For any event-related enquiries, please use the contact form at the bottom of this page. Thanks!
Over the last ten years or so I've held drawing workshops in countless schools, libraries and village halls. It's an important part of why I'm able to make a living as an illustrator & author, and I always welcome the opportunity to do more. I have also appeared at many leading children's book festivals, such as the Edinburgh International Book Festival, Oxford Literary Festival, and the Cheltenham Literature Festival. For a more in-depth list, check out the BIO section!
I've compiled an FAQ about my visits below that I hope you'll find useful.
What do your workshops consist of?
I'll show children (and adults!) how to draw characters step-by-step from SUPER HAPPY MAGIC FOREST using simple shapes. We'll start off easy and raise the complexity a little bit as we go.
As we progress through the session we'll start to add extra story-telling elements to each character. The aim is to show how drawing characters can be the launch pad for creating your own stories. This is important to me as that's how I ended up doing this job for a living!
I always encourage children to hold up and show off their drawings throughout. As much as I'd like everyone to learn a bit as we go, having fun drawing and the confidence to be creative is what it's all about.
I'll try and make sure we leave time for a Q&A at the end, but it's not always possible depending on session length. The ideal length for a session is around 1 hour, not including a meet and greet / book signing at the end.
What information do you need from me when I contact you?
It would be really handy if you could let me know what your organisation is, where you are based, the length of the visit you have in mind (eg you might be a school that wants me for a day or a library that wants me for an hour!) and what sort of event you're hoping to hold.
How much do you charge?
I don't publicise this as it can vary depending on the different factors mentioned above! In addition to my fee I typically request that any cost of travel / parking is covered by the payee.
Do you only do Super Happy Magic Forest events?
Usually, as that's what the people want! But I have held workshops for Salty Dogs, Who Ate All The Bugs? and Who Rules The Rockpool? too. In late 2025 I'll be debuting my CROAKY events. I'm always happy to discuss the potential for an event based on any one of my books.
Do you do virtual events?
Yup! These could be great for schools or libraries that are a bit out of reach of a day trip or for when the world is thrown into chaos.
How do I get in contact about an event?
Please use the form at the bottom of this page. I look forward to hearing from you :]
Upcoming Public Events
Bath Children's Literature Festival / Sunday 5th October 2025. Tickets available here.
Check back soon - more event dates TBA.
Testimonials
"Matty's Super Happy Magic Forest workshop is perfect for all budding illustrators no matter what their age. Matty has created an easy to follow draw-a-long and he helps you through the process with great tips for making your characters super magical and unique. Both children and their parents absolutely loved the workshop and we cannot wait to host Matty's event again."
Tales On Moon Lane Bookshop
"Matty's drawing workshop was a real hit - the children were totally engaged, and Matty encouraged and inspired artistic talents in everyone with his simple instructions and demonstrations of his terrific book characters. Great fun!"
Gayla Rowling, Leiston Library Manager
"Just wanted to reach out after an enlightening conversation with my ten year-old. He met you a month or two back and since then I've heard about nothing other than SHMF! Which is surprising considering the kid that he is, he now picks up books and reads instead of grabbing a tablet or going on his Xbox, and has also found a love of drawing and illustration so that's also great to see. We're due to go away on holiday in two weeks and he's just asked if he can get the next book in the series, much to my delight! I just wanted to get in touch to pass on that you've had a very positive impact on my son and for that I'm grateful that he has the opportunity to do school workshops and meet the next generation of artists and authors."
Luke, parent
Thank you!