Celebrating Community Through Public Art: Illustrative Wraps for Pembroke Pines
Artist, Illustrator: John Potter - Escape Key Graphics
Client: City of Pembroke Pines
Project Management by Holly Bonkowski - Assistant Director of Cultural Arts - City of Pembroke Pines
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This project is part of a significant public art initiative for the City of Pembroke Pines, Florida. The city's vision was to transform ordinary municipal utility boxes at major intersections into meaningful landmarks. By commissioning custom illustrations that celebrate the city's diverse character, this program elevates everyday infrastructure into engaging visual statements that reflect local culture and foster a strong sense of community pride.
My role in this ongoing initiative is to create vibrant, accessible artwork that captures the spirit of Pembroke Pines. While sports themes are a part of this tapestry, the illustrations more broadly highlight the defining features of life within the city. From community parks and family life to local landmarks and cultural vibrancy, the artwork is designed to be both recognizable and resonant to residents and visitors alike.
From Concept to Curb: A Detailed Technical Process
Executing a successful utility box wrap requires a careful balance of artistic vision and technical precision. Each project begins with a comprehensive site visit. I document the specific box, taking exact measurements, photographing its condition, and noting the placement of access doors and hardware.
This data forms the foundation for a meticulous digital workflow. I create a detailed, scaled projection drawing and a custom three dimensional model using SketchUp. This crucial step allows me to compose the illustration as a seamless wrap, ensuring the artwork flows correctly over every corner, edge, and panel. By solving potential alignment issues in the digital model, the final vinyl graphic installs smoothly and presents a cohesive image from every angle, whether viewed by a passing driver or a pedestrian on the street.
Activating a Key Intersection
The specific illustration featured here is located at the prominent southwest corner of Pines Boulevard and University Drive. Positioned at this high traffic crossroads, the design needed to be bold, welcoming, and instantly communicative. The artwork leverages a dynamic composition and vibrant color palette to capture attention and convey a snapshot of city life, making this functional piece of street furniture a point of community connection and local identity.
An Interactive Layer
This particular utility box also features an augmented reality component. By downloading the free EyeJack app on a smartphone and viewing the illustration through it, visitors can unlock an additional animated layer to the artwork, adding a modern, interactive dimension to the public space.
Please note: I am the illustrator for the core artwork and am not affiliated with the EyeJack application, which is provided by a third party.
This initiative exemplifies the power of illustration to enhance our shared environments. To explore more projects that bring art into public spaces, visit my full Illustration Portfolio.
CITY OF PEMBROKE PINES UTILITY BOX ILLUSTRATIONS:
VECTOR ILLUSTRATIONS:
(Created using Adobe Illustrator)
VECTOR ILLUSTRATED MAPS:
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. You can watch my demo reel here.