The following is an interview with critically acclaimed writer/artist Camilla d’Errico regarding the upcoming launch of a Zoop crowdfunding campaign for the art book, The Paro-bee Book of Fuzzbutts, Volume 1. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with d’Errico about her approach to selecting her favorite pop culture icons and characters for inclusion in the collection, the incredible backer rewards that will be available to readers, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the upcomibg launch of your Zoop crowdfunding campaign! What can you share with us about the premise behind this parody collection?
Camilla d’Errico: As a massive fan of comics, manga, movies, and pretty much everything nerdy, I can’t help but get giddy about the world of fandom! For me, whipping up fan art of my favorite shows and characters isn’t just a hobby; it’s like throwing a party my creativity so it can run wild. One of the coolest ways I’ve managed to blend my passions is through my love of nature, especially bees—those adorable little buzzers!
I thought, “Why not mix these two worlds together?” And that’s how my creations, known as Parobee Fuzzbutts, were born! Seriously, the idea of transforming my beloved characters into super cute bee versions just struck me as too sweet to resist. It’s like a fun, little twist that gives my fan art a whole new spin. My adventure kicked off when I turned Sailor Moon into Sailorbuzz, and after that, I couldn’t stop myself—I dove headfirst into the enchanting parobee rabbit hole!
Each piece I create is more than just art; it’s a little love letter to the characters I adore, infused with my appreciation for the natural world. This mashup of fandom and nature resonates deeply with my artistic vision and brings a smile to my face every time I see them come to life. So, whether you’re a fellow nerd or just someone who loves a good giggle, I hope you enjoy the buzz of my Parobee Fuzzbutts as much as I do!
BD: What can you tell us about your approach to selecting your favorite pop culture icons and characters as inspiration for inclusion in the book?
CD: In the beginning, I decided to gather my entire collection of Parobees, and to my absolute glee, it turned into a whopping nearly 200-page book! Can you believe it? The whole process of compiling these whimsical creations was a wild ride—both exhilarating and a tad overwhelming! I mean, seeing just how much art I’ve poured my heart and soul into was a revelation. For Volume 1, I knew I wanted to showcase all my fully colored bees, including my colorful paintings and digitally colored artwork. It adds a little extra flair!
With so many characters buzzing around in my imagination, I thought, “Why not create themed chapters within the book?” For instance, I’ve dedicated an entire chapter to Zombees that brings a spooky twist to the mix—perfect for those who love a dash of creepiness! Then there’s the Pop Culture Buzz chapter, where iconic characters from beloved franchises make an appearance. And let’s not forget the whimsically titled chapter “May the Fuzz Bee With You,” which is my cheeky nod to that galaxy far, far away. This fun categorization makes it super easy for readers and fans to navigate through the artwork and find their favorites based on personal interests and genres.
At the end of the day, it’s all about creating an enjoyable experience for everyone who shares my love for art and the characters that inspire it! I can’t wait for you all to dive into this colorful adventure with me!
Now, here’s the sssshhhh don’t tell anyone part: I’m saving my black-and-white artwork for a future coloring book or a Volume 2 edition. This means fans will have a chance to engage with my art in a whole new and interactive way—how cool is that?
BD: Are there any specific backer rewards that you’re most excited about with the campaign and wish to share with readers?
CD: Oh gosh, let me tell you, as a Libra, making decisions can be quite the challenge for me—it’s like trying to choose my favorite ice cream flavor, which is practically impossible! So you might need to bear with me for a bit, lol! There are so many fantastic rewards available in this campaign, each one more tempting than the last, like a candy store for art lovers! Seriously, it’s like every time I think I’ve picked a favorite, I spot another gem that catches my eye.
But if I really had to narrow it down, I’d say I’m particularly excited about the exclusive Hivelander print that you can snag only through this campaign. The character is super special and perfectly embodies the playful spirit of my parobee creations—it just makes me smile every time I see it! Plus, who wouldn’t want to hang a little slice of cute and creepy art on their wall?
And let’s talk about the enamel pin variant of SpiderBee—I’m buzzing with excitement over this one! It’s so cute and totally unique to this campaign, which makes it feel like a little treasure you can carry with you wherever you go. I absolutely love offering rewards that not only showcase my art but also give my supporters a fun way to express their love for it. It’s like a badge of honor for being part of this creative journey!
These items do more than just look great; they serve as a heartfelt token of appreciation for my amazing fans. They create a delightful connection between us, representing the shared enthusiasm for the characters and stories we all cherish. It warms my heart to see our community come together over something as sweet and whimsical as these exclusive pieces! So, whether you’re adding to your collection or just looking for a fun way to show off your love for my art, I can’t wait for you to dive into these rewards. Trust me, they’re going to bring a little extra joy into your life!
