ABOUT ME

Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, John Matson attended Milwaukee High School of the Arts and graduated in 1994 from the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD) with a BFA in Illustration.
He credits the 1970’s book cover artwork of Darrell K. Sweet, the sci-fi/fantasy movie boom of the late 70’s and early 80’s, and Richard Amsel’s movie poster art for Raiders of the Lost Ark as his primary springboards for pursuing a career in the fantasy genre.  Within weeks of graduating from MIAD, John started creating work for the game industry, producing  hundreds of illustrations for cards, magazines, and book covers and interiors.
After living in Texas for a few years, John moved back to Milwaukee in 1999, where in addition to a sometimes hectic freelance schedule he now teaches multiple courses at MIAD.

JURIED COMPETITIONS
Work published- Spectrum 2: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art
Work published- Spectrum 3: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art
Work published- Spectrum 4: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art
Work published- Spectrum 12: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art

APPEARANCES/GUEST LECTURES
Featured Artist – various Magic: The Gathering Pro Tour events in support of their card game.  Responsibilities included displaying and selling artwork, signing player’s cards that featured my artwork and being a general goodwill ambassador for the game.
Locations of events included:
INTERNATIONAL:
Brussels, Belgium                 London, England                    Hong Kong (twice)
Essen, Germany                   Buenos Aires, Argentina        Singapore

DOMESTIC:
Orlando, FL                           Los Angeles, CA                     Atlanta, GA
Chicago, IL                            Dallas, TX                                Austin, TX
Minneapolis, MN                 Milwaukee, WI                       Madison, WI
Appleton, WI                        Kaukauna, WI

CONCINNITY 2013 – Guest Artist   April 13, 2013
Milwaukee School of Engineering   (Milwaukee, WI)

Pewaukee Area Arts Council (PAAC) – Guest Speaker   May 12, 2008
Pewaukee Public Library   (Pewaukee, WI)

GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2014                     FILTERED: What Does Love Look Like?
                                    Friesen Gallery   Sun Valley, ID

2006 - 1995        GENCON Art Show
                                    Milwaukee, WI and Indianapolis, IN 
2005                    MIAD Alumni Exhibition
                                   Layton Gallery   Milwaukee, WI

↑Back to Top