Alumni: Natasha Tontey

Photo of Natasha Tontey, Photo Credit: Leandro Quintero 2022.

My name is Natasha Tontey. I am currently working as an artist and researcher. I studied in UPH from 2007 until 2011. My career started from working as a graphic designer and art director but my instinct and curiosity lead me into another pathway of becoming an artist and researcher. For me, design approach supports my artistic practice.

I believe some courses in DKV UPH would support the future wider career endeavour, especially Cross Cultural Design which was led by Bu Lala Santyaputri, encouraged us to organise a student exhibition outside the campus environment. This gives student a real practical experience beyond campus curriculum. Back then, we also had the late Pak Yongky Safanayong, the most-thought-provoking dean to our time. During the internship programme, I was an intern (and later employee) at Studio 1212 founded by Kak Max Suriaganda (lecturer of DKV 5 and Fashion Design), where I was taught the multidisciplinary aspect of design thinking through comprehensive methods. Not to forget, that one of the most memorable moment I had is the spatial experience of everyday life in Gedung B. The building is utilised for DKV classes, which was once a parking ramp that brought a Brutalist atmosphere alongside the depressive yet apocalyptic classroom in contrast with the hyper decorative kitschy scenery outside the building. A bizarre visual stimuli.

On the other note, I couldn’t recall which subject I found most impressive. As far as I remember, in UPH I met lecturers who were radically interesting who have become my mentors to this present day, Pak FX Harsono and Kak Max Suriaganda. Pak FX Harsono led the Aesthetic Philosophy course and was also my final assignment supervisor, whilst Kak Max led the DKV 5 and Fashion Design courses. In my opinion, visual communication design is very philosophical and does not have to be normative and industrial-based subject, so this course provides the basics for thinking about design philosophically, sustainably and multi-disciplinary.

Apart from the loaded assignments, studying at UPH was quite expensive. Time management is really crucial. Therefore, I am not sure whether to recommend it or not. However, to be honest, when I was in high school I was still confused about where to study, so maybe it would be better for the campus to provide more information for the potential candidates about visual communication design. I think understanding the inevitable high cost of campus assignment is important. There should be more engagements that might serve as opportunities for students and the general public. And, I hope the campus institution will foster a culture of curiosity, experimentation and creative response, to support students to work on the transformation of an existing project, the creative development of a new work, a new piece of research, or an experiment to try something new. Also perhaps it would be great for design campus institutions to reach and engage with diverse and broader cultural practices to foster the curious mind of the student.


Our parents might have a belief system for the ancient fiction called religion, but each religion has its own storytelling structure. What if we said, the only structure we should believe is the fiction inside our head. Every decision is fiction, all fiction is a decision.

Point 0.4 from the Manifesto of Tactile and Fanciful Tactics on How to Build a Speculative Future through 1.0 Alternatives and Plausible Cosmic Solutions — Natasha Tontey (2018)

Natasha Tontey is an artist and researcher based in between Jakarta and Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Her artistic practice predominantly explores the fictional accounts of the history and myths surrounding ‘manufactured fear.’ In her practice, she observes any possibilities of other futures that are projected not from the perspective of major and established institutions, but a subtle and personal struggle of the outcasted entities and beings. 

Her recent exhibitions include a solo show at Auto Italia, London, UK (2022). And selected group shows and screening at 34th Singapore International Film Festival (2023), Green Snakes at Tai Kwun Contemporary Hong Kong (2023), Voice Againts Reason at Museum MACAN Jakarta (2023),  57th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (2023), Singapore Biennale (2022); De Stroom Den Haag (2022); GHOST;2565, Bangkok, Thailand (2022); Protozone8 Queer Trust, Zürich, Switzerland (2022); Arko Art Council, Seoul, Korea (2022), Leeum Museum of Art, Seoul, Korea (2022); Hamburger Bahnhof, Museum für Gegenwart, Berlin (2021); transmediale, Berlin (2021); Performance Space 2021, Sydney; Other Futures, Amsterdam (2021); Singapore International Film Festival (2021), Kyoto Experiment 2021; Asian Film Archive, Singapore (2021).

In 2020, she received the HASH Award from the ZKM, Center for Art and Media Karlsruhe and Akademie Schloss-Solitude. She was a fellow for Human Machine of the Junge Akademie at Akademie der Künste Berlin 2021-2023.

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: Elsa Evita Rahman

Hello, I’m Elsa, a 2018 DKV alumna with a concentration in graphic design. I currently work as a Graphic Designer at a FinTech Startup and Creative Agency.

During my time at UPH, I had numerous valuable experiences that significantly contributed to my personal and professional growth. The vibrant atmosphere, camaraderie with fellow students and professors, and active involvement in various organizations exposed me to new perspectives and equipped me with practical skills applicable to the professional world.

My four years of study were a blend of joy, sorrow, and challenges, all of which contributed to shaping my resilience. The supportive environment, both from friends and lecturers, played a crucial role in my development. Special appreciation goes to the instructors, particularly Pak Winoto and Pak Alfian, for their guidance and support in the Graphic Design class, especially in Studios Utama 1 (Main Studio 1).

