Whimsical Illustration of a Snake Playing Dead
Artist, Illustrator: John Potter - Escape Key Graphics
Client: Matanzas Press
Graphite on paper
This black and white illustration was created for a quirky short story featuring Hognose Snakes, known for their unique defense mechanism of playing dead. The narrative required an image that balanced factual zoological behavior with a touch of character and whimsy.
The composition focuses on the moment of theatrical deception. The snake is depicted with a distinctly mischievous expression as it peeks out to gauge whether its performance is convincing. To enhance the scene's narrative tension and add a subtle layer of observation, I designed the plant in the flower pot with an unkempt, sagging appearance that subtly implies it is also looking at the snake, creating a silent witness within the frame.
This piece demonstrates how illustration can animate non human subjects, infusing them with personality to support and enrich a written story. It goes beyond simple depiction to add characterization, humor, and a specific moment in time, engaging the reader visually on a deeper level.
My professional illustration services extend to the publishing and editorial fields, specializing in creating engaging interior artwork for stories, articles, and books. I develop illustrations that capture specific narrative beats, emphasize thematic elements, and bring characters—whether human, animal, or otherwise—to life with clarity and creative interpretation.
To explore more examples of my narrative and editorial illustrations, please visit my Illustration Portfolio. For inquiries about custom illustration for your publication or written project, please visit my contact page.
BLACK AND WHITE WORK:
PORTFOLIOS
- Illustration Portfolio: Start here for custom illustration and book covers. You can also browse illustrated maps and architectural rendering.
- Fine Art: I offer original paintings and drawings, including my Custom Halftone Series. You will also find mural work here.
- Graphic Design & Motion: View my graphic design portfolio. After that, explore motion design and animated illustrations.
- Maps by application: I create illustrated maps for boat shows, resorts, marinas, real estate, transportation, transit and parking, towns and cities, parks, and wayfinding.
- Additional project types: I also produce cover illustration, vehicle and vinyl wraps, proposal renderings, and street art.
- Illustration methods: My techniques include vector, isometric and axonometric, painting, black and white, GeoData maps, overhead maps, and custom halftones.
- Software portfolios: I work primarily in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, SketchUp Pro, and Adobe InDesign. For motion projects, I use Premiere Pro and After Effects.