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: 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.

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.

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.

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.

Alumni: Tabita Eleora

Hello! My name is Tabita Eleora, I’m one of the alumni in UPH 2019 (2019-2023). My major while I studied here was Visual Communication Design with a concentration in Animation. For the few years before I got into the concentration, I learned so much about the basic foundation on design. The process of design is no different within the concentrations and with these foundations, I was able to understand furthermore as I learned how to produce animation from pre-production to post-production. In my years of this concentration, I found myself interested in the storymaking aspect in animation production. 

Building stories and characters were some of the many things I have been interested in since I was young. I have been drawing for a long time, though I was more focused on sharpening my skills not too far back before I applied to study here in UPH. My knowledge of art was severely humbled when I got in, there’s so many aspects that makes someone a great designer and just being able to draw is not a full guarantee. To be a capable designer, we can’t all rely on skills and passion alone. There are theories, methods, even history to learn about. There’s dedicated research to understand the purpose of each design. Creating a design is a lot more of mindwork and practice, and something that can be studied diligently here at UPH.

The studies were a great foundation that helps me in understanding art and design, but UPH greatly encourages everyone to work together as a team. There’s a lot of projects that can’t be handled on your own. Communicating and discussing with your peers are much needed skills when our goal is to communicate a design, especially in the industry. Team projects were one of the challenges that truly helped me regain confidence and more skills. Being able to work with others is one of useful quality networking that people tend to remember.

One of the courses that helped me was “Desain untuk Masyarakat” or Design for Community. This course not only challenges us creatively, it challenges us to work as a team and solve problems that were presented. We were not only designing for scores, but we designed to lend a hand in providing our community our services. That alone has meaningful points that made me appreciate this course. I was able to learn more useful skills outside of designing. 

One of the things I remembered that stuck with me for the longest time was when my lecturer told us that “We will never stop learning in this industry.” This quote came true to me because after graduating, I find myself wanting to dive more about design. Creative work has no limit in learning, we’re constantly challenged in this day and age to mend our skills following trends and technology. And UPH offers fundamentals that gave me a heads up start in this learning experience.

Going into this industry, I have my own doubts at first. but with UPH’s guidance, I was able to be confident and believe in my passion to create. UPH allows me to discover myself and have my own journey in learning art and design. The process may have its ups and downs, yet it’s the process to create oneself. Something that I hold dear as I graduate and something I hope every future student who’d want to discover themselves with UPH.


Check out Tabita’s Final Project on this page.

SEE February 2024

Hello everyone. For the second SEE of 2024, some interesting things happened in the department for the past month.

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First of all, we welcome the students from VCD Universitas Multimedia Nusantara who joined the exchange student program. They have joined the online orientation and also currently attending several classes at VCD UPH this semester.

We also had student activites this month. First, the student farewell for the students that finished their final project last semester. Second, titled PDKT, which is a student bonding event held by the student association.

For this SEE’s featured work, we feature Felicia Karen Rawung’s final project. She is from the animation concentration, and her project was one of the best final project from the 2023/2024 Odd Semester.

Last update from January 2024 is that there were three new publications: de-lite, ARCHIVED, and UPH AICON 2023 Catalogue. We also republished one book that was from Design & Environment course back in 2021/2022.

We hope that everyone can be inspired more in February 2024.

Meet our Alumni: Jefferson Kurnia

Jefferson Kurnia from VCD UPH 2015

Hi, my name is Jefferson Kurnia, an alumnus of DKV UPH from 2015 with a major in Animation. Currently, I work as a 3D Artist for JJ Group. Before joining JJ Group, I contributed to several projects both locally and internationally, such as the Tiger Bayu series, Auroria World, Mini Beats Power Rocker Movie, and the InAPP series.

I had a wonderful time studying at DKV UPH, where I acquired essential animation skills before venturing into the animation industry. The lecturers at UPH were very supportive, providing us with extra time to delve deeper into the professional aspects of 3D animation. One class that stood out for me was when we created our first 3D animation in groups. We spent a night at the UPH animation lab, overcoming challenges and learning the process of making a 3D short animation. Fortunately, our friends were supportive, helping us navigate through the challenges together.

I highly recommend UPH as an excellent institution for studying DKV Animation. They offer opportunities for students to explore and showcase their capabilities, participating in art competitions, exhibitions, and even presenting their works in cinemas.

Never doubt your passion as a career; your passion is an investment in your professional journey. This quote motivates me to continually learn and thrive in the animation industry.

UPH AICON 2023 CATALOGUE

UPH AICON 2023 dkv uph

We had an amazing time last year at UPH AICON (Animation Convention) 2023. Both the exhibition and the cosplay competition received widespread acclaim and positive reviews. Get the full scoop on the event here.

Now, we’re excited to share the event’s catalogue with you. Explore the showcased works and relive all the wonderful moments from UPH AICON 2023. Looking forward to seeing you again this year!

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Priscilla Agatha

My name is Priscilla Agatha, and I studied Animation at DKV UPH from 2015 to 2019. Currently, I work as an illustrator with a focus on cute characters. My clients include small businesses, companies, and individuals for personal commissions. In my day-to-day routine, I engage in illustration work, communicate with clients, and, when there is free time, practice my craft!

My time at DKV UPH was a valuable experience. My classmates were supportive, and the lecturers consistently pushed us to improve. Reflecting on my studies, the first year was particularly enlightening in terms of design. The class taught by Pak Winoto Usman engaged me in the study, emphasizing that the most aesthetically pleasing pictures can be created not just from artistic inspiration but through concept and methodology.

Upon entering the Animation major, I discovered my interest in illustration, realizing there was much more to it than just creating visually appealing images. After graduating, refining my identity as an artist became a continuous process. Through practice and diverse experiences, I developed a consistent visual art style. Looking back, I credit this growth to the foundation laid during my studies at DKV UPH.

I hope that the education provided at DKV UPH has continued to evolve. I recommend aspiring artists and designers to consider studying there, as the program offers a well-rounded education balancing theory and practice. The emphasis on critical thinking equips artists and designers to tackle visual problems, regardless of their complexity.

Like many artists, my biggest challenge has been fear, whether it’s fear of failure or ridicule. To those facing similar challenges, I offer this advice: embrace your fear, recognizing it as the initial step in your artistic journey. After all, what’s one step compared to the hundreds of positive steps you’ll take?