The Art of Illusion: A Playful Street Intervention
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
This illustration is a key piece from a successful public art series developed for the City of Pembroke Pines, Florida. The city's initiative aims to elevate the everyday experience of its streets by converting standard utility boxes into platforms for creative expression. Through custom illustrated vinyl wraps, these functional elements are reimagined as engaging, site specific artworks that add unexpected moments of color, character, and surprise to the urban landscape.
My process for each installation is grounded in precision. It begins with an on site visit to the exact location, where I document the specific utility box. I take comprehensive measurements and photographs, carefully noting the placement of access doors, vents, and any other hardware. This data ensures the final artwork will integrate perfectly with the physical structure.
Back in the studio, I translate this information into two essential guides: a precise, scaled flat projection for print and a detailed three dimensional model built in SketchUp. The 3D model is a critical tool, allowing me to visualize exactly how the illustration will flow over every corner and plane of the box in real space. This meticulous preparation guarantees that the final vinyl wrap installs seamlessly, with the visual composition remaining intact from every angle.
Creating a Believable Moment
Located at the northeast corner of North Palm Avenue and Taft Street, this installation employs a classic artistic technique known as trompe l'oeil—French for "deceive the eye." The entire illustration was developed as vector artwork, originating from hand drawn sketches, to achieve clean lines and graphical impact.
The concept plays with perception by depicting objects seemingly abandoned at the roadside: a high end golf locker and a cage full of tennis balls. The magic lies in the careful rendering of scale, shadow, and perspective, all tailored to the box's specific dimensions and viewing angles. This craftsmanship transforms a flat graphic into a convincing three dimensional illusion, creating a surprising and playful interaction for the community.
A Community Favorite
The success of this approach is measured by public reaction. This particular installation has become one of the most noted and appreciated in the entire series. Residents often share how it delivers a moment of delight when first noticed from a car at the stop sign, followed by a smile of recognition upon closer inspection of its subtle humor. It stands as a testament to how thoughtful illustration can create a memorable landmark, spark joy, and foster a deeper connection between people and their public spaces.
This project highlights the potential of illustration to enchant and engage. To view more examples of artwork designed to transform environments and capture attention, please explore 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.