Custom Illustration Portfolio: Work That Communicates
Illustration for Real World Needs
I provide custom illustration services to businesses, publishers, public institutions, and organizations of all kinds. My work covers a lot of ground. Institutional and marketing illustration, editorial and cover artwork, technical illustration, and product focused visuals all fall within my studio practice. Every project starts with the same question. What does this need to say and who needs to hear it? Strong composition and confident use of color help the artwork stand out, but clear communication is always the foundation.
Clients Across Many Fields
My clients come from publishing, hospitality, education, local government, and event production. I have created permanent illustrated installations for the City of Pembroke Pines and book covers for Matanzas Press and Shorebird Books. A full series of illustrations was completed for Boca Grove Golf and Tennis Club. This range of experience gives me a practical understanding of different visual requirements. Branding objectives and practical needs are not opposing forces. They inform each other.
One Style Is Never Enough
Flexibility is central to my approach. Some assignments demand precision and clean accuracy. For those projects I work digitally using SketchUp Pro and Adobe Illustrator. Other projects benefit from a warmer, more expressive feel. In those cases I create handmade artwork using traditional drawing and painting techniques. Having both capabilities means I can match the visual language directly to the context and audience of each assignment.
Built Through Collaboration
I do not work in isolation. Clients are partners from the first concept sketch through final delivery. My goal is to make sure every illustration supports the project goals, reflects the brand accurately, and communicates without confusion. Print, digital media, signage, and public display each bring their own requirements. Professional skill and clear visual storytelling are constants across all of them. Every commission receives the same considered approach.
What Clients Say
Boca Grove Country Club said I seemed to read their mind during the design process. Matanzas Press noted that I turned a poorly defined concept into a book cover that far exceeded their expectations. Author Ann Mcallister Clark bought a book solely because of the cover design, then contacted me to design hers. Susan Grantham, an associate professor, has used my work for paintings, book covers, and technical drawings with consistent success. Katty Payne described the work as always high quality and always by the deadline. Marina clients from Bimini, Abaco, and Tingdene have praised the attention to detail and how the artwork represents their businesses.
Ready to Start
If you have a project in mind, I am ready to discuss it. Book covers, marketing illustrations, technical diagrams, or public artwork all receive the same level of attention and skill. View the full portfolio on my website or reach out directly to begin the conversation.
I am currently accepting new commissions for . Tell me about your illustration needs and I will let you know how I can help. Contact me.
TESTIMONIALS:
Boca Grove Country Club
Mural Painting, Character Design, Logo Design, Illustration....
Testimonial: We are so in love with our new mascot/logo. The design is unique and truly captured the essence of our Country Club. Potter was wonderful and seemed to read our mind when it came to changes and suggestions. Truly a pleasure to work with.
Boca Grove Country Club
Matanzas Press
Logo Design, Book Cover Design and Illustration, Website Design
Testimonial: With nothing more than my poorly defined concept to work from, Escape Key Graphics created a dazzling bookcover design that not only met, but far exceeded my expectations-- really amazing work!
Jay Humphreys,
Matanzas Press
Old Growth Books
Logo Design, Book Cover Design and Illustration, Website Design
Testimonial: One day I happened on a book and bought it just because of the cover design. Such is the importance of book cover design. The designer was John Potter. I contacted John at his business, EscapeKeyGraphics.com and he has been a delight through the entire process of designing the cover for A Bone In Her Teeth. I recommend John Potter and hope you will visit his very interesting website and have a look around. You might want him for your next business project.
Ann Mcallister Clark,
Author
Susan Grantham
Book Cover Design and Illustration, Illustration, Painting
Testimonial: Absolutely every project I have worked with on John has been a success. I have used his talent and services from paintings, to book covers, to technical drawings. Everyone who see's his work comments on the quality and creativity. While still working in editing and publishing, I used him whenever he was available.
Susan Grantham,
Associate Professor at University of Hartford
KP Designz
Poster and Map Design and Illustration, Illustration
Testimonial: Always high quality work. Always by the deadline.
Katty Payne,
KP Design & Photography, LLC
Tingdene Marinas and Tindene Residential Parks
Map Design and Illustration
Testimonial: I use John for my projects and would certainly recommend him to anyone. He quickly gets to grip with what you're looking for, he's super efficient and great to work with.
Toni Norman,
Tingdene Marinas and Tindene Residential Parks
Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina
Map Design & Illustration
Testimonial: John Potter at Escape Key Graphics has a keen sense for High level detail and strong understanding for how graphics represents your business. I found him at the Ft Lauderdale boat show and have improved our resorts and marinas selling points using his talents. All business aside he is a great guy caring about your business. I highly recommend him. John see you again soon at the legendary Big Game Club resort
Stephen Kappeler,
Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina
Treasure Cay Hotel Resort & Marina
Abaco Beach Resort & Boat Harbour Marina
Map Design & Illustration
Testimonial: I want to say that you did an “excellent and incredible” work of art for the Abaco Beach Resort. I am indeed very happy to have been able to facilitate this project for our resort.
Brent Ingraham,
Director of Sales and Marketing
EXPLORE MY WORK
- Illustration: Discover custom illustrations, book covers, illustrated maps, and architectural renderings.
- Fine Art: Browse original paintings and drawings, view the Custom Halftone Series, or check out mural projects.
- Graphic Design & Motion: See the graphic design collection, then dive into motion design and animated illustrations.
- Maps by industry: View illustrated maps tailored for boat shows, resorts, marinas, real estate, transportation, towns, parks, and wayfinding.
- More project types: Explore cover art, vehicle wraps, proposal renderings, and street art.
- Techniques & styles: Work spans vector, isometric, painting, black-and-white, GeoData, overhead maps, and halftones.
- Software expertise: Primary tools include Photoshop, Illustrator, SketchUp Pro, and InDesign, plus Premiere Pro & After Effects for motion.