Magazine Header Design
Illustrator, Designer: John Potter - Escape Key Graphics
Client: Allsports Productions
A Reusable Illustrative Header
I created this header for Southern Boating Magazine. It was designed to be used repeatedly across different issues, giving the publication a consistent visual element that readers would come to recognize. The illustration needed to feel connected to the boating world without being tied to any specific season or story. The red box would move around based on the region being discussed in the text.
How It Was Made
I built the design using a mix of Photoshop and Illustrator. Photoshop handled the image based elements, the textures, the atmospheric parts that give the piece depth. Illustrator took care of the clean lines and graphic shapes that needed to stay sharp at any size. Working across both programs let me pull from the strengths of each.
The result is a header that reads clearly in print, scales well for different layouts, and gives the magazine a distinct look issue after issue.
Your Design Project
If you need an illustrative header, a recurring graphic element, or any other custom design for a publication, contact me. I have done this work before and I would be glad to do it for you.
BROWSE MY WORK
- Illustration: Browse custom illustrations, book cover art, illustrated maps, and architectural renderings.
- Fine art: View original paintings and drawings, the Custom Halftone Series, and mural commissions.
- Graphic design & motion: See design projects, then watch motion reels and animated pieces.
- Maps by use case: Explore illustrated maps created for boat shows, resorts, marinas, real estate, transportation & parking, cities & towns, parks, and wayfinding.
- Specialty projects: Also check out cover design, vinyl & vehicle wraps, proposal renderings, and street art.
- Style & technique: Discover vector, isometric, painterly, monochrome, data-driven, bird's-eye, and halftone approaches.
- Tools I use: Everyday software includes Photoshop, Illustrator, SketchUp, and InDesign; motion work relies on Premiere & After Effects.