Whimsical Snake Illustration - Vector Character Illustration
Artist, Illustrator: John Potter - Escape Key Graphics
Client: Florida International University
Vector Character Illustration - I was approached by Florida International University requesting a special illustrated Staff Of Asclepius. Instead of the usual snake they wanted a kind of hybrid electrical cord snake with a head that was an electrical plug. Here are some initial sketches...
Staff of Asclepius Illustration – Florida International University
Florida International University commissioned a special illustrated version of the Staff of Asclepius for use on their electrical device charging stations, which function like kiosks or lockers. Rather than the traditional snake, the university requested a hybrid design: a snake formed from an electrical cord with a head resembling a plug. The illustration also incorporates the signature blue of the FIU logo to maintain brand consistency.
During the initial design phase, my early sketches featured a more aggressive snake head, but the client wanted a friendly, approachable character. I adjusted the design to soften the expression while also resolving concerns about the head’s appearance. Instead of a truncated look, the prongs of the plug now extend naturally from the snake’s mouth, resulting in a playful yet functional design that satisfied the client.
To reinforce the engineered nature of a manufactured plug, the snake’s head was designed with geometric precision. Subtle details, such as a hint of snake skin texture along the cord, help convey the reptilian quality of the design while maintaining a clean, modern look suitable for the technology-focused context of the charging stations.
The final illustration successfully balances creativity, branding, and functionality, creating a memorable and visually engaging design for FIU’s campus amenities.
VECTOR ILLUSTRATIONS:
(Created using Adobe Illustrator)
VECTOR ILLUSTRATED MAPS:
ANIMAL RELATED 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.