Haven

Foreword

A study conducted in Canada found that classrooms can serve as open deliberative spaces, where students are trained to engage in ethical and reflective dialogue (Martineau & Cyr, 2025). By positioning the classroom as a space for discussion, it fosters a sense of safety that allows students to express their authentic thoughts more freely. This atmosphere of learning closely reflects the environment cultivated within the Visual Communication Design program at UPH. By building a safe space for students, DKV UPH has laid a foundation and provided a platform for them to grow and thrive.

The term “haven” was originally used by sailors to describe a place of refuge—a shelter from storms. A haven does not merely offer protection; it also provides a starting point, a moment of rest before setting sail once more into the noise, darkness, and chaos of the open sea. The title “Haven” in this book represents such a safe space for students: a pause before embarking on the next phase of their lives. A classroom is not merely a place to acquire technical skills; it is also a transitional refuge before students take on their responsibilities as emerging agents within society.

This notion resonates with the passage in Mark 4:35–41, where Jesus rises and calms the storm. His presence becomes the source of peace, enabling His disciples to journey forward with greater clarity and calm, eventually reaching their intended destination. In the same way, a safe and nurturing learning ecosystem provides a vital foundation for creative individuals to hone themselves, to grow, and to pursue their aspirations.

The title “Haven” does not only represent the role of the institution as a harbor for its students; it also serves as a projection, an expectation, and a hope that these very students may become havens in society. Education is not solely about skill acquisition; it is also a process of maturity. We hope that the graduates of the Visual Communication Design program will grow into individuals who are capable of offering calm, clarity, and orientation amid the many storms present in the world around us.

For nine years, the Visual Communication Design Program at Universitas Pelita Harapan (DKV UPH) has been archiving the final projects of its students. What began nine years ago marked a new beginning, an attempt to understand students not merely as learners, but as individuals who enrich the very existence of the program itself (Hananto & Kartaatmadja, 2018). This reflective practice has since developed into a tradition (Hananto, 2018, 2019), one that affirms the uniqueness and excellence of DKV UPH students (Hananto, 2020). Even in the face of challenging circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the quality and spirit of DKV UPH students remained undiminished. They persevered and successfully completed their studies, an achievement that deserves recognition (Hananto, 2021). Obstacles did not deter these students from looking forward and demonstrating their capabilities (“See – Saw: Universitas Pelita Harapan Visual Communication Design Student’s Final Projects,” 2022). The actions taken by DKV UPH students—both inside and outside the classroom—are a manifestation of their purpose and existence (Hananto, 2023), forming what can be described as a distinct epoch in their academic and creative journey (Hananto, 2024).

After nine years and nine publications, the Visual Communication Design Program at Universitas Pelita Harapan has shifted its focus not only to be a center for learning and growth, but also to become a center of service, by cultivating new havens in the form of its alumni.

We pray that our graduates, as they begin a new journey through the world, will continue to be a light, bringing positive impact through both their actions and their creative works. Our prayer is simple: that what they have experienced and learned may not only equip them for their own path, but also become something they can share with others—especially with those who may not yet have had the same opportunities.

Lastly, we hope that this book will serve as a map for its readers: a guide through which they may see and discover new havens in the shape of the students of DKV UPH, who are ready to step forward and become a haven for others in society.

Brian Alvin Hananto, S.Sn., M.Ds.
Department Chair of Visual Communication Design
Universitas Pelita Harapan

Other Readings

Hananto, B. A. (2018). Telah & Telaah: Kumpulan Karya Tugas Akhir DKV UPH 2017/2018. Penerbit Fakultas Desain Universitas Pelita Harapan.

Hananto, B. A. (Ed.). (2019). Look: Final Assignments of Universitas Pelita Harapan’s Visual Communication Design Students 2018/2019 Academic Year. Penerbit Fakultas Desain Universitas Pelita Harapan.

Hananto, B. A. (Ed.). (2020). Salience: Final Assignments of Universitas Pelita Harapan’s Visual Communicatin Design Students 2019/2020 Academic Year. Penerbit Fakultas Desain Universitas Pelita Harapan.

Hananto, B. A. (Ed.). (2021). Salute: Final Assignments of Universitas Pelita Harapan’s Visual Communication Design Students 2020/2021 Academic Year. Penerbit Fakultas Desain Universitas Pelita Harapan.

