Staff Of Asclepius Illustration - Vector Character Illustration

Whimsical Snake Illustration - Vector Character Illustration

Artist, Illustrator: John Potter - Escape Key Graphics
Client: Florida International University

Vector Character Illustration - I was approached by Florida International University requesting a special illustrated Staff Of Asclepius. Instead of the usual snake they wanted a kind of hybrid electrical cord snake with a head that was an electrical plug. Here are some initial sketches...

Staff of Asclepius Illustration – Florida International University

Florida International University commissioned a special illustrated version of the Staff of Asclepius for use on their electrical device charging stations, which function like kiosks or lockers. Rather than the traditional snake, the university requested a hybrid design: a snake formed from an electrical cord with a head resembling a plug. The illustration also incorporates the signature blue of the FIU logo to maintain brand consistency.

During the initial design phase, my early sketches featured a more aggressive snake head, but the client wanted a friendly, approachable character. I adjusted the design to soften the expression while also resolving concerns about the head’s appearance. Instead of a truncated look, the prongs of the plug now extend naturally from the snake’s mouth, resulting in a playful yet functional design that satisfied the client.

To reinforce the engineered nature of a manufactured plug, the snake’s head was designed with geometric precision. Subtle details, such as a hint of snake skin texture along the cord, help convey the reptilian quality of the design while maintaining a clean, modern look suitable for the technology-focused context of the charging stations.

The final illustration successfully balances creativity, branding, and functionality, creating a memorable and visually engaging design for FIU’s campus amenities.