Andrew Matthews – Drawing Happiness One Page at a Time

In a quiet corner of South Australia, a young boy sat alone at his desk, the scratch of pencil on paper his constant companion. He was small—so small, in fact, that for three years, he was the tiniest student in his entire high school. Picked up, thrown into puddles, and stuffed into cupboards by his peers, he didn’t yet know that his size would one day be his strength, that the stories in his head and the pictures he drew would help millions find their way back to happiness.

That boy was Andrew Matthews. And this is the story of how he became the world’s most joyful philosopher with a pencil.

The Artist in the Outback

Born into a creative household in rural Australia, Andrew’s world was shaped by color and curiosity. His father was a professional landscape painter, a dreamer who dabbled in everything from farming to inventing. His mother, a lover of language, filled their home with books and encouragement. Though the family was far from wealthy, they were rich in imagination.

Without a television until he was fifteen, Andrew spent his childhood building things, reading, painting, and of course—drawing. By the age of four, he was already sketching. By five, he was labeled the “class artist.”

But art wasn’t considered a “real job,” so like many dreamers, Andrew flirted with the idea of becoming a lawyer. That detour didn’t last long. He soon realized that what he truly loved was creating—not debating.

The Discovery That Changed Everything

In his mid-twenties, while working as a portrait artist, Andrew made a startling observation: the happiest people he knew didn’t have fewer problems. In fact, many were facing cancer, grief, bankruptcy—yet still carried a spark of joy. It wasn’t their circumstances that made them happy. It was how they thought about them.

That revelation planted the seed for what would become a lifelong mission: to understand and teach happiness, not as a vague emotion, but as a skill—one rooted in gratitude, acceptance, and deliberate choice.

If In Doubt, Do It

October 19, 1983. The date Andrew chose happiness.

Not as a hope. As a decision.

Two days later, he heard a radio ad for a personal development course that would change his life. With little money and no idea how it might help, he remembered his new motto: “If in doubt, do it.” He signed up, attended, and soon began teaching others about memory, goal-setting, and meditation.

This experience lit a new fire. He began thinking not just about art, but about how to reach people with ideas that could truly help them. That’s when he decided to write a book.

A Book for People Who Don’t Like Self-Help Books

Andrew’s first self-help manuscript, “Being Happy,” wasn’t just a collection of tips—it was a joyful rebellion against the dry, academic tone of most personal growth books. It was filled with cartoons, short chapters, and common-sense wisdom. He sent it to 17 publishers.

Seventeen said no.

But a small publisher in Singapore said yes—and they predicted it would sell a million copies.

They were right.

Andrew promoted the book like no other. At book fairs, he stood for 12 hours a day drawing cartoons live. In bookstores, he lured readers with humor and heart, making happiness feel not only possible—but fun. His book became the bestselling title in Singapore and went on to be translated into 49 languages.

Cartoons, Coaching, and Choosing Joy

Andrew’s journey didn’t stop with one book. He authored follow-ups like Follow Your Heart, Being a Happy Teen, Happiness in Hard Times, and Bouncing Back—each one blending his signature wit with profound insight. He tackled relationships, resilience, and purpose, always returning to one core truth: happiness is a decision, made daily.

Through his speaking, coaching, and global workshops, he’s inspired audiences in schools, prisons, hospitals, and corporate boardrooms. And he never stopped drawing.

The Power of Doing What Scares You

When asked what makes life meaningful, Andrew offers four timeless truths:

1. Do what you’re too scared to do.

2. Do what you’re too lazy to do.

3. Do what you’re too comfortable to do.

4. Do what you’ve always wanted to do.

These four ideas have guided his life—and they form the heart of his newest book, Bouncing Back.

Now in his 60s, living with his wife Julie (who he humorously admits he had to propose to five times), Andrew continues to spread joy through books, videos, and his signature blend of storytelling and sketches.

Key Takeaways from Andrew Matthews’ Journey

1. Happiness is a decision, not a result. It starts with choosing to see what’s good, even on the hard days.

2. Acceptance is power. You can only change what you first accept.

3. Success comes from showing up. Over and over again. Even when 17 publishers say no.

4. Be curious. Be bold. Say yes more often. Take the chance.

5. Live in the moment. Don’t wait for happiness in the next milestone. It’s here now, if you choose to see it.

To learn more about Andrew’s books or sign up for his uplifting newsletter, visit AndrewMatthews.com. You can also find him on YouTube, sharing quick, colorful insights that will brighten your day—just like his books.