Hananto, B. A. (2023). “Foreword.” In B. A. Hananto, E. Melini, & K. M. Suwanto (Eds.), Universitas Pelita Harapan Visual Communication Design Student’s Final Projects (Vol. 6, pp. 8–9). Penerbit Fakultas Desain Universitas Pelita Harapan.

Hananto, B. A. (2024). “Foreword.” In B. A. Hananto & J. Laurencia (Eds.), Universitas Pelita Harapan Visual Communication Design Student’s Final Projects (Vol. 7, p. 7). Penerbit Fakultas Desain Universitas Pelita Harapan.

Hananto, B. A., & Kartaatmadja, M. (Eds.). (2018). Rangkaian Fajar. Penerbit Fakultas Desain Universitas Pelita Harapan.

Martineau, J. T., & Cyr, A.-A. (2025). Redefining Academic Safe Space for Responsible Management Education. Journal of Business Ethics, 196(3), 581–601. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-024-05690-3

see – saw : Universitas Pelita Harapan Visual Communication Design Student’s Final Projects. (2022). In B. A. Hananto, E. Melini, & K. M. Suwanto (Eds.), Universitas Pelita Harapan Visual Communication Design Student’s Final Projects (Vol. 5). Penerbit Fakultas Desain Universitas Pelita Harapan.

Credits

Students

Andrea Gabriella
Azariel Isaiah Layantara
Carla Christina
Cecilia Novin Shellycia
Charissa Myandra Amirah
Dorothy Tanaka
Elbert Nathanael Jaya
Eloysius Sahat Martua Sinaga
Faye Alicia
Felicia Krieski
Filbert Oscar Setiawan
Filbert Timothy Hartawidjaja
Fiony Alveria Tantri
Grace Swarnapati
Heidy Widodo
Jaselyn Harianto
Jeniffer Angelica Podung
Joy Celine Santoso
Juan Paskalis
Kalista Nathania Lee Dotulong
Kezia Glenaldo
Laetizia Ananya Abbygale Siregar
Manaka Yoshida
Mikhaella Destany Aurelia
Mihammad Hasan Mujtaba Nasution
Nadya Aisha Zahra Zaurantie hermiandy
Natashia Lim
Patricia Thelysandrina
Sabilah Amalia Omar Fadli
Tata Talia
Valen
Vania Sagita Lie

Lecturers

Ade Maradhona Shantio Wijaya, S.Sn.
Alfiansyah Zulkarnain, S.Sn., M.Ds.
Chandra Djoko Zuki, S.Sn., M.Ds.
Donny Ibrahim, S.Sn., M.Ikom.
Ellis Melini, S.Sn., M.T.
Eston Kamelang Mauleti, S.Sn., M.Ds.
Hady Soenarjo, S.Sn., M.Ds.
J. Baptista Anton, S.Sn., M.Ikom.
Jeffrey Rachmad Gunadi, S.Sn., M.Ds.
Juliana Suhindro Putra, S.Sn., M.Ed.
Kartika Magdalena Suwanto, S.Ds., M.Ds.
Naldo Yanuar Heryanto, S.Sn., M.T.
Noor Wirama, S.Sn., M.Ds.
Dra. Rerry Isfandriani
Shannon Glenda Tenardi, S.Ds., M.Ds.
Silvi Lim, DcM
Siswanto Sidharta, B.Sc., MBA.
Drs. Winoto Usman
Zulvan Zein Zulkarnain, S.Sn.

The Publication

August 2024 Gathering

On Saturday, August 31, 2024, VCD UPH held a gathering at Yugo Restaurant, Hotel Vega, Gading Serpong. This event was organized to launch the latest Final Project book, EPOCH, and also to celebrate the graduation of VCD UPH students who completed their studies in the 2023/2024 academic year.

Lidya Josephine

Lidya Josephine

Hi, my name is Lidya Josephine, and I’m an alumna of DKV UPH, class of 2020, majoring in Animation. Currently, I work as a freelance illustrator and motion graphic animator. Before enrolling, I had a passion for drawing, especially designing silly little characters and the worlds they live in. Back then, I already had an interest in 2D and 3D animation, but I hadn’t figured out where I wanted to go from there.

