew inspiration from other board games, design platforms like Dribbble, and even walks through Target’s game and book aisles to scope what’s out there.
Playtesting is where the magic happens. “It’s the most exciting—and terrifying—part,” Paul said. “Watching how people interact with your game—what resonates and what falls flat—is invaluable. That’s when the design truly comes to life.”
What’s next for Spin & Soar?
Paul recently completed the first physical prototype of Spin & Soar and is excited to test it with his nieces over the holidays. “They’re my target audience, so I can’t wait to see how they interact with it,” he shared.
Looking ahead, Paul hopes to expand Spin & Soar into a full series of book games. “Once I’ve designed four or five games, I plan to launch a Kickstarter to fund the initial publishing round,” he said. “My goal is to get these games into as many homes as possible and help more families connect through play.”
How has Playbook supported your journey?
For Paul, Playbook became a vital part of turning Spin & Soar from an idea into a reality. “It gave me a place to store everything—my sketches, design assets, inspiration—all in one spot,” he shared. “When you’re working on multiple projects, it’s a lifesaver to have everything so organized and easy to find.”
“The Imagination Fund was such a great motivator,” Paul explained. “It gave me the structure to stay accountable, and being part of a cohort of creatives was so energizing. Seeing other people push their projects forward made me want to keep going, even after long days at work.”
“It’s really the feeling of having a space to stay inspired, supported, and on track. That made all the difference.”
What advice do you have for other creatives?
Paul emphasizes the importance of side projects for keeping creativity alive. “Work can get repetitive, but side projects push you to grow and remind you why you love what you do,” he said.
“Choose projects that excite you, not ones you think you should do. If you’re not passionate about it, you won’t find the motivation to finish. Set clear goals, share them with friends, and let their support keep you accountable.”
What do you hope players will take away from Spin & Soar?
“At its core, Spin & Soar is about sparking joy and creating connections,” Paul said. “I hope it helps families spend quality time together, gives kids a sense of ownership, and helps create meaningful memories. When the game fades into the background and it’s all about the experience with each other—that’s when I know I’ve done my job.”
Paul’s Spin & Soar series is a testament to the power of play. Keep an eye out—it might just find its way onto your bookshelf soon! 📚
Check out Paul’s project proposal here.
See more of Paul’s work here.