Wayne Potrue

I’m a Chicago-area courtroom artist and illustrator with more than 30 years of experience translating real-time events and complex ideas into clear, compelling visuals.

Today, my work is focused on courtroom sketching — capturing fast-moving proceedings with accuracy, immediacy, and a strong sense of storytelling. Whether documenting high-profile trials or daily courtroom activity, I work under tight deadlines to create images that inform, engage, and resonate with the public.

I’ve also gladly returned to working in analog form, embracing the immediacy and authenticity of traditional media in the courtroom. Working by hand allows me to respond quickly and intuitively to unfolding events while preserving the expressive quality that makes courtroom illustration uniquely human.

My background spans a wide range of visual disciplines, including storyboards, product and food illustration, infographics, toy design, medical illustration, and live sketching. This breadth of experience continues to inform my courtroom work, allowing me to quickly distill scenes, expressions, and interactions into images that communicate both detail and atmosphere.

Over the course of my career, I’ve collaborated with agencies, brands, and creative teams of all sizes, contributing to campaigns and products for clients such as McDonald’s, Kellogg’s, Bacardi, and Burger King. These experiences sharpened my ability to listen, interpret, and deliver under pressure — skills that are essential in the courtroom.

I enjoy working closely with media organizations, legal teams, and producers to provide accurate, timely visual coverage, as well as collaborating on editorial and documentary projects.

If you’re looking for a skilled courtroom artist or an experienced visual storyteller, I’d welcome the opportunity to connect.