I’m not sure what things are like in your neck of the woods, but around these parts we have resigned ourselves to living with a host of invasive species. There’s the flock of starlings I often observe out my office window, there are the spotted lanternflies who are so pretty and so destructive to fruit trees and there are stink bugs who have taken up residence in our attics and garages and like to startle us by buzzing in their noisy chaotic way around the living room just when you least expect it.
If you also live in the ever-growing territory that these mostly harmless but still annoying insects, call home, then you know exactly what I’m talking about. And you probably recognized this dastardly creature at once when you laid eyes on my illustration thanks to the fact that I didn’t try to cute things up and instead depicted the lowly stink bug in a realistic style in all of his brown marmorated glory.
I’m fascinated by all creatures great and small, and though I can’t say I’m a fan of stink bugs, I can at least see a bit a beauty even in these annoying creatures. Someone who loves insects or is just really into generally gross and icky things may appreciate these funny stinkbug-themed gifts and party supplies.
And as for those people who hate stink bugs? Well, there’s no reason you can’t have some fun with gag gifts and party supplies that might make them scream “Eeek!” but will ultimately make them laugh. Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned even when a situation stinks we have to do our best to find the humor in it.
You can check out all the different stink bug themed designs in the Stinky Stink Bugs Collection on Zazzle.
They say art should be inspired by the world around you, and that you should create what you know. Well, thanks to living with these creatures for several years in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, I guess I know them pretty well, for better or worse. Apparently, these invaders made their way to our shores from China via container ships. From what I can tell they seem to be here to stay. So, I guess we’re stuck with them. Well, as the saying goes if you can’t beat them, might as well put them on Zazzle products. (or something like that.)
So, I created my brown marmorated stink bug graphic in a realistic style–maybe a little too realistic if you happen to be squeamish about bugs– and added this illustration to several different items in my Zazzle shop including wrapping paper, funny personalized baby bibs, frightening coffee mugs and personalized keychains. Because I know there’s a lot of us out there living in the land of stink bugs.
