Photoshop Illustration
Artist, Illustrator: John Potter - Escape Key Graphics
ABOUT PHOTOSHOP ILLUSTRATIONS:
Adobe Photoshop was originally developed as a photo retouching tool, and it continues to excel in that role. Over the years, however, artists and designers have expanded its use far beyond simple photo editing, exploring its capabilities for digital illustration, compositing, and creative image manipulation. Photoshop can be used to create original artworks from scratch, dramatically transform photographs, or produce complex visual effects comparable to those seen in television and film - only in still image form. While I have not yet ventured into fully replicating traditional oil painting in Photoshop, I have created original works and modified images so extensively that “retouching” no longer fully describes the process.
Photoshop is the industry standard for bitmap image editing, and I rely on it daily, often in combination with other tools such as Adobe Illustrator and SketchUp. Even when working on more routine tasks like resizing, compressing, or preparing images for print and web, I apply the same techniques and attention to detail that I use in full scale illustrations. This practice ensures that my skills remain sharp and adaptable across every type of project.
Nearly every illustration featured on this site has been touched in Photoshop in some way, whether for final compositing, color adjustment, or output preparation. Its versatility allows me to combine precision and creativity, producing images that are both visually striking and technically polished. From subtle enhancements to bold, original illustrations, Photoshop remains an essential tool in my workflow, enabling me to deliver professional-quality imagery for a wide range of applications.
PORTFOLIO SELECTIONS
- Custom illustration & covers: Featuring bespoke illustration, book and magazine covers, hand-drawn maps, and building renderings.
- Fine art & murals: Including one-of-a-kind paintings and drawings, the Custom Halftone Series, and large-scale murals.
- Design & motion media: Covering graphic design, plus video and motion and animated illustration.
- Mapping by application: Tailored maps for marine events, hospitality, waterfront, property, transit, municipal, recreation, and navigation needs.
- Additional creative work: Includes editorial covers, vehicle graphics, concept renderings, and public art.
- Mediums & formats: Ranging from digital vector and isometric projection to traditional paint, line art, GIS-based, aerial-style, and halftone.
- Software expertise: Proficient in Photoshop, Illustrator, SketchUp, InDesign, and Premiere/After Effects for motion.
Additional Portfolios:
- Augmented Reality Portfolio
- Racing Related Portfolio
- Medical Illustrations Portfolio
- Character Illustration Portfolio
- Portrait Portfolio