Book Cover Illustration and Design - "Artificial Reef Evaluation" by Wliiam Seaman, Jr.
Artist, Illustrator, Designer: John Potter - Escape Key Graphics
Client: Florida Sea Grant
Initial Sketch:
In 2000, I was commissioned to create the cover illustration for Artificial Reef Evaluation, a book by Dr. William Seaman Jr. published through Florida Sea Grant. This project came to me through professional contacts I maintained from my time working full time in the IFAS art department at the University of Florida, continuing a long running collaboration with state agencies on scientific and educational materials.
The illustration required a multifaceted technical approach, combining traditional hand drawing with multiple digital tools. I integrated graphite work on paper with 3D Studio for underwater modeling, and brought all elements together using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. This hybrid workflow allowed me to achieve both the organic texture of hand rendered elements and the precise control of digital composition.
The initial concept featured a barge actively installing an artificial reef. As the project developed through collaborative edits with the client, the barge was removed to focus entirely on the underwater scene. A defining creative decision was to depict the seafloor as an interlocking puzzle. This visual metaphor speaks directly to the book's subject: the complex, multifaceted challenge of building healthy and sustainable artificial reef systems. The concrete reef modules were modeled and rendered in 3D Studio, while the fish and some other organic details were drawn with graphite on paper and integrated into the digital composition. The ruler and grid visible in the final piece were added digitally to reinforce the themes of measurement, evaluation, and scientific precision.
This project stands as an example of how custom illustration can translate complex scientific concepts into compelling visual communication. It required not only technical versatility across multiple mediums, but also conceptual thinking to develop a metaphor that would resonate with the book's academic audience while remaining visually engaging.
My professional illustration services include the development of conceptual artwork for books, academic publications, and institutional clients. I specialize in translating specialized subject matter into clear, sophisticated visuals that support editorial content and enhance reader engagement. Whether working in traditional media, digital tools, or a hybrid of both, my approach is guided by the specific communication goals of each project.
To view more examples of my illustrative work across scientific, editorial, and commercial applications, please visit my Illustration Portfolio. For inquiries about custom illustration for your publication or project, please visit my contact page.
