Matt Hughes – Co-Founder of Ethereal Visions Publishing
Art, when born from truth, becomes more than an image. It becomes a vessel of memory, myth, and emotion. That has always been the philosophy behind the work of Matt Hughes, the classically trained illustrator and one of the visionaries behind Ethereal Visions Publishing. At the intersection of Art Nouveau elegance and Gothic depth, Matt’s creations are steeped in mysticism, storytelling, and timeless symbolism.
The Birth of Ethereal Visions Publishing
In 2016, what would become Ethereal Visions Publishing was not a business venture but a gift. Matt picked up his pens and brushes to create a tarot deck, not for publication, but for Hope, his partner and creative muse. She had searched for a tarot deck that felt like home, one imbued with emotional and aesthetic resonance, but couldn’t find it. So, Matt built it out of his love for her.
This private act of love and artistic devotion soon found a wider audience. With Hope Hughes' creative inspirations, ideas, and mythical storytelling, they decided to co-found a business around this initial product. The resulting tarot deck, The Ethereal Visions Tarot, captured the imagination of others and was brought to life through crowdfunding. That initial wave of support led to a partnership with US Games Systems, and in 2017, Ethereal Visions Publishing was officially born.
A Studio Built on Myth, Magic, and Meaning
Since then, Matt and Hope have transformed Ethereal Visions Publishing into a small, independent studio producing handcrafted tarot and oracle decks, art books, and illuminated editions of classic literature. Each project embodies a profound respect for tradition, storytelling, and the spiritual essence of illustration.
Matt’s distinctive style, Gothic Art Nouveau, blends the flowing beauty of 19th-century ornamentation with the dark introspection of Gothic themes. His work exists in a liminal space between the seen and unseen, aiming to awaken memory, stir emotion, and invite reflection. Meanwhile, Hope’s writing brings voice and mythology to the illustrations, crafting characters and stories that pulse with spirit and intention. Together, they create masterpieces to be held, cherished, and incorporated into rituals and reflections.
The Artistic Path of Matt Hughes
Matt Hughes’ artistic career spans over two decades. A graduate of traditional artistic training, he has built a diverse and respected body of work across publishing, gaming, and fine art. From gothic opera posters to fantasy book covers, and from tarot decks to illuminated manuscripts, his portfolio is a testament to his range and his commitment to visual storytelling.
His art has been featured in publications such as Spectrum 12: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art, Art Nouveau Magazine, Oracle 20/20, and Fantasy & Science Fiction Magazine. He has exhibited in galleries from Chicago to Hollywood and served as a judge at DragonCon’s prestigious art show.
But more than accolades, what defines Matt’s work is its emotional weight and visual language. His subjects are drawn from mythology, esotericism, human nature, and the concept of mortality. His goal? To create art that doesn’t just decorate, but resonates.
Signature Works and Tarot Decks Illustrated by Matt Hughes
Matt’s tarot and oracle decks are a core part of his legacy, each one an invitation into a unique symbolic universe. His illustration style serves as a gateway between the physical and spiritual realms, where art and ritual intersect.
Key Illustrated Decks by Matt Hughes:
- The Ethereal Visions Tarot Deck
The one that started it all, a luminous, Art Nouveau-inspired deck that remains a fan favorite. - Lady Stirling’s Wicked Garden (Coming July 2025)
A limited-edition oracle deck that blends natural magic, ancestral secrets, and a field guide narrative. Created in collaboration with Hope Hughes and Norris Epps. - Mother Mort’s Carnival of Souls
A haunting, immersive tarot experience told through the lens of a macabre carnival. Features glow-in-the-dark inks, signature cards, and alternate artwork.
Key Illustrated Books by Matt Hughes:
- Edgar Allan Poe: This and Nothing More
An illustrated collection of Poe’s works where Matt’s visuals serve as companions to stories of the macabre, the melancholic, and the mythical. - Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (Illuminated Edition)
A visionary take on Shelley’s original text, including four symbolic illustrations and ornate design enhancements. The first in a literary series, to be followed by Dracula.
Philosophy Behind the Art
Matt often describes his work as a “rendezvous between viewer and subject.” Each piece is not static, but interactive, built to draw the viewer into a world of introspection, symbolism, and spiritual connection. His creative process involves deep research into myth, symbolism, and esoteric systems, merging intellect with intuition. He sees mythology, astrology, and art not as relics of the past, but as living languages. Through illustration, he opens portals to memory, archetype, and self-awareness.
Creative Partnership with Hope Hughes
Hope Hughes, Matt’s partner in life and creation, plays a vital role in shaping the voice and depth of each Ethereal Visions project. Her background in witchcraft, mythology, folklore, and astrology adds a literary and symbolic richness that elevates every deck beyond mere visual art. Together, they make a formidable creative team, one that blends vision with voice, structure with spirit.
More Than Art: A Way of Living
Matt and Hope work from their home studio, which is shared with their four feline muses: Mina, Chester, Stormy, and Loki. For them, creativity isn’t confined to a schedule or a job title; it’s a way of life. Whether crafting story-driven decks or producing illuminated classics, their mission remains the same: to offer objects that are both beautiful and meaningful.
Explore More of Matt’s Work
To explore Matt’s full portfolio and discover the breadth of his artistic world beyond tarot, visit his personal site:
👉 www.matthughesart.com
There you’ll find original artwork, past exhibits, limited-run books, and more of the artist’s ongoing exploration of beauty, death, spirit, and transformation.
The Artist Who Illustrates the Soul
Matt Hughes is more than the co-founder of Ethereal Visions Publishing. He is the heart of the illustrations. Through his distinctive visual language and unwavering commitment to myth and meaning, he continues to create works that transcend time and trend. His art invites us to pause, reflect, and remember that there is magic in memory and beauty in the unknown.
Whether you’re holding one of their decks or turning the pages of a collector’s edition, you are engaging with a world where every line, color, and symbol speaks. Welcome to that world. Welcome to Ethereal Visions Publishing.