Alumni: Marcia Fortuna

Marcia Fortuna, VCD UPH 2018
Marcia Fortuna

Hey there! I’m Marcia Fortuna, but my friends call me Cia. I graduated in 2018 with a degree in Visual Communication Design, with a concentration in Cinematography from UPH.

Currently, I work as an illustrator specializing in visual development (also known as concept art), and I also attend conventions where I showcase and sell my artworks. Prior to university, I had zero artistic knowledge or skill, so the first few semesters at UPH were challenging. However, both the teachers and friends were very supportive. I was able to overcome these hurdles and gradually acquire valuable artistic knowledge and skills.

Particularly in my cinematography classes, I found myself drawn to the pre-production stage of movie creation, especially worldbuilding and storyboarding. This fascination eventually led me to further explore my interest in illustration. After graduating in 2022, I started making art prints of my artwork and joining art booth events under my brand name CallmeCia. The response was incredibly positive, and by 2024, I expanded internationally, participating in conventions in Singapore.

My most memorable class at UPH, though I can’t recall its specific name, was during my cinematography concentration. One assignment that stood out was when we were tasked with individually creating and presenting short stories to the class. Our teacher, who was incredibly open, listened attentively to each story and provided genuine feedback to every student. This particular assignment became my favorite because it allowed our creativity to run wild while also emphasizing the importance of purpose behind our creative decisions.

Choosing UPH for your degree is a fantastic decision. The campus is filled with supportive peers and teachers who genuinely care about your success. Personally, my time at UPH has been invaluable for my career growth.

“Shoot for the moon, and even if you miss you’ll land among the stars”

Everything for Children II

VCD UPH proudly presents the exhibition “Everything for Children II International Illustration Exhibition.” This exhibition takes place from April 16, 2024, to May 17, 2024, at B301, Universitas Pelita Harapan. The exhibition showcases artworks from participants from 20 countries. Within the exhibition, there are several works by faculty and students from VCD UPH who also enliven the exhibition.

Dr. Martin Luqman Katoppo, S.T., M.T. opening the exhibition
Fidelia Cheryl Antoni from VCD UPH 2022 and her work in the exhibition
Fidelia Cheryl Antoni from VCD UPH 2022 and her work in the exhibition
Eston Kamelang Mauleti, S.Sn., M.Ds. and his works in the exhibition
Eston Kamelang Mauleti, S.Sn., M.Ds. and his works in the exhibition

Alumni: Cynthia Novita

Cynthia Novita, VCD UPH 2014
Cynthia Novita

Hello, my name is Cynthia Novita. I’m an alumna of Visual Communication Design (DKV) with a major in graphic design from Pelita Harapan University, graduating in the batch of 2014-2018. Currently, I work as an artist, ceramicist, and graphic designer under my own brand, Karyaku Kata.

My journey at this institution was one of the best experiences of my lifetime. I gained great knowledge, enjoyed a pleasant environment, had wonderful teachers, and made good friends. Throughout college, there were ups and downs, but I persevered, giving my best, which made it an incredible journey. I learned valuable lessons on managing design projects both individually and as a team, emphasizing the importance of persistence in building a strong foundation for becoming a good designer, especially in design thinking. I had the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of design, visual creation, and observational skills in my daily life.

In every project, I pushed myself to explore and be curious, enhancing my skills as a designer and artist. I enthusiastically attended many classes, appreciating UPH’s excellent curriculum and offerings. My favorite classes included philosophy of art, drawing, painting, typography, and methods of graphic reproduction, all of which are highly relevant to the industries I work in. I am grateful to Pak Alfian and Miss Nita for being great lecturers and supervisors who encouraged and embraced my skills, helping me become a confident designer.

Starting my career as a graphic designer, I transitioned to working in corporate property after graduation in 2018. With the end of the pandemic, I returned to working as a graphic designer and art teacher in an art studio. Over time, I delved into pottery, driven by curiosity and a passion for applied art. This led to the establishment of my own brand, Karyaku Kata, in September of the previous year. Karyaku Kata, which stands for Karya Kuas (brush), Kain (fabric), and Tanah (clay, ceramic), encompasses various forms of applied art, with “Kata” (word) representing the titles of my products, inspired by transitions between feelings, emotions, and thoughts.

