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 teaches Illustration courses Full-Time 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 2019 – Guest Artist May 4, 2019
Milwaukee School of Engineering (Milwaukee, WI)
Milwaukee School of Engineering (Milwaukee, WI)
CONCINNITY 2013 – Guest Artist April 13, 2013
Milwaukee School of Engineering (Milwaukee, WI)
Milwaukee School of Engineering (Milwaukee, WI)
Pewaukee Area Arts Council (PAAC) – Guest Speaker May 12, 2008
Pewaukee Public Library (Pewaukee, WI)
Pewaukee Public Library (Pewaukee, WI)
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2019 Story & Craft: A Magic The Gathering Exhibition
Layton Gallery, MIAD Milwaukee, WI
Layton Gallery, MIAD Milwaukee, WI
2018 MIAD Faculty Exhibition
Layton Gallery, MIAD Milwaukee, WI
Layton Gallery, MIAD Milwaukee, WI
2016 MIAD Faculty Exhibition
Layton Gallery, MIAD Milwaukee, WI
Layton Gallery, MIAD Milwaukee, WI
2014 FILTERED: What Does Love Look Like?
Friesen Gallery Sun Valley, ID
Friesen Gallery Sun Valley, ID
2006 - 1995 GENCON Art Show
Milwaukee, WI and Indianapolis, IN
Milwaukee, WI and Indianapolis, IN
2005 MIAD Alumni Exhibition
Layton Gallery, MIAD Milwaukee, WI
Layton Gallery, MIAD Milwaukee, WI