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The Cheeky Phenomenon: A Deep Dive Into Brian Cook's Viral "Butts On Things Puzzles"

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The "Butts on Things" puzzle series has become a global sensation, transforming the mundane activity of jigsaw puzzling into a laugh-out-loud experience that has captivated millions. As of December 25, 2025, the demand for these cheeky, brightly colored illustrations—where familiar objects sport an unexpected posterior—remains incredibly high, cementing their status as a modern pop culture phenomenon and a must-have quirky gift. This deep dive explores the genius behind the concept, the man who draws them, and the complete collection of these hilariously inappropriate, yet utterly charming, pieces of art that you can actually put together.

The success of the Butts on Things puzzles is a testament to the power of simple, absurd humor in a world constantly seeking novelty and a lighthearted escape. Created by Portland-based illustrator Brian Cook, the series has expanded far beyond its initial viral sketches, now encompassing a full range of jigsaw puzzles, calendars, and activity books, all manufactured by puzzle giant Ceaco. The concept is straightforward, but the execution is pure artistic joy, turning everything from a simple slice of pizza to a majestic planet into a subject for a comical, anatomically-enhanced masterpiece.

Brian Cook: The One-Headed, Two-Armed Illustrator Profile

The driving force behind the Butts on Things empire is artist Brian Cook, an illustrator and author known for his distinctive, wacky, and playful artistic style. Cook, who resides in Portland, Oregon, has a professional background that spans a wide range of illustration projects, including comics, custom company logos, t-shirt designs, and gig posters.

His persona is as quirky as his art, often humorously describing himself as a "one-headed, two-armed illustrator" who has a strong affinity for Oreos and, naturally, drawing butts on things.

Brian Cook's Biography at a Glance:

  • Name: Brian Cook
  • Occupation: Illustrator, Author, and Artist
  • Residence: Portland, Oregon
  • Notable Creations: The entire Butts on Things series (puzzles, calendars, books).
  • Other Works: Author and illustrator of the book Beware the Haunted Legs.
  • Art Style: Characterized by bold colors, clean lines, and a distinctly humorous, cheeky aesthetic.
  • Publisher/Manufacturer: Puzzles are primarily manufactured by Ceaco.

Cook’s work first gained traction online through social media and platforms like Reddit, where his absurd, high-quality illustrations of everyday objects with a posterior twist quickly went viral. This organic, widespread popularity provided the perfect foundation for a physical product line, leading to the partnership with Ceaco that brought the Butts on Things jigsaw puzzles to the masses.

The Anatomy of a Viral Puzzle: Why Butts on Things Works

The success of these humorous jigsaw puzzles is no accident; it taps into several key psychological and cultural trends. The core concept—the juxtaposition of a clean, often wholesome object with a silly, slightly taboo element—creates instant, universal comedy. This "cheeky" twist is precisely what makes them an ideal gift and a viral social media share.

The illustrations themselves are a masterclass in playful artwork. Cook employs a bold, graphic style with vibrant colors and clear, defined lines, which makes the puzzles both visually appealing and satisfying to assemble. The designs are not overly complicated, but the absurdity of the subject matter—like a donut with a butt, or a piece of sushi with a derriere—keeps the puzzler engaged and amused.

The puzzles also cater to the rising trend of "adult" or "novelty" puzzling, where the focus shifts from serene landscapes to engaging, conversation-starting imagery. These puzzles are designed to be a collective experience, often bought as a gag gift or a fun family activity (for ages 14+), sparking laughter around the kitchen table.

The Complete Butts on Things Collection and Editions

The collection has expanded significantly, moving beyond the initial designs to include themed sets, larger piece counts, and complementary products. Collecting all the different editions of these Brian Cook puzzles has become a hobby in itself for many fans.

Here is a list of some of the most popular and recent Butts on Things puzzle titles and related merchandise:

Jigsaw Puzzle Editions (Ceaco)

  • Butts on Things (Original): The flagship 500-piece puzzle, often featuring a collage of food items like bananas, hot dogs, and doughnuts, all with a cheeky twist.
  • Butts on Things - Plants: A 300-piece oversized puzzle focusing on botanical subjects like succulents and potted plants, proving that even nature can be cheeky.
  • Butts on Things - SPACE PUZZLE!: A more challenging 1000-piece puzzle that takes the humor to the cosmos, illustrating planets, rockets, and celestial bodies with the signature derriere detail.
  • Butts on Things - Sweet Cheeks: A 500-piece edition focusing on various sweet treats and desserts.
  • Butts on Things - Suns Out: Another popular 500-piece title, likely featuring summer or outdoor-themed objects.
  • Butts on Things - Christmas Edition: A seasonal puzzle featuring holiday-themed objects with a festive posterior.

Related Merchandise and Novelty Items

The success of the puzzles has led to a full-fledged Butts on Things universe, expanding the topical authority of the brand beyond just jigsaw puzzles.

  • The Butts on Things Activity Book: A popular adult coloring book that allows fans to add their own artistic flair to Brian Cook's quirky concepts.
  • Butts on Things Day-to-Day Calendar: A perennial favorite, with a new calendar released annually (e.g., the 2026 Day-to-Day Calendar) featuring a different cheeky drawing for every day of the year.
  • Mugs, Apparel, and Prints: A wide array of merchandise featuring the famous illustrations, solidifying the brand's presence in the quirky gifts market.

The ongoing release of new titles and merchandise, such as the 1000-piece SPACE PUZZLE!, ensures that the Butts on Things brand remains fresh and relevant. The collaboration with major manufacturers like Ceaco and the presence in major retail chains such as Target and Kohl's confirms the series' longevity and mass appeal.

Topical Authority: The Impact on Humorous Puzzling

The "Butts on Things" collection has done more than just sell puzzles; it has carved out a distinct niche in the humorous jigsaw puzzles market. Before this series, novelty puzzles often relied on simple cartoon humor or classic gags. Brian Cook's unique, high-quality illustration style elevated the genre, proving that absurd, slightly risqué concepts can also be genuinely good art.

The series has created a new category of cheeky art puzzles that appeal to a broad demographic, from casual puzzlers looking for a funny distraction to serious collectors who appreciate the unique illustrations. Its viral success story—from a simple online drawing to a multi-product retail line—serves as a modern case study in how internet-fueled creativity can translate into massive commercial success and topical authority in the world of games and gifts. The enduring popularity of the series, with continuous new releases, suggests that the world is more than happy to sit down and put together a puzzle with a posterior on it.

The Cheeky Phenomenon: A Deep Dive Into Brian Cook's Viral
butts on things puzzles
butts on things puzzles

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