Try to think of a nerdy bee pun. Okay, now try to think of dozens of them. Can’t do it? That’s okay. Camilla d’Errico’s Paro-bee Artbook will do the job for you, in a laugh-out-loud delightful book now crowdfunding on Zoop.
“When I design a parobee, it’s like stepping into the Wonderland of character creation with a bee-sized twist,” d’Errico told Comic Book Club over email. “I want each parobee to be instantly recognizable, so I carefully choose elements that highlight their character traits. After all, if you don’t recognize them, they might just end up looking like a confused bug caught in a fashion faux pas.”
To find out a whole lot more about crafting the perfect bee pun, designing and choosing which nerd icons to tackle, and more, read on.
Comic Book Club: Very important, erudite question first: why bees?
Camilla d’Errico: You know, a lot of people are afraid of bees or just totally misunderstand them. When I first started painting these little buzzing wonders, my mission was to show a different side to the public. I wanted everyone to see that bees can be less scary and more personable. It’s like giving them a makeover from “Oh no, a bee!” to “Aww, look at that adorable bumble!”
Then I took it a step further and started painting them as characters I loved and some that, honestly, even I would cross the street to avoid getting stung! Can you imagine a bee dressed up like one of your favorite characters or a zombee? It’s a whimsical twist that’s both funny and charming! Bees are truly amazing creatures; they can be sweet, fuzzy, and oh-so-adorable, but let’s be real—you definitely don’t want to get on their bad side! They can unleash their sting faster than you can say “pollination!”
So, it seemed like the perfect fit to use these fabulous little bugs as the canvas for fan art of my favorite characters. Picture it: a tiny bee channeling all the sass of a superhero or the whimsy of a beloved princess! It’s the best of both worlds—bringing a sense of fun and creativity while also highlighting the incredible nature of bees.
By painting them in this playful way, I hope to inspire others to appreciate these vital little pollinators and maybe even turn a few bee-fearers into bee-lovers! Who wouldn’t want to hug a fuzzy little bee dressed up as their favorite character?
Talk about your general approach to bees… I notice they don’t have mouths for example? What led to that choice?
When I design a parobee, it’s like stepping into the Wonderland of character creation with a bee-sized twist. There are several fun factors I consider during this creative process. First off, I think about the pose—how will this little bee embody the character they’re cosplaying or parodying? I want each parobee to be instantly recognizable, so I carefully choose elements that highlight their character traits. After all, if you don’t recognize them, they might just end up looking like a confused bug caught in a fashion faux pas.
But here’s the catch: I also need to keep in mind the anatomy of a bee! Bees might not have mouths, but they’ve got adorable legs, arms, and heads just waiting to be transformed into something hilarious! It’s all about finding that perfect balance—making sure it’s still a bee while also paying homage to the character it represents.
For instance, the only mouth I’ve painted on a parobee was for the Poker, a.k.a. the Joker! I mean, come on—he just wouldn’t be the same without that iconic creepy makeup. So, I made an exception and gave him a little painted mouth that captures his wild spirit.
Creating these parobees is like walking a tightrope between the world of bees and the universe of all our beloved characters. It’s such a fun challenge, and I love how it allows me to merge my passion for art, humor, and a touch of nostalgia. So, whether it’s a bee dressed as a superhero or a villain, you can bet I’m pouring my heart and a whole lot of buzz into each design.
You’ve also got fuzzy bees here, which I imagine is an effort to make them cuter? That said, how much of a challenge is it to draw all the individual hairs?
Well, let’s talk about my favorite real bee of all—the bumblebee! They are just so darn cute and fluffy! I can’t help but smile every time I see one buzzing around, especially when I spot a super chonky bumblebee flying all wobbly because it’s packed with pollen on its legs! It’s like watching a little fuzzy ball of joy trying its best to navigate the skies. I’m telling you, I experience serious cuteness aggression every time I see one! I just can’t handle how adorable they are!
So,on a scale of 1 to 10, I’d say painting individual hair is a solid 8! It’s definitely a labor of love. I whip out my trusty thin liner brushes to get those fine, delicate lines just right. And for that ultra-fluffy look? Oh, you better believe I grab my bristle brush. A fuzzbutt bee just isn’t the same if it’s not adorably fluffy and full of fuzz!
