MIAD alum John Matson 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. After graduating from MIAD in 1994, John started creating work for the game industry, producing hundreds of illustrations for cards, magazines, and book covers/interiors. After living in Texas for a few years, John moved back to Milwaukee in 1999, where in addition to an occasionally hectic freelance schedule he teaches numerous illustration courses at MIAD.