In my first year at DKV UPH, I was introduced to the basics of design and immediately realized how many branches and subdivisions there are in design. I also learned the hard way that even if you are passionate, you can’t be good at every subject. Just being good at drawing doesn’t mean anything if the artwork has no meaning. There are also a lot of rules, and before breaking them, we need to master the basics first. That’s what makes someone a good designer. After I picked Animation as my major, I began to lean more into my strengths and passion, especially in concept art.

In terms of subjects, a few made an impression on me, such as Studio DKV 1 and Motion Graphics. In Studio DKV 1, we were given the freedom to create personal artwork in whichever medium and were challenged to express ourselves using personal traits like family background, culture, personal experiences, and personality, and how to combine all of those things into one meaningful piece of artwork.

In Motion Graphics, there were a lot of things to learn, and the process was arduous, especially as someone who had never touched After Effects before. However, through doing the assignments, I realized that I quite enjoy the process and could see myself doing motion graphics as a career. This subject also helped me in my internships, where it built the basics for creating simple children’s animations and educational infographics.

I started out feeling unsure about my future and campus life, but my overall experience with UPH was quite satisfactory. Through DKV UPH and the on-campus communities I participated in, I had a lot of self-reflection, discovered my own strengths and weaknesses, and gained valuable experience that will guide me in the business world. Now, I look back on the experience fondly, feeling a bit more sure of myself. I have the lecturers at UPH and my companions to thank for that.


“If you only face forward, there is something you will miss seeing.”

Vash the Stampede

See Lidya’s Final Project on Epoch.

Epoch

Foreword

Highlights of an undergraduate student’s studies are their final projects. A student’s final project is a culmination of their interest and mastery of a certain aspect they wish to explore and pursue. Therefore, this archive is more than just images of visuals that the students have created; it is a representation of their existence as visual communication design students. The tradition of archiving students’ final projects is a testament to the department’s aspiration to appreciate all the work that the students have done, each unique in its own time.

Epoch” represents the beginning of a distinctive period in the history of someone or something. The term was selected as this book describes the transition, or perhaps the new beginning, of the students’ journeys as visual communication design graduates. As the students complete their final projects, they embark on a new epoch in life: as designers in the outside world. As designers who have graduated, we hope that each of our students may be able to be a blessing in their light and their new world.

Leaving school has always been a prominent change for all students. Many look forward to it, but some may feel that they aren’t ready for it. Dear students, life is full of various seasons, and each season or era is an opportunity to grow in its own way.

Epoch also marks a new era for the department. The previous final project archive showcased the three concentrations: graphic design, cinematography, and animation. In this archive, we also showcase the first graduates of the illustration concentration, which may provide a new nuance to the diverse projects shown in these archives.

Not just about the new concentration, Epoch also marks the end of the ‘pandemic’ era of final projects. Previous archives (“Salute,” “See-saw,” and “Book of Acts”) showcased works that were completed during the COVID-19 pandemic or by students who spent more than half of their study online and in quarantine. We hope that the return to a more optimal learning experience correlates with higher quality projects in this book.

And so, we hope that Epoch may continue to inspire readers through the diverse works showcased. We also hope that the end of an era can teach us to move forward in a better direction: to pursue the best, remember the good, and leave out the rest.

Brian Alvin Hananto, S.Sn., M.Ds.
Head of Visual Communication Design Department
Universitas Pelita Harapan

