Alumni: Rinaldo Hartanto

Photo of Rinaldo Hartanto. Photo provided by Rinaldo Hartanto.

Hello, I’m Rinaldo Hartanto. I’m an alumnus from the class of 2011. At the time I was studying, there were no specializations, but I was always interested in illustration. Currently, I work as a studio manager and printmaker at Black Hand Gang Printmaking Studio in Ubud, Bali. Additionally, I work as a freelance illustrator and artist.

I started my studies at DKV UPH in 2007. During my time at university, I was quite active in the Department Student Association, especially in events like Artbound and student art exhibitions. My favorite place to hang out was, without a doubt, the library. With its extensive visual archives, comprehensive design and art books, and comfortable spaces, I enjoyed spending hours working on assignments and reading in the library. The painting studio was also one of my favorite places, especially in the later semesters.

As someone involved in the world of visual arts and illustration, I was impressed by various courses that covered history, culture, and illustration, including:

  • History & Appreciation of Design by the late Mr. Yongky Safanayong
  • Oriental Art & Design History by the late Mr. Yongky Safanayong
  • Cross-Culture Design by Ms. Lala Palupi Santyaputri
  • Illustration by Mr. Donny Ibrahim
  • Painting by Mr. Donny Ibrahim

Even though I’m not currently working directly in the field of graphic design, DKV UPH equipped me with various practical skills and conceptual abilities related to systematic thinking, the graphic design paradigm as a visual problem-solving solution, creative concept development, and various pre-production processes in both print and digital graphic design.

I absolutely recommend others to learn at DKV UPH. Especially because of the passionate and caring teaching staff at DKV UPH. Currently, DKV UPH is equipped with excellent facilities such as printing and graphic studios. I’m somewhat envious of current students because they have access to these new facilities. So, for all you UPH students, make the most of these facilities while you can! The support system for students interested in film is also strong. I’ve noticed that many UPH students and alumni are showcasing their work at various film festivals.

Alumni: Daniel Sean

Daniel Sean. Photo provided by Daniel Sean

My time at Universitas Pelita Harapan was truly enriching, providing me with the opportunity to explore aspects of art that were previously unfamiliar to me. The university offered well-structured curricula and state-of-the-art facilities, which allowed students like me to maximize and refine our skills. Moreover, I had the pleasure of interacting with friendly and highly talented lecturers and friends who provided invaluable guidance throughout various assignments, employing diverse teaching methods. Sharing our unique drawing styles and creative work with one another was both enjoyable and beneficial.

One aspect of my education that significantly enhanced my journey as a concept artist and illustrator was the study of basic design principles. Our dedicated lecturers taught us how shapes and colors can determine the composition of art, creating different volumes, depths, perspectives, and points of view that interact to produce intriguing effects and elicit responses from viewers. They offered practical examples and techniques to infuse our artwork with stories and emotions, making it more captivating.

Upon graduating, I embarked on a fulfilling career as a concept artist, relishing the role it played in the animation pipeline. Managing the pre-production phase and the flexibility it offered, such as brainstorming character ideas, was particularly enjoyable. Simultaneously, I didn’t want to abandon my passion for illustration. Initially, it began as a side project, but it soon evolved into accepting commissions for video game characters, especially those from popular games like World of Warcraft, Final Fantasy XIV, Dungeons and Dragons, and many others. I take great pride in these commissions, especially as an avid MMORPG player myself. The characters I create become a part of me, and in some cases, they embody aspects of my own identity. Crafting art that allows people to represent themselves, whether in fiction or reality, is a tremendous honor.

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Universitas Pelita Harapan as a place that nurtures and empowers students to expand their knowledge and skills. My time here was an unforgettable experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity. Thank you for having me.

Alumni Gathering DKV 2018

The Alumni Gathering, organized by UPH’s DKV program, successfully reconnected alumni with their former professors on September 9, 2023, at Bottega Ristorante in Jakarta. The event began with MCs Regina and Elsa, followed by welcoming speeches from Mrs. Lala and Mrs. Elis, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere. ICE Breaking mini-games facilitated interaction among attendees, while alumni participated in tracer studies, providing valuable insights into their post-graduation experiences. The evening featured a communal dinner and randomly selected door prizes, adding excitement to the gathering. Former lecturers actively engaged in discussions, fostering knowledge sharing and networking, ultimately achieving the event’s goal of strengthening bonds between alumni and educators.

Alumni: Katarina Monika

Photo of Katarina Monika. Image provided by Katarina Monika

First and foremost, I feel incredibly fortunate to have been a part of such a prestigious institution. My experience at Universitas Pelita Harapan has been quite a journey. Occasionally, I encountered a few challenging events during my study, but fortunately, the lecturers were friendly, inspiring, thoughtful, and resourceful individuals. They guided me to flourish my character into a better person. Their guidance, resources, and mentorship not only imparted valuable knowledge but also instilled in me a lifelong passion for my field.

As a student at Universitas Pelita Harapan, I discovered my deep-rooted passion for self-expression through various assignments. The university’s rich curriculum and facilities exposed my work to a diverse range of artistic disciplines, including painting, typography, branding, advertising, photography, and art history. Various learning methods and the library have widened my horizons, especially in design knowledge and taste, and played a pivotal role in shaping my academic and career trajectory.

As a graphic designer, personally, I felt like I embarked on a transformative journey during my time as a design student at Universitas Pelita Harapan. My experience and personal growth in the university’s vibrant design community shaped my artistry and laid the foundation for my creative career.

My time in the university’s study program was characterized by an atmosphere of inspiration and collaboration. Engaging with fellow students and faculty members provided valuable opportunities for critique, discussion, and artistic growth. The university’s teaching and learning activities became a sanctuary where creativity flourished, fostering an environment that nurtured our imagination and allowed ideas to come to life.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Universitas Pelita Harapan to prospective students seeking an enriching and transformative educational experience. My journey at this institution was nothing short of exceptional, and I am forever grateful for the opportunities it provided me. Thank you once again for being a crucial part of my academic journey.

The only way to do great work is to love what you do.

Steve Jobs

Katarina Monika

Universitas Pelita Harapan
Visual Communication Design
Bachelor of Arts – BAGraphic Design
2005 – 2009

Alumni: Helena Calista

Photo of Helena Calista. Image provided by Helena.

My time at UPH has been a voyage of self-discovery and personal empowerment.

My journey of studying at Universitas Pelita Harapan (UPH) has been incredibly positive. The academic environment at UPH creates an inclusive and inspiring atmosphere, allowing me to harmonize my academic activities with personal growth. What stands out the most is UPH’s commitment to being a Christ-centered university. This commitment signifies a unique approach to education that integrates faith, knowledge, and character development. UPH has nurtured an environment where academic pursuits and values coexist harmoniously, enhancing the significance of my educational experience.

UPH, for me, is not just an institution;  it is a portal to a realm of boundless possibilities. I am  grateful for the privilege of pursuing higher education here. The privilege of studying in UPH presents extend far beyond classroom learning. It opens doors for diverse experiential learning such as engaging in real design projects, becoming a student assistant, and a variety of other opportunities. These opportunities coupled with mentorship, guidance, and trust instilled by the esteemed faculty members, have further enriched the educational experience at UPH.

UPH’s holistic approach to education equips students not only with academic proficiency but also with a spectrum of experiences that contribute to personal and professional growth.


Helena Calista is:

  • Garuda Indonesia’s “Fly Your Design Through The Sky” Winner
  • ASPaC Indonesia Online 2020 Finalists
  • Representative for KEMENPAREKRAF’s BEDA’KAN Batch 8 & 9