That overflowing cuteness is a huge inspiration for my bee art. I channel all those fluffy, happy vibes into my paintings, making sure each parobee captures that cute essence of bumblebees. I want everyone to feel the joy and whimsy that these little creatures bring to the world! So, whether it’s a bee dressed up in a superhero costume or just buzzing around in its natural state, you can bet I’m pouring all that love into every brushstroke!
There are obviously a ton of pop culture bees in here… What makes a character work for a paro-bee? Are they infinitely malleable?
I’ve drawn about 200ish parobees, and let me tell you, I have so many more buzzing around in my imagination just waiting to be created! Some of these little guys are just meant to bee… cue the punny giggles! For example, Bee-tlejuice and Chi-Bee-moon are like the bowling pins of my creative world, all set up and just begging to be knocked down with a brushstroke.
Then there are the ones that really make me think, like Hivelander. Oh boy, at first, I was totally stumped about how to portray him! He has so many iconic poses, and let’s be real, there’s a lot of violence in his character, which isn’t usually my jam. I had to figure out how to make him recognizable while still capturing that badass essence he’s known for. After much indecision, I decided on a version that showcases his laser-powered, menacing stare. Trust me, you wouldn’t want to be on the wrong end of his stinger!
When it comes to creating these parobees, I’d say it’s a 50/50 selection process for me. Sometimes I start with the name and let the creativity flow from there, and other times I’ll whip up the art first and then come up with a catchy name. It’s like a little creative dance where anything can happen.
I’m beyond excited about the possibilities ahead! I still have a ton of characters I want to transform into parobees, and I can’t wait to see what suggestions fans will come up with during my crowdfunding campaign. Who knows? Maybe the next big parobee will be a mashup of your favorite character.
Similarly, how did you approach the bee puns? Did you have a long list you were working off of, or did they all just come to you one by one?
There wasn’t really a set list of characters for my parobees; it’s mostly a one-on-one approach. Unless, of course, it’s a themed show or a specific image I have in mind. For instance, my Hivelloween series was all about getting into the Halloween spirit with spooky characters like Count Buzzula and The Term-Bee-nator. I mean, who wouldn’t want to see a bee-themed version of these classic icons?
And then there was my Peach Fuzz print for SDCC 2023. I had this wild idea to transform as many Mario Bros characters into parobees as possible. So, naturally, Mario became Mar-bee-o, Luigi turned into Lu-Bee-Gi, and Bowser morphed into Buzzer. It was a blast to give these beloved characters a fuzzy twist while keeping their essence intact.
Most of the time, though, I find myself painting them individually, and it really all depends on whatever my imagination is craving at that moment. Some days I might feel inspired by a certain theme, while other times, a random idea will just pop into my head, and I have to bring it to life.
And let’s not forget, being a Libra doesn’t exactly make the decision-making process any easier. You could say I’m geared up for a lifetime of creating parobees. Every time I sit down with my brushes, there’s a whole universe of possibilities waiting for me. It’s like an endless inspiration adventure filled with creativity, silliness, and, of course, plenty of fuzz.
I’ll admit I’m a fan of O Bee Wan Kenobee, the rare double bee pun. Was there any thought to limit that to one “bee?”
I live my life by the motto “Go big, or go home.” It’s pretty much my guiding principle. So there was never any doubt that he’d have a double punner in his name.
Before I let you go, another important question: two bees? Or not two bees?
Oh my gawd! You just inspired me to paint a parobee version of Hamlet, and I absolutely love the idea! Picture this: a tiny bee donning a classic ruffled collar, contemplating the weight of existence while buzzing around in a Shakespearean flair. I can already see it now, and I can’t wait to bring that vision to life.
So, in the spirit of our nerdom and all things fuzzy, I’ll leave with my favorite saying: “May the Fuzz Bee With You”, my friend. Whether it’s tackling deep philosophical questions or simply enjoying a good laugh, embrace the joy of the fuzz!
Camilla d’Errico’s Paro-bee Artbook is available today for funding on Zoop. Buzz buzz!
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