Credits
Students
  • Abigail San Giva Jose
  • Aileen Aprillia
  • Ananda Angelia Ivan
  • Angelina Kalinda Eka Putri
  • Angelyn Aurelia
  • Azzarine Jovita Varianty Yulizar
  • Caitlyn Kunanda
  • Carren Miquella Chen
  • Cathy Chang
  • Chelsey Suwandi
  • Christine Kurnia
  • David Hizkia Doringin
  • Dio Indo Chisundjoyo
  • Dominikus Muliawan Salim
  • Dylan Arthur
  • Fay Arietta Yapputri
  • Felicia Karen Rawung
  • Frederick Christoper
  • Grace Indahyanty Lie
  • Graciella Handersen
  • Gusniaty Edyson
  • Heidi Maurina Atira Marbun
  • Irvine Wirawan Jamesie
  • Jessica Pricilia
  • Jessica Valencia
  • Jonathan Sebastian Iwan
  • Josephine Madeleine
  • Justin Laurent
  • Kaysha Bernadette Soelistyo
  • Kheivlen Cunsuela
  • Lidya Josephine Saragi
  • Melissa Bok
  • Melissa Feby Chandra
  • Natasha Wijaya
  • Patricia Aurelie Bernice
  • Patricia Frite Tanaka
  • Priscilla Gunarso Yusna
  • Rachel Williams Darmana
  • Rhema Adithya Kusuma
  • Ria Melati
  • Richo Richardo
  • Sean Michael
  • Sharon Hardjono
  • Sherina Lie
  • Tio Alfandri
  • Valensia
  • Yessica Angelina Santoso
  • Yolanda Ruth Theophanie Taruli Tumilisar
Lecturers
  • Ade Maradhona Shantio Wijaya, S.Sn.
  • Alfiansyah Zulkarnain, S.Sn., M.Ds.
  • Anastasia Callista Winata, S.Sn.
  • Brian Alvin Hananto, S.Sn., M.Ds.
  • Chandra Djoko Zuki, S.Sn., M.Ds.
  • Christo Wahyudi Rahardjo, S.Sn.
  • Donny Ibrahim, S.Sn., M.I.Kom.
  • Ellis Melini, S.Sn., M.T.
  • Dr. Ernest Irwandi, S.Sn., M.Ds.
  • Eston Kamelang Mauleti, S.Sn., M.Ds.
  • Ferdinand Indrajaya, S.Sn., M.Hum.
  • Hady Soenarjo, S.Sn., M.Ds.
  • J. Baptista Anton, S.Sn., M.I.Kom.
  • Jessica Laurencia, S.Sn., M.Ds.
  • Juliana Suhindro Putra, S.Sn., M.Ed.
  • Kartika Magdalena Suwanto, S.Ds., M.Ds.
  • Dr. Lala Palipi Santyaputri, S.Sn., M.Si.
  • M. Adhi Suryabuana, S.T.
  • Naldo Yanuar Heryanto, S.Sn., M.T.
  • Rizky Nawai Putra, S.Sn., MFV
  • Dra. Rerry Isfandriani
  • Sabrina Sidharta
  • Siswanto Sidharta, B.Sc., MBA.
  • Drs. Winoto Usman
The Publication

Alumni: Carren Miquella

Carren Miquella

Hello, my name is Carren, and I attended DKV UPH from 2020 to 2024, focusing on graphic design.

When I first enrolled at UPH, I was apprehensive and uncertain. Was DKV the right choice for me? I wasn’t particularly skilled at drawing nor did I possess the basics of design. However, UPH provided a solid foundation, starting from the fundamentals like dots and lines. My journey here has been truly transformative. UPH isn’t just a place; it’s a community where I’ve nurtured my potential.

One of the most memorable courses for me was DG 3, which involved a collaboration with a third party, giving us a taste of real-world client interaction. I had always admired the packaging in stores, but in this class, I learned how to design packaging that aligns with a brand’s vision, mission, and target market. Additionally, I thoroughly enjoyed the “Media Hiburan Interaktif” course, where I designed a board game.

Beyond these, every lesson at DKV UPH has been immensely valuable for my career in graphic design. From the basics like color theory, typography, and layout to more advanced skills like applying them in creating a brand’s visual identity and beyond.

Personally, I enthusiastically recommend UPH to others because of my positive experience here. UPH offers excellent facilities and outstanding lecturers. If you’re seeking an institution where you can grow and prepare for the professional world, look no further!

Alumni: Angelina Kalinda

Angeline Kalinda

Hello everyone! Let me introduce myself, my name is Angelina Kalinda Eka Putri, a 2020 graduate of Visual Communication Design at UPH. I specialized in Animation during my studies at UPH, and now I work as a freelancer.

Studying at UPH’s Visual Communication Design program left a strong impression on me. I spent nearly the first three years studying online, followed by offline learning experiences on campus. I started as someone who had no knowledge of design basics at all, but now everything seems clearer and it has helped me develop in creating more engaging illustrations. The professors at UPH’s Visual Communication Design program care about the students, making each student, including myself, feel noticed and their feedback feels more personal. My peers were also very talented, which made my studies at UPH more exciting!

