Sports Illustration - Public Art - Street Art illustration promoting youth sports

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

There is a QR Code on the box you can scan with the app to download the necessary file to your phone.

If you are using a device other than your phone to view this you can scan the QR code and you can test it with the image above. This will also save you some data if you have a WIFI connection right now.

3D scale model

Finished product

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.

Working sketch

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.