Turning Ordinary Photographs into Extraordinary Art

Earning a decent sum of money by doing what you do best describes one’s dream job. Only a few talented individuals are given the special privilege to work their own way and Jesser Khmer Levi A. Sumalabe or simply Bodz, an employed lead artist and freelance graphic artist, happens to be one of them.

Twenty-three year old Bodz is a graduate of Bachelor of Fine Arts major in Painting from Far Eastern University. He oil paints as a hobby, and had his works exhibited in schools and public places like Rizal Park. This wacky artist shares that he used to have a deep interest in dinosaurs and had first thought of becoming an archaeologist someday, but he took a painting course instead since he enjoys drawing so much. His parents had a full support on his desire to be a painter. His addiction to computers and games however, drove him into taking Advanced Computer Graphics in First Academy of Computer Arts after his college graduation.

“Simula nu’ng nakakita ako ng pentab (a ballpen-like digital art tool that allows one to thoroughly draw digital images), pinangarap ko nang makabili nu’n. Tapos, naisip kong mag-aral ng digital arts para mapalawak ko ‘yung na-self study ko na PS and Illustrator. ”

Bodz works as a lead artist in a digital media display systems company where he does animations and digital ad campaigns. But aside from his full-time work, this classic painter turned digital artist also accepts freelance services on graphic design, layout design, web design and web banner animation. Among all these sidelines, vector art is the most-requested service especially last Valentine’s Day.

Vectoring is the art of using geometrical concepts such as points, lines, curves and shapes in order to create a more advanced and whole image. “In creating a vector art, first you need a reference. It’s mostly tracing, then, ikaw na ang bahala kung paano mo didiskartehan ‘yung style,” explains Bodz. “It’s basically playing around with the picture and the background through a vector creating program like Corel Draw, PS or AI. Kailangan sanay kang mamulikat ang daliri mo, kasi precise dapat ang pagtuldok mo ng brezier point,” he adds. According to him, vector art is colorful, cartoony and clean compare to an ordinary photograph, which makes it a unique, personal and charming present for any special occasion.

For only one thousand pesos, Bodz can vector a small picture into a fine art, and framed it to a perfect look. He will visualize the design concepts for all its bits and pieces (just don’t give him a blurred picture or he may need an extra charge). To let his creativity pour, Bodz would ask a few interesting questions to his clients such as the likes and dislikes of the receiver and the date of the last couple’s fight.

Wonder why he’s curious about the relationship status? Well, believe it or not, he can base his work on that. Amusing as he is, Bodz relates, he once used a pop art style in a positive-negative film for his couple client who often fights with each other. On the other hand, he would do a pop art style and beach colors with swirly brushy background for a couple who shares smooth relationship. Now, that’s what we call “personalized gift item”.

Since he has a morning job, Bodz can finish an art work in three nights but it still depends on the picture and the theme preferred by the client. He is more than thankful that no clients have ever rejected his vector art projects, which simply shows that this artsy guy does his job quite professionally. Myka Santiago

For professional computer graphics and other related services, contact Bodz Sumalabe here.