Utilizing my sense and knowledge as a graphic designer, I aim to infuse my art with emotion. Drawing from the design theory of “experience design” learned in college, I strive to create pottery that engages people on a sensory level, incorporating concepts, stories, and music to evoke emotion. My goal is to create pieces that are not only visually appealing and functional but also meaningful, fostering connections that endure. Each creation reflects my dedication and passion for handcrafted arts, expressing my soul through colors and strokes.

I wholeheartedly recommend UPH to young creatives passionate about visual art. UPH provides excellent lecturers who are passionate about nurturing students’ skills. My journey at this institution equipped me with both soft and hard skills, providing a strong foundation for growth in the creative industries. I am immensely grateful to have been part of this journey.

There is a quote that I always say in my mind “Don’t ignore your little fire that is burning inside you, feel it and embrace it. Just keep going and trust the creative process then see what you’ll have become in the future”.

Final Project 2023/2024 Even Semester Visual Review

At the beginning of this April, VCD UPH just held a visual review for 42 students. The majority of students participating in this semester’s review are from the 2020 cohort, who are the first batch of students specializing in illustration. Following this visual review, students need to revise their work and prepare for the final review and also the final project exhibition scheduled for the middle of the year.

VCD UPH Final Project Visual Review
VCD UPH Final Project Visual Review
VCD UPH Final Project Visual Review

Follow VCD UPH’s Instagram for the latest updates on the progress of the final projects and the VCD UPH final project exhibition.

Alumni Sharing: Putu & Jonathan

On March 28, 2024, a alumni sharing event was held by Putu Widyayana Putra & Jonathan Alexander. Both of them are alumni of VCD UPH with a specialization in animation in 2015. On this occasion, they shared their experiences working in the video game industry in Indonesia with the Film Management (Animation) class. Thank you, Putu and Jonathan, for taking the time to share your experiences with VCD UPH once again.

Putu Widyayana Putra & Jonathan Alexander in the Film Management Class
Putu Widyayana Putra & Jonathan Alexander in the Film Management Class

Visit Putu & Jonathan’s Instagram Page.

SEE April 2024

March 2024 may have been one of the longest months for VCD UPH.

For weeks, the UPH Film Festival (UFF) 2024 has been prepared and finally held on March 23, 2024. UFF 2024 has achieved a new milestone by being the first UFF held away from UPH. Hopefully, future UFFs can set new records and achievements for the festival.

Another extensive activity conducted during March 2024 was the Learning Express 2024 with Singapore Polytechnic. This project-based learning activity is one form of intensive learning that is rich and has real impacts throughout the process.

In addition to these two activities, VCD UPH also carried out various other equally interesting activities, such as alumni sharing sessions and public lectures.

Thank you everyone who partipated and supported VCD UPH throughout March 2024. Hopefully, April 2024 will bring even richer positive experiences.

Stay blessed and stay bright.

Learning Express March 2024

For approximately two weeks, Singapore Polytechnic visited Universitas Pelita Harapan to conduct the Learning Express (LEX). LEX is a design thinking module conducted by Singapore Polytechnic with its university partners. This time, Universitas Pelita Harapan became the only LEX partner in Indonesia. In this LEX activity, three faculties from UPH participated: the Faculty of Design, the Faculty of Tourism, and the Faculty of Science and Technology.

Expert Sharing Session
Expert Sharing Session
Before Empathy Study
Before Empathy Study

In the March 2024 LEX, there were three projects that is collaboratively handled by UPH students and students from Singapore Polytechnic. The first project involved Sekolah Darussalam in Tangerang, Kebun Kandang Educational Eco Tourism, and Sustainable Dodol Making with Dodol Pak Oyot.

Learning Express Empathy Study
Empathy Study
Learning Express Empathy Study
Empathy Study
Empathy Study
Empathy Study

In these three projects, the LEX team conducted data collection and idea development, which were then presented back to stakeholders. The final outcome of this LEX was a gallery walk, where each issue and idea were presented to the public to receive feedback and input.

Ideation
Ideation
Ideation
Ideation
Preparation for Co-Creation
Preparation for Co-Creation
Preparation for Learning Express Gallery Walk
Preparation for Learning Express Gallery Walk
Learning Express Gallery Walk
Learning Express Gallery Walk

Upon completion of this LEX activity, UPH is committed to continuing to develop these three projects according to the capacity and potential that may be achieved. Hopefully, through this LEX activity, students can learn and gain valuable experience implementing their learning in real-life situations.

