Jamie Hewlett, 47, is best known as the co-creator of the comic Tank Girl and, with Damon Albarn, the band Gorillaz and the opera Monkey: Journey to the West.

He divides his time between London and Paris with his wife, Emma. His first art exhibition, The Suggestionists, is at the Saatchi Gallery in London until December 2. Prints are on sale at jamiehewlett.com.

Here he shares the nine objects which he feels define him.

Hewlett's life through his favourite 9 objects Credit: Georgia Kuhn

Peppermint Patty sketch

I saw this in a bookstore after a long, drunken lunch with Terry Gilliam, discussing a Gorillaz film. When I went to withdraw cash for it, I managed to drop the money crossing the road.

Gorillaz toys

With Gorillaz, we wanted to manufacture every part of the band properly and give kids something cool.

Helmet

I like the idea of hiding behind a mask – I’m always hiding behind my drawings. I used to find French pompiers’ helmets disturbing because you are reflected back in their visors. I got one after I moved to Paris.

Damon gives me unusual birthday gifts. One year he said, 'This is made from a monk’s skull and we’re going to drink tequila from it Jamie Hewlett

Mug

This is from [the former Clash bassist] Paul Simonon, who left a note to fire it in the oven before washing. He also gave one to Damon, but he put his straight in the dishwasher, so he has a white mug now.

Monk’s skull

Damon gives me unusual birthday gifts. One year he said, 'This is made from a monk’s skull and we’re going to drink tequila from it.’

Hewlett (left) with Damon Albarn his Gorillaz co-creator and friend Credit: Getty Images

Jim Henson award

Gorillaz were given this for inspiring the younger generation. It’s from Kermit the Frog himself.

Tarot cards

The first time I met my wife, in Paris, she gave me a tarot reading. I’ve redrawn the classic tarot cards for my new exhibition.

With his wife, the French presenter and actress, Emma de Caunes Credit: Getty Images

Family Dog still

I’m a fan of Brad Bird’s TV series Family Dog. Unaware, he wrote to me saying he wanted to buy a piece of artwork. We swapped.

Monkey’s rod

This is the only thing I kept from Monkey. We made eight trips to China to record singers and instruments, then toured the opera around the world.