Wetlands Animation Loop

Florida Wetlands Animation

Artist, Illustrator: John Potter - Escape Key Graphics
Project Management by Holly Bonkowski - Assistant Director of Cultural Arts - City of Pembroke Pines
Client: City of Pembroke Pines

Part of an augmented reality street art installation. For more information I have a page about that whole project.
This animation is a digital extension of a larger public art project for the City of Pembroke Pines. It originates from a custom illustrated vinyl wrap that transformed a standard municipal utility box into a canvas depicting the South Florida wetlands ecosystem. The core artwork was designed to beautify a functional intersection while offering a visual connection to the region's natural environment. The animation focuses on bringing a key illustrative detail to life through motion. Using the layered artwork file from the original illustration, I created a short, looping sequence in Adobe After Effects. The motion highlights a specific element within the wetlands scene, adding a layer of engagement and transforming the static image into a dynamic visual. This animated version serves as an accessible companion to the physical installation. To connect the two, a QR code is integrated into the design of the utility box wrap itself. When scanned with a smartphone using the free EyeJack app, the code allows viewers to download and view this animation, superimposing the motion over the physical artwork through augmented reality. This creates an interactive moment of discovery at the intersection. I am the illustrator and animator for this motion graphic. The augmented reality playback technology is facilitated by the third party EyeJack platform. This project demonstrates how a single illustrative concept can be adapted across multiple formats—from a detailed, durable public installation to a focused digital animation—enhancing community engagement with both art and environment. For more examples of artwork created for public spaces, please visit my Illustration Portfolio.

AFTER EFFECTS ANIMATIONS / MOTION DESIGN / ANIMATED ILLUSTRATIONS:

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.