Co-Creation at SMK Darussalam
Co-Creation at SMK Darussalam
Co-Creation at Kebun Kandang
Co-Creation at Kebun Kandang
Co-Creation at Dodol Pak Oyot
Co-Creation at Dodol Pak Oyot

Thank you Singapore Polytechnic for this wonderful opportunity and collaboration in Learning Express March 2024. We look forward for our next collaboration.

Photo at the Learning Express Gallery Walk
Photo at the Learning Express Gallery Walk

Read about the LEX March 2024 Opening

UFF 2024: “Urbanity”


On Saturday, March 23, 2024, the UPH Film Festival 2024 was held at XXI Aeon Mall BSD. The event proceeded smoothly and joyfully, with students, alumni, and invited guests filling the XXI studio throughout the afternoon until evening. The event commenced with welcoming videos from the Dean of the UPH Faculty of Design and the Chair of the Visual Communication Design Program at UPH. Following this, the event continued with a talk show featuring speakers Wregas Bhanuteja and Inarah Syarafina, who shared their experiences and perspectives on the current film industry.

From Left to Right: Inarah Syarafina, Wregas Bhanuteja, and Dr. Lala Palupi Santyaputri, S.Sn., M.Si.
From Left to Right: Inarah Syarafina, Wregas Bhanuteja, and Dr. Lala Palupi Santyaputri, S.Sn., M.Si.

After discussions with the speakers and a Q&A session with the audience, the UFF event proceeded with the presentation of appreciation to the speakers by the Chair of the UPH Film Festival 2024 and the Chair of the Visual Communication Design Program at UPH. Subsequently, works by alumni and students from VCD UPH were showcased, including those in cinematography, animation, and graphic design.

Appreciation to UFF 2024 Speakers
Appreciation to UFF 2024 Speakers

VCD UPH and the entire UPH Film Festival 2024 committee extend their gratitude to the speakers, sponsors, and media partners for their support in this edition of the UPH Film Festival 2024. It is hoped that UPH Film Festival 2024 can become a new monument in visual communication design education, especially within VCD UPH.

The UFF 2024 Committee in XXI Aeon Mall BSD City
The UFF 2024 Committee in XXI Aeon Mall BSD City

See you at UFF 2025 and other events organized by VCD UPH. For more about UFF, visit UFF’s Instagram page.


Photo Credits: Hizkia Kustiawan & Louis Alexander Setiabudi

Alumni: Felicia Kristella

Felicia Kristella
Felicia Kristella


Hello there! My name is Felicia Kristella. I’m an alumna of VCD UPH, having graduated in 2020 with a degree in Graphic Design. After graduation, I worked as a freelance graphic designer for three years, and now I’m currently employed as a full-time graphic designer at an agency located in Jakarta.

Initially, I enrolled as an Interior Design student at UPH, but I soon realized that it wasn’t my true calling in life. After one year of studying Interior Design, I made the decision to switch my major to Visual Communication Design. It was a challenging transition, as I felt somewhat behind my peers of the same age. However, I turned this struggle into motivation to work harder towards achieving my goals. I was determined to excel in my new path.

My university journey felt like a rollercoaster ride, with some challenges proving to be both rewarding and difficult to overcome. The VCD curriculum at UPH is incredibly thorough, covering everything from the basics of drawing, design principles, typography, and layout, to broader topics like branding and design thinking. Through this experience, I was able to identify my strengths, interests, and gain clarity on what I wanted to pursue in the future.

College is not just about academics; it’s also about the people you meet along the way. Some friends become your closest allies, while others inspire you to strive for greater achievements. Some lecturers may push you hard, but in the end, you realize it’s for your own benefit. Despite the challenges, the support system in college makes the journey worthwhile. That’s why I highly recommend pursuing your studies at VCD UPH. Just make sure to make the most of your time there.

One quote that has always resonated with me since my high school days is “Do your best and let God do the rest” – Ben Carson. This mindset has guided me through both the highs and lows of my academic and professional journey.


Check Felicia’s Instagram page here.