Portrait illustration in oils with design work done in Illustrator and Photoshop
Artist, Designer: John Potter - Escape Key Graphics
Client: Alachua Press
26"X40" Oil paint on canvas
Painted 2021
This painting was done for the book cover of “Phillip Singer An Accounting” by Jon Wiles.
About the book: A deaf Jewish man from New York invades a small southern town (Gainesville, Florida) and kills the wife of the district attorney. He is apprehended, tried, and convicted. For thirty years he languishes in Florida's infamous Raiford Prison. Upon his release, he begins once more to travel and pursue his agenda. Surprise ending. Based on a factual case and prison records.
There was only one known photo of Mr. Singer. It was black and white and very blurry. This was the basis of the painting.
I took a relatively straightforward approach to the painting trying to capture the intensity and unnerving nature of the man.
COVER ILLUSTRATIONS:
ABOUT COVER ILLUSTRATIONS:
There is a well-known saying that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but in reality, people do. If you have invested time, money, and creative energy into a book, magazine, or other publication, having a strong, eye-catching cover is essential. Authors and publishers often tell me that my cover illustrations have helped sell more copies than the content alone, opening doors to readers who might not have discovered the work otherwise. While this may seem surprising, it underscores the importance of compelling visual storytelling in capturing attention and communicating ideas at a glance.
Illustration offers unique advantages over photography for cover design. While photography can be a powerful choice in certain situations, illustration allows for the clear depiction of abstract concepts, fictional settings, or ideas that cannot be photographed. It also provides complete control over color, lighting, and composition, down to precise digital detail. This flexibility allows each cover to convey mood, tone, and narrative in a way that is fully tailored to the content it represents.
Over the years, I have created cover illustrations for books, magazines, and a wide variety of publications. The earliest work currently displayed on my site is the 2011 cover for Phillip Singer: An Accounting, which was hand-painted in oil, photographed, and then completed digitally using Illustrator and Photoshop. Today, most of my cover illustrations are produced entirely digitally, with a focus on vector-based techniques that ensure crisp, clean, and scalable designs suitable for print or digital media.
Each cover I create is designed to capture attention, communicate the story, and elevate the publication's visual identity. Whether for a book, magazine, or other creative project, my illustrations combine artistry, precision, and concept-driven design to make a memorable first impression that engages audiences and enhances the overall impact of the work.
PAINTINGS:
PORTRAITS:
PORTFOLIOS:
By Application or Use:
- Boat Show Map Portfolio
- Resort Map Illustrations Portfolio
- Marina Maps Portfolio
- Real Estate Maps Portfolio
- Transit, Parking and Transportation Maps Portfolio
- Town and City Maps Portfolio
- Cover Illustration Portfolio
- Vehicle Wrap & Vinyl Wrap Portfolio
- Illustrated Park Maps Portfolio
- Wayfinding Maps Portfolio
- Proposal Renderings Portfolio
- Street Art