The Motion Graphics course was highly memorable for me. I learned to use After Effects to create various 2D animations. From not knowing how to use this software at all, now I can create motion graphics animations that enhance various projects. This course stood out because my professors were excellent at teaching complex software, allowing me to grasp it quickly. Personally, I already enjoyed drawing various 2D illustrations before joining UPH. I always felt there was something lacking and could be improved. From the various things I learned at UPH, I gained a foundation and guidance on what makes a design more engaging. From there, I gained a foothold to further develop my illustration skills. Until now, I continue to apply the knowledge I gained from UPH.

I would recommend UPH to anyone interested in design, especially those passionate about and looking to grow in the field. Not just in animation, I believe every specialization at UPH’s Visual Communication Design program like Graphic Design, Cinematography, and Illustration can help students interested in design to further develop. The way UPH professors teach ensures that students truly understand, and they care about each student personally. The relationship between students and professors sometimes feels like friends, making it easier and more comfortable to ask for guidance. This helps many who might feel shy or afraid to seek help from professors.

Gallery Walk Final Project

On Monday, June 3, 2024, the Visual Communication Design (VCD) department at Universitas Pelita Harapan (UPH) held a Gallery Walk at the Pelita Gallery for final project students from the even semester of the 2023/2024 academic year. The event was inaugurated by the Dean of the Faculty of Design and the Head of the VCD department.

During the event, several final project students from each concentration within VCD UPH presented their works to first-year students, aiming to familiarize them with the various concentrations available. This activity was designed to give first-year students a concrete understanding of what they will experience in their chosen concentrations and to foster connections among VCD UPH students across different year groups.

Cinematography Students Presenting Di Balik Mata Final Project
Fay Arietta Yapputri, from the Illustration Concentration, Presenting at the Gallery Walk
Participants of the Final Project Gallery Walk

Alumni: Juventia Kalonica

Juventia Kalonica

My full name is Juventia Kalonica, but most people call me Juju. Recently, I’ve added a new name for myself—Jun. So whether it’s Juju or Jun, feel free to call me either! I started as an Animation student back in 2017, but as time passed, I found myself gravitating towards illustration.

Deciding to pursue illustration wasn’t without its doubts. I often questioned my choice, wondering if I regretted not sticking with animation after investing time and money into it. But truth be told, I don’t regret my time in animation at all. I’m grateful for the experiences and lessons it brought me. However, as life unfolded, especially after dealing with the challenges of COVID, I realized that my true passion lies in illustration. Nevertheless, my love for animation remains, and if given the chance, I’d dive back into learning it again!

Besides honing my skills, what truly enriched my journey were the friendships I made along the way. Back when my skills were far from where they are now, my friends provided endless support and guidance.

The early years were tough. I was clueless about design, and the assignments seemed impossibly difficult. There were tears, sleepless nights, and moments of self-doubt, especially when I saw my grades. But God and my friends were my rock. Their unwavering support reignited my passion for art. The animation classes were a blast too, thanks to our kind and patient lecturer, Pak Naldo, who made the learning process enjoyable.

One class that stands out the most is concept art. Creating characters based on random themes challenged me in ways I never imagined. Laughing at my own lackluster drawings, I realized how much I had to learn. But Pak Naldo and my friends never judged me; instead, they helped me improve. It was a truly enjoyable experience, one I’d gladly relive if given the chance.

The skills I acquired have proven invaluable in my current role as an illustrator at Giftinside. Every illustration demands meticulous attention to detail, a skill I learned through countless hours of practice. Understanding proportions and human anatomy has also been crucial.

I wholeheartedly recommend UPH to anyone interested in animation. Their diverse range of classes and openness to different styles—whether it’s Western cartoons or anime—make it an ideal learning environment.

Wishing everyone the best of luck!

Mother? from Elisabeth Katie Soleman at BIFF 2024

We are proud to announce that Elisabeth Katie Soleman’s Final Project, “Ibu?” or “Mother?” has been selected for Bali International Film Festival 2024 (BIFF 2024). Elisabeth was our alumni from the 2019 cohort, and had just finished her studies in 2023. Congratulations Elisabeth for the selection, and we look forward for more great news from you.

To see Elisabeth’s work at BIFF 2024, click here.