BD: Your artwork has become known for its juxtaposition of pop surrealism and manga. Are there any specific creators or works that have had a notable influence on your creative vision and style?
CD: Having created artwork for a few decades now, I can honestly say it’s been quite the journey! My style has grown and evolved to the point where I’ve moved beyond the influence of any single artist. That said, there are still a few incredible creators out there whose work resonates with me on a deep level and ranks high on my admiration list—think of them as my artistic superheroes! Artists like Range Murata, Audrey Kawasaki, James Jean, and Mark Ryden are my go-tos when I need a boost of art in my life.
Each of these artists brings something truly special to the table. Range Murata’s intricate designs and delicious colors pull me in like a moth to a flame. I could stare at his work for hours! Then there’s Audrey Kawasaki, whose ethereal figures and dreamy aesthetic evoke a sense of wonder that makes my heart melt.
And let’s not forget about James Jean! His surreal narratives captivate me and invite me to explore the depths of my own creativity. There’s just something magical about how he weaves stories through his work. And oh, Mark Ryden! His thought-provoking pieces resonate with my love for whimsy and extreme detail. It’s like he creates a little playground for my mind to frolic in, mixing fun with profound ideas.
Every time I stumble upon these artist’s artwork, it’s like my heart does a little happy dance, sighing with contentment. It’s a wonderful reminder of the beauty and creativity that exist in the world around us.
BD: Are there any other projects that you would like to highlight or share with our readers?
CD: Oh, absolutely! I am beyond thrilled to share that I have a brand-new coloring book called Flights of Fancy, which officially debuted on October 1st this year! This project is super special to me because it showcases a playful array of birds, butterflies, and, of course, my adorable fuzzbutt bees. Seriously, who wouldn’t want to color in some cute bees? I truly hope people will pick it up and enjoy it, whether they see it as an art book to admire or as a canvas for unleashing their creativity.
Coloring is like a breath of fresh air in our lives, offering an escape from the daily grind and allowing us to dive into a world of imagination. For years, I’ve turned to coloring as my secret weapon to de-stress and reconnect with my creative side, and let me tell you, I can’t rave enough about its benefits for mental health! It’s incredible how immersing ourselves in art can uplift our spirits and bring us a sense of tranquility. I mean, who doesn’t feel a little happier when surrounded by fun art?
And that’s not all, I have some exciting new print releases lined up on my website, camilladerrico.com, that I think you’re really going to enjoy. I can’t wait to share these fresh pieces with everyone; it’s like adding more sprinkles to the art party!
Bringing art into our spaces is such a magical way to transport ourselves to new worlds without ever leaving the comfort of our homes. That’s why I have art all over my house; it’s like my very own gallery of inspiration! I love living in fantastical worlds that ignite my imagination and spark my creativity every single day. So whether you’re a coloring enthusiast or just looking to add a little whimsy to your life, I hope you’ll join me on this colorful adventure with Flights of Fancy! Let’s get our colors out and make some magic together!
BD: Lastly, what would you like to tell fans who want to learn more about The Paro-bee Book of Fuzzbutts, Volume 1 and your other work?
CD: The Parobee art book is not just any project; it’s a delightful adventure that brings so much joy, and I truly hope everyone will jump on board to support the campaign! Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on the amazing artwork packed into its pages. One of the absolute highlights of this book has to be the absurdly funny dad joke names I’ve come up with for all the bees! Seriously, I had a blast brainstorming those names, and I think they add a playful twist that makes the reading experience just as enjoyable as admiring the artwork itself. Who doesn’t love a good pun, right?
My goal with this artwork is to whisk us away from our everyday lives and transport us into fantastical realms brimming with beauty and joy. I always encourage people to tap into their inner child and just play! I can guarantee that your inner kids are going to absolutely love this collection! It’s not just about flipping through pages of pretty pictures; it’s about creating an experience that sparks joy and nostalgia, inviting you to relive those carefree moments of creativity.
And let’s not forget, supporting this campaign is a fantastic opportunity to be part of my artistic journey. It’s been a labor of love bringing this book to life, and knowing that you’re backing it makes it all the more special. Supporting one another in our creative endeavors is crucial; it’s like we’re all in this together, cheering each other on as we work to turn our dreams into reality.
By backing this campaign, you’re not only celebrating art but also participating in a shared journey of creativity and imagination. It’s a chance to connect, to laugh, and to enjoy the whimsical world of the Parobees together! So, let’s make our dreams come true as a community of art lovers! Join me on this colorful adventure, and let’s create something magical together!
