Architectural Renderings
Artist, Illustrator: John Potter - Escape Key Graphics
Client: Pier 7 Resort Marina
This project was commissioned to help a client visualize the addition of an attached pergola to an existing building. The goal was to provide a clear and realistic representation of how the new structure would integrate with the current architecture, allowing the client to evaluate scale, proportion, and overall appearance before moving forward with construction.
To achieve this, I created an accurate three dimensional digital model of the existing building, built to scale using reference imagery and provided measurements. The proposed pergola was then designed within the model to reflect its intended placement, materials, and structural relationship to the building. This approach allowed for multiple viewpoints and lighting conditions to be explored, giving the client a more complete understanding of the finished result.
The final architectural rendering served as a practical decision making tool, helping the client communicate their vision to contractors and stakeholders while reducing uncertainty during the planning phase. Projects like this demonstrate how detailed digital renderings can bridge the gap between concept and reality, providing clarity and confidence for residential and commercial design improvements.
ARCHITECTURAL RENDERINGS / ILLUSTRATIONS:
ARCHITECTURAL RENDERINGS:
I'm not an architect, but sometimes an architect isn't who you want doing your architectural renderings. I can bring a more aesthetic approach to rendering a building, interior or venue. Sometimes the engineering accuracy of an architect is overkill and you just need to know what the inside of your restaurant or office will look like. Particularly in the case of making proposals for future construction no one wants to get bogged down in a discussion about the style of park benches outside or some other point of trivia. In that case an I have no problem keeping the specifics vague while still making the place look like somewhere you would like to go.
The maps I make can also be described as architectural renderings and I use some of the same software as architectural firms use to make them. I sometimes work from CAD files and I have collaborated directly with architectural firms. That having been said, if you need the precision, licensing or engineering prowess of an architect you should hire an architect, but under many if not most architectural rendering circumstances I may be a perfect fit for your needs.
SKETCHUP ILLUSTRATIONS:
WHAT IS SKETCHUP?:
SketchUp, originally developed by Google and now maintained by Trimble Inc., is a powerful 3D modeling program widely used across architecture, interior design, marine architecture, civil and mechanical engineering, and even film and video game production. While it is not intended for character design or organic modeling, SketchUp excels at creating precise, technical models using basic shapes, making it ideal for architectural renderings, site planning, and technical illustrations.
I first began using SketchUp in 2012 while creating the illustrated map for the St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show. At the time, I was seeking an efficient alternative to isometric drawing for map illustration. Since then, I have expanded its use across a variety of projects and now rely on SketchUp almost daily to create accurate, visually compelling 3D models for maps, buildings, and other technical illustrations.
SketchUp allows me to combine technical precision with artistic flexibility. Models created in SketchUp can be used as the foundation for detailed illustrations, integrated with Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop, or exported for presentation and visualization purposes. Its versatility makes it a valuable tool for projects that require accurate spatial representation, clear perspective, and a professional, polished look.
If you are interested in having a custom model or illustration created in SketchUp, please contact me for a quote. I can provide solutions for everything from complex architectural layouts to 3D maps and technical renderings tailored to your specific project needs.
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.