Tag: alumni

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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”.

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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.

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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

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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.

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Alumni: Agatha Samuella Kristijanto

Agatha Samuella Kristijanto

Hello readers! I am graduating from Universitas Pelita Harapan (UPH), class of 2019, with a major in visual communication design and a specialization in animation. My name is Agatha Samuella Kristijanto, and it is lovely to meet you!

My journey at UPHwas a special one. It was not only about learning about art and design but also about learning more about myself. Many unexpected things happened. Sometimes challenging, sometimes exhausting, tearful, but there was also a lot of joy and things to be grateful for.

I experienced campus life for only one and a half years because of COVID restrictions, and we had to change the learning method to online classes. I was flying back to my hometown at that time.

I would say my first year at the university was tough. I had to adjust in many areas: campus life, friendships, and my private life. There were many new things I had to learn quickly. But I am very thankful because of the help of the lecturers and seniors; I managed to survive well. The design world has countless genres, techniques, types, and styles. I learned that each of us has time to find our style. Some already have, some haven’t, which includes me, and there’s nothing wrong with that. I can learn many new things, and I enjoyed most of the lessons, such as learning motion graphics, creating characters, painting, and many more. But if I may choose, my favorite lesson is 3D modeling.

3D modeling is a new thing I learned. I never imagined I could know 3D, and I didn’t expect I’d like it. The lecturer taught us about applications like Maya, ZBrush, and Substance Painter. In Maya, we learned how to create good topology, neat models, etc. In ZBrush, we could sculpt our models from Maya to add more detail or create a model from scratch. After the model is finished, Substance Painter helps us provide texture and color to produce a complete model.

We also learned how the animation industry works, from pre-production to post-production. It was a fun class. The lecturer was passionate about his job as a modeler, dedicated, and full of effort, so I could ask many questions and learn a lot. I am highly impressed with this class. Overall, I was satisfied with everything I experienced at this university. I’ll take it as an experience to grow even more through every thick and thin I’ve been through. And as a path that leads me to the next journey.

I will surely recommend DKV UPH to my friends, relatives, and everyone I know so they can learn in a fun and good environment as I did.

Check out Agatha’s Final Project here.

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Alumni Sharing: Ronaldo Kilimandu Dinguamah


Thursday, March 14, 2024, alumni of Visual Communication Design (DKV) at UPH from the class of 2017, Ronaldo Kilimandu Dinguamah, shared his experience working in an animation studio. Ronaldo, commonly known as Ronnie, shared insights into the animation industry and the management of the animation studio where he works, Pixel Zoo. During the session, Ronaldo also encouraged and recounted his journey in preparing himself to work in foreign companies.

Ronaldo Kilimandu Dinguamah Sharing About Animation Pipeline
Ronaldo Kilimandu Dinguamah Sharing About Animation Pipeline
Ronaldo Kilimandu Dinguamah With the Film Management Class
Ronaldo Kilimandu Dinguamah With the Film Management Class

Thank you, Ronnie, for your enthusiasm in sharing your story with us. You can visit Ronnie’s Instagram page here.

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Alumni Sharing: Jane Budiman

Jane Budiman sharing in the Film Management class

Thursday, March 7, 2024, the Film Management class for Animation at VCD UPH had alumni returning to share their experiences. This time, Jane Budiman, an alumna from the 2016 cohort, shared about her experiences working in the production team for the Neuron YouTube channel. She works as a storyboard artist and animator for Neuron. Additionally, she is also entrusted to assist in managing the production processes of Neuron’s projects. Thank you to Jane for her time and knowledge shared in the Film Management class.

Jane Budiman and the Film Management for Animation Class

Follow Jane on her Instagram page.

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Alumni Sharing: Daniel Purnama

Daniel Purnama, an alumnus of the Animation concentration class of 2013, shared his experience as a freelance concept artist and illustrator. During the online meeting, Daniel discussed how he manages projects with clients as an animation graduate in the ‘Film Management’ course for the Animation concentration.

Daniel Purnama on Film Management Class

Daniel shared about what freelance work entails, as well as the pros and cons of working as a freelancer. He elaborated on his working process, including how he manages and communicates with his clients. He also shared how he works and manages his day-to-day activities as a freelance illustrator. Daniel highlighted the importance of using references to ensure clear communication with clients and also emphasized the importance of expanding one’s skills by adapting to various styles and genres.

Daniel Sharing with the Class of the Pros & Cons of Freelance Work
Daniel and the Participants of the Online Session

We extend our thanks to Daniel for taking the time to share his insights with VCD UPH. You can check Daniel Purnama at his Instagram account.

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SEE March 2024

Happy Chinese New Year, Happy Valentine’s Day, and all other happy days there are in February.

During the second month of 2024, VCD UPH had the opportunity to host various and diverse activities, which can be seen and compiled in this edition of SEE. Even with the increased number of activities documented, these aren’t all the activities that happened during the whole month. Hopefully, the next publication may be able to document all the activities reported back to the department.

In the even semester, VCD UPH had the pleasure of inviting alumni, such as Regina Susanto from Graphic Design 2018, and also Daniel Purnama from Animation 2013. Both shared their working experiences after graduating with their juniors. Other opportunities that VCD UPH had included collaborating with KIEHL, collaborating with Tata Rupa, and also visiting Institut Kesenian Jakarta.

Lastly, we feature the work of Aurellia Levina, Dafy Bintang Natanael, and Tiara Kiatama from their Photography 2 class, which was also featured in the World Biennial of Student Photography 2023.

We hope that as we see, we may learn more and be humbled to learn more and more.

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Alumni Sharing: Regina Susanto

Regina Susanto, an alumna of VCD UPH Graphic Design Concentration batch 2018, shared her experience and work on Thursday, February 22nd, 2024. She spoke during the Introduction to the Creative Industry course for the Graphic Design Concentration, where she discussed her experience in creating and managing her own studio, Heilo. We extend our gratitude to Regina for sharing her insights with us.