Derrick Hodgson gives stimulant a detailed run-down of his creative process and what inspires him. Some of his answers may surprise you. (Who knew rotting compost could be so stimulating?)

We sat down with Hodgson the week before Microsoft’s Zune hit the Canadian market. The software co commissioned him and various other artists to create unique pieces that consumers could decorate their MP3 players with. 

Hodgson is a Toronto-based artist known for his quirky cast of illustrated characters. His work has been featured at exhibits around the world, including Tokyo, New York, Los Angeles, Milan and Melbourne.