The Ethereal Visions Publishing Story
From a Spark of Love to a Studio of Spirit and Story
Like many stories worth telling, the origins of Ethereal Visions Publishing are rooted in something deeply personal and profoundly simple: love. Before it was a brand or a business, Ethereal Visions was a gift. One artist’s offering to his partner, created not for sale, but for the sake of connection, meaning, and beauty.
In 2016, artist Matt Hughes crafted his first tarot deck, The Ethereal Visions Tarot, not with an audience in mind, but for Hope, his partner in both life and creativity. Hope had searched for a tarot deck that felt like home, one that resonated on both emotional and aesthetic levels, but couldn’t find one. So Matt and Hope made one. With Hope’s creative ideas and storytelling, and Matt’s mythical illustrations, they decided to co-found a business around this tarot deck. What began as a quiet act of love would become a calling.
A Brand Born of Intention, Not Industry
Encouraged by friends and followers, Matt and Hope launched a crowdfunding campaign to share the deck with others who sought the same sense of artistic and spiritual resonance. The project quickly gained a large following that eventually led to a partnership with US Games Systems. But even as the brand grew, its roots remained personal, intentional, and artistically uncompromising.
By 2017, Ethereal Visions Publishing was born. Today, the studio is a boutique, independent publisher of tarot and oracle decks, artists’ journals, illuminated books, and narrative-rich creative tools. Every product is designed and produced by Matt and Hope themselves, operating out of their home studio with their four feline muses—Mina, Chester, Stormy, and Loki—never far from the creative table.
Our Guiding Philosophy: Beauty, Ritual, Myth
Ethereal Visions Publishing isn’t just about creating pretty objects. It’s about creating gateways, tools that help people access memory, imagination, introspection, and ritual. Matt’s illustrations are defined by his Gothic Art Nouveau style, a visual language that merges the romantic fluidity of Art Nouveau with the emotional intensity of Gothic traditions. These visuals are symbolic and storied, designed to invite the user into a dialogue with self, spirit, and archetype.
Hope’s concepts and writing bring each deck to life with richly layered mythology, poetic storytelling, and a background in witchcraft, astrology, folklore, and nature-based spiritual practices. Together, they craft products that not only look beautiful but also feel sacred, intentional, and timeless. Every Ethereal Visions product is created with the hope that it becomes part of your practice, not just a collectible, but a companion.
What Ethereal Visions Publishing Represents
At its core, Ethereal Visions Publishing represents the intersection of art and esotericism, the seen and unseen, the ancient and the modern. It’s a brand that honors:
- Tradition: through the use of classical and historical symbolism
- Innovation: with original characters, themes, and narrative structures
- Beauty: in both the physical design and emotional resonance of the work
- Purpose: crafting tools that are not only functional but spiritually enriching
We believe mythology and mysticism are living languages, not relics of the past, but systems that help us understand who we are and how we relate to the world. Our decks and publications aim to make those systems feel accessible, relevant, and real.
Our Creations: A Living Catalog of Meaning
At Ethereal Visions Publishing, every collection we craft is a tangible reflection of our belief that beauty, symbolism, and intention can come together to create meaningful tools for self-discovery and spiritual practice. Our creations are made to be held, studied, and woven into your everyday rituals, and each category represents a unique expression of that philosophy.
Whether you’re a collector, a practitioner, or simply someone drawn to meaningful design, these collections invite you into a world where storytelling, art, and symbolism meet.
🔮 Tarot & Oracle Decks
Our metaphysical collection is a portal into archetypes, intuition, and symbolic wisdom. These decks are designed not only to look beautiful but to help you ask better questions, explore inner truths, and connect with something beyond the surface. Crafted with a blend of myth, mysticism, and elegant design, these tools serve as both spiritual guides and works of art.
Explore Tarot & Oracle Decks →
📖 Book Decks
These book decks are immersive experiences where narrative and artwork come together to create something entirely new. Book decks pair written storylines with illustrated cards, offering a layered, interactive journey through character, theme, and ritual. Ideal for those who love to lose themselves in story and symbolism.
🖋️ Illustrated Books
We honor classic literature by reimagining it through intricate visual storytelling. Our illustrated books feature timeless tales enhanced with original artwork, ornate design, and carefully considered symbolism. These editions are created for readers, collectors, and those who cherish the fusion of narrative and aesthetic beauty.
📓 Journals
Our journals are created to be sacred spaces for your thoughts, dreams, and reflections. With designs that align with our visual identity and spiritual themes, these pieces are both practical and inspiring—ideal for tarot journaling, intention setting, or creative writing.
♠️ Poker Decks
Where fine illustration meets classic gameplay. Our poker decks are a tribute to myth, symbolism, and storytelling, even in their most playful form. Crafted with the same level of artistic attention as our spiritual tools, these decks are meant to delight, intrigue, and elevate everyday use.
Meet the Artist Behind the Brand
Matt Hughes is the visionary artist behind Ethereal Visions Publishing. With a career spanning over two decades and encompassing exhibits, publications, and professional work across the fantasy and fine art worlds, Matt brings a rare level of skill and soul to everything he touches.
His unique blend of emotional symbolism, fine detail, and mythic undertone gives Ethereal Visions its unmistakable aesthetic. Discover more about Matt’s artistic journey, philosophy, and illustrated works by visiting the "About the Artist" page or exploring his personal art site.
What Inspires Us
- The visual language of Art Nouveau
- The emotional depth of Gothic literature
- The transformational power of mythology
- The subtle magic of daily ritual
- The belief that beauty can be purposeful, and the sacred can be tangible
These are not just influences; they are intentions. Everything we create is intended to evoke something deeper, something that lingers in the mind and resonates with the heart.
Looking Ahead: A Living, Breathing Vision
Ethereal Visions Publishing is a growing story. We continue to dream, explore, and create new offerings that expand our creative universe. Whether you’re here for the art, the tools, the stories, or the ritual, we welcome you. This brand is not just about us. It’s about the community we create with you: readers, seekers, collectors, and creatives. Thank you for being a part of this journey.
If you’re new here, we invite you to:
Your Portal Awaits
Every tarot card, every illustration, every story, we craft them not only to be seen but to be felt. Ethereal Visions Publishing invites you into a space where beauty meets meaning, and art becomes a path to the soul.
Step through. The journey begins here.