Florida Wetlands Animation
Artist, Illustrator: John Potter - Escape Key GraphicsProject Management by Holly Bonkowski - Assistant Director of Cultural Arts - City of Pembroke Pines
Client: City of Pembroke Pines
Part of an augmented reality street art installation. For more information I have a page about that whole project.
This animation is a digital extension of a larger public art project for the City of Pembroke Pines. It originates from a custom illustrated vinyl wrap that transformed a standard municipal utility box into a canvas depicting the South Florida wetlands ecosystem. The core artwork was designed to beautify a functional intersection while offering a visual connection to the region's natural environment.
The animation focuses on bringing a key illustrative detail to life through motion. Using the layered artwork file from the original illustration, I created a short, looping sequence in Adobe After Effects. The motion highlights a specific element within the wetlands scene, adding a layer of engagement and transforming the static image into a dynamic visual.
This animated version serves as an accessible companion to the physical installation. To connect the two, a QR code is integrated into the design of the utility box wrap itself. When scanned with a smartphone using the free EyeJack app, the code allows viewers to download and view this animation, superimposing the motion over the physical artwork through augmented reality. This creates an interactive moment of discovery at the intersection.
I am the illustrator and animator for this motion graphic. The augmented reality playback technology is facilitated by the third party EyeJack platform.
This project demonstrates how a single illustrative concept can be adapted across multiple formats—from a detailed, durable public installation to a focused digital animation—enhancing community engagement with both art and environment. For more examples of artwork created for public spaces, please visit my Illustration Portfolio.
PORTFOLIO GALLERIES
- Illustration work: Start with custom illustration and cover design, then view illustrated maps and architectural renderings.
- Fine art: Discover original paintings and drawings, the Custom Halftone Series, and mural projects.
- Design & motion: Check out the graphic design gallery, then move on to motion graphics and animated illustration.
- Maps by sector: I produce illustrated maps for boat shows, resorts, marinas, real estate, transit & parking, towns & cities, parks, and wayfinding systems.
- More creative services: Additional offerings include cover illustration, vehicle wraps, proposal renderings, and street art.
- Artistic methods: My work spans vector art, isometric & axonometric views, traditional painting, black & white illustration, GeoData mapping, overhead perspectives, and halftone effects.
- Preferred software: I rely on Photoshop, Illustrator, SketchUp Pro, and InDesign, plus Premiere Pro & After Effects for motion projects.
