What began as a humorous gift for his wife has evolved into an international phenomenon, with a self-described 'hilariously bad' artist earning thousands of dollars from deliberately amateurish family portraits.
Jamie Lee Matthias, a 42-year-old father of three from Cheshire, England, has received more than 430 commissions from around the world since accidentally launching his unusual side business in 2024. The venture began when he created a gag gift for his wife, Kate, who posted the artwork on social media. The post quickly garnered thousands of views and comments, sparking an avalanche of requests from people seeking their own comically rendered family photographs.
Operating under the Instagram handle @TerribleArtByJamieLee, Matthias now balances his artistic endeavors with a full-time managerial position. The demand has proven substantial enough that he occasionally dedicates more hours to painting than to his primary employment.
"Most people respond with joy and laughter [to my paintings] which is why it's been so fun, because they absolutely get it," Matthias explained. The appeal lies in the deliberate imperfection—customers understand they are purchasing humor rather than technical mastery.
Each painting requires approximately 45 minutes to one hour to complete, depending on the number of subjects featured. During particularly busy periods, such as last January when he received 130 orders, Matthias found himself painting for at least five hours daily. His work has attracted international attention, with commissions arriving from 12 countries including the United States, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Notably, an estimated 35 percent of his orders originate from Taiwan.
The financial rewards have been tangible. Paintings typically start at £45, equivalent to approximately $60, with some pieces commanding several hundred dollars. The supplemental income has enabled Matthias to finance a complete garden renovation for his home and fund a family vacation to Turkey last year.
Despite his commercial success, Matthias faces his harshest critics at home. His children, along with those of his wife Kate, routinely describe his work as "terrible." Rather than taking offense, Matthias embraces their candor.
"My kids say the paintings are terrible. You know what kids are like, they speak the truth. But deep down I know they love it. It's colorful and fun," he noted.
Among his most memorable commissions was a request to combine two photographs: one depicting a pastoral country field and another showing a dog in the act of defecating. Such unusual requests exemplify the playful spirit that defines his clientele.
Matthias has expanded beyond individual commissions to offer local art workshops, though participants may arrive with different expectations than what they receive.
"I think the participants were turning up for a proper guided painting session, but everybody completely embraced it," he said. "It was really good fun and, with the exception of mine, there were some really good paintings at the end of the night."
He has also brought his distinctive artistic approach into educational settings, providing demonstrations for his step-daughter's class. The reception from the 10-and-11-year-old students was mixed, with some genuinely appreciating his work—a response Matthias attributes to the appropriate age demographic for his skill level.
In a notable development, Matthias recently created a portrait of actress Dame Judi Dench, herself an avid artist. The portrait was donated to support Sobell House Hospice, and Dame Dench agreed to sign the artwork. The signed piece is scheduled for auction later this year, with proceeds benefiting the charitable organization.
"To have someone like Judi Dench look at my piece of artwork and agree to sign it is just absolutely insane really," Matthias remarked, reflecting on the surreal trajectory of his accidental career.
The success of @TerribleArtByJamieLee demonstrates how authenticity and humor can resonate in an era often dominated by polished perfection. By embracing imperfection and prioritizing joy over technical precision, Matthias has carved out a unique niche that brings laughter to hundreds of families worldwide while providing meaningful financial benefits to his own.