Black and white photograph of a person in a boat on water, with a large piece of paper or cloth hanging from the boat.

Matt Zudweg’s creative life began in 1988, when a high school job at a local sign shop introduced him to the disappearing craft of hand-lettered signage. Trained in traditional sign painting and design, Matt developed a deep respect for making things slowly, skillfully, and by hand. As the industry shifted toward computers and vinyl cutters, his passion remained rooted in authenticity and craftsmanship.

That devotion led him to create antiqued sign art—work that demanded traditional methods in order to feel honest and timeless. His pieces were soon featured in décor magazines, opening the door to large restaurant commissions that kept him immersed in the trade for over a decade.

In 2010, seeking renewal, Matt stepped away from the studio and into the rivers, beginning a second career as a full-time fly fishing guide. The years spent on the water sharpened his eye, deepened his patience, and quietly reshaped his creative voice.

In 2024, the pull to make art returned. Drawing inspiration from fly fishing, rivers, and the rhythms of the natural world, Matt began creating new work that reflects both his craftsmanship roots and his life outdoors. His work can currently be found on this site and at DeYoung Gallery in Livingston, Montana.

For inquiries, please email matt@mattzudweg.com

A person walking along a foggy road during sunrise or sunset, holding a bag, with power lines on the right side.

photo by Derek DeYoung