Missile Launch and Flight Animation
Illustration, Design and Animation by John Potter - Escape Key Graphics
This short motion graphic was created as a technical exercise to produce a concise, informative video using Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro. The project visualizes the original operational purpose of the historic HM69 Nike Missile Battery, now a tourist site within the Everglades National Park.
All graphic elements, including the missile, its launch facilities, and the surrounding environment, were created as vector artwork in Adobe Illustrator. This vector foundation allowed for clean, scalable graphics suitable for animation.
The animation illustrates the site's Cold War function. It shows how missiles would have been transported from their protective bunkers, erected into a launch position, and fired in a two stage process. The narrative explains that these defensive missiles, often nuclear armed, were designed to intercept potential aerial threats. The site's present day status is as a preserved historical location, a contrast to its intended purpose.
This project demonstrates the application of motion graphics to clearly explain a historical or technical concept, transforming static information into an engaging visual sequence.
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.
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- 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.