Pete Fowler's little critters first came into the public sphere back in '97 when his strolling raccoon burglar became the cover of Super Furry Animals' Radiator album. From there, things kind of snowballed, and now there's a whole Monsterism Island.

So, what's cooking?

I'm currently working on a new collection of clothing for Boxfresh (the first is out at the moment), designing covers for a few bands including Brain Machine, putting together a compilation CD of original artists' tracks especially commissioned for the project (to be released early 2009) and getting my animation project up and running.

Animation project? Can you tell us any more?

Just a little at the moment - we're talking to a big broadcaster about the possibility of a cartoon series right now and things are moving slow, but moving. I've been developing it now for five years and keen to get moving with it but the entertainment business is a slow beast. You can view an animation test on youtube for a taste: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1Q5umX4ioI

Monsterism is a lovely website, but the last news update was April 06 - what's happened?

Errr, yeah, it's a trifle embarrassing actually. Building a fancy flash site is good but difficult to update and the months and years seem to roll by while we endeavor to update it. I've transferred the news section to my blog whilst we organize the update. Hopefully you wont have to wait too long to see something new!

Are you familiar with DailyMonster.com? What's your average monster output rate?

I am familiar with that site. My monster output depends on what I'm doing day to day though I usually manage to draw an owl every day! Some days I'll come up with loads, other days I wont come up with any. It all depends if they want to come in to our world or not.

What've you been listening to then?

On heavy rotation right now are Hatchback's Colours of the Sun CD on LoRecordings, Brain Machine Brain Machine on Thisisnotanexit records, Roxy Music's The Thrill Of It All collection, Fred Deakin's Nu Balearicamix, Fleetwood Mac's Tango In The Night LP and my own Monsterism compilation due for release next year (plug).

Hey, look, here's the poster artwork you kindly did for us from way back in 2002! Any tips you can give on budding designers who are trying to get noticed?

I've had the pleasure of designing a couple of posters for Don't Panic, one solo and the other a collaboration with Neil McFarland. At the time it was a great way of promoting my work and getting people who usually might not see it to see it. I think DP continue to support new artists, designers and illustrators and think they provide a great platform for talent to blossom. I advise any artists who are looking at a career in the field to prepare to work super hard and develop their own natural style and look everywhere and anywhere for inspiration.

Monsterism is beautiful, but Pete's blog is more regularly updated.