Studios Utama 1 holds a special place in my heart, despite the initial challenges and tears shed in the graphic design class. The lessons learned during this period have proven to be invaluable in my current workplace. From a novice struggling to grasp design concepts, I evolved into someone who understands and effectively applies design principles. I extend my gratitude to Pak Winoto and Pak Alfian for their instrumental roles in my growth.

The holistic learning approach at UPH, combining theory and practical application, has been immensely beneficial. The system, which encourages student discussions, fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills—skills that are particularly advantageous in the creative industry. This approach has empowered me to provide innovative solutions with a foundation in critical thinking.

For those considering further studies, I wholeheartedly recommend UPH. The university not only hones knowledge but also offers diverse insights and opportunities. The environment encourages holistic development, preparing students not only academically but also for the dynamic challenges of the professional world. UPH has been instrumental in my journey, and I believe it can offer a similarly enriching experience to aspiring students.

Look to seek knowledge outside the classroom as well as inside it; trust me, all of that knowledge will be helpful in the future.

Kezia Rachel

Photo of Kezia Rachel

Hello! I’m Kezia Rachel, from the DKV UPH class of 2017. My concentration was in animation, which is also what I’m currently pursuing in my career. Specifically, I am working on 3D animation.

I had such a fun time at DKV UPH. The lecturers pushed me to do my best, and I am forever grateful for it. They not only acted as our teachers but also as friends, which made it a comfortable environment to study and learn. There were also a lot of activities outside of our studies. I remember going on trips for our photography and drawing classes, and there were events specifically for us students to bond and get to know each other better. I feel like it is very important to learn outside of classes, where we learn to get to know people, which will help us a lot in the industry.

I forgot specifically which class it was, but I’m pretty sure it was one of the Main Studio classes. The first time I tried out 3D animation using Maya was definitely the most memorable one. I was very passionate about animating, thus my excitement when we finally had the chance to animate in 3D. We were also given the chance to model and rig, which was a very new experience for me.

The lecturers and mentors taught me so many things, not only about art but also about the industry. It’s important to learn the basic fundamentals of art and design, but we shouldn’t forget that learning isn’t going to be enough in the industry. I was always reminded in my animation class that once we get into the industry, we are not alone. Whether we like it or not, we are always working with other people to achieve something. Of course, all the technical studies, like the basic fundamentals of animation, helped me a lot in the industry. But I realized the importance of learning about group work, accepting feedback, and criticism, which proved to be even more helpful.

I would recommend DKV UPH to a lot of people! It was such an exciting time, with great facilities, great lecturers/mentors, and all the things we learned were very insightful.

“We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.”

-Walt Disney

Ronaldo K. Dinguamah

Photo of Ronaldo K. Dinguamah

My name is Ronaldo Kilimandu Dinguamah, but please call me Ronnie. I graduated in 2017 with a degree in Animation. Currently, I work as a Key Lighting Artist and occasionally undertake freelance projects in Lighting, Rendering Architecture, and Motion graphics.

I had no artistic background or experience prior to university, so I faced many challenges with the lessons initially. However, with God’s grace, my teachers’ guidance, and my friends’ support, I was able to acquire enough skills to join the international Animation Industry. I was fascinated by all the courses that involved animation. They enabled me to create animation from the initial concept to the final post-production. These courses taught me the steps of making an animation, which equipped me for the industry.

The curriculum of the creative industry, especially Animation, is hard to keep up with the current industry trends because technology changes rapidly. That is why UPH excels at teaching students the fundamental and conceptual aspects of design, especially the “design thinking” concept. This concept assists me in my work because it is not just about making “pretty” pictures, but about conveying a message with visual elements.

I think UPH is an excellent choice for students who aspire to learn how to think like designers. UPH helps you comprehend the design and animation principles in a holistic way, enhancing your design abilities. UPH also has remarkable lecturers who are passionate about the industry and their students’ education. If you seek to learn the basics and get support from qualified lecturers, I highly recommend UPH.


Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Ronaldo Kilimandu Dinguamah, but you can call me Ronnie for short. In 2017, I delved into the world of creative design and pursued my studies in DKV UPH, with a keen focus on animation. Following my graduation, I embarked on a thrilling freelance journey in the advertising industry for six months, all while crafting my portfolio. In early 2021, I landed a position as a Lighting and Compositing artist at Pixel Zoo, an animation studio based in Brisbane, Australia. My expertise in 3D lighting and compositing has been instrumental in bringing to life several animation series or movies, including the likes of LOL Surprise, Rainbow High, and Mermaze, to name a few. Despite my specialization, I never lost my love for the traditional arts of drawing and painting, which continue to inspire and fuel my creative passions.

Typolog 2023 Webinar 3 with Fredella Agatha

Typolog 2023 is hosting its third webinar of the year titled “Behind the Scenes of the ‘Pantjoran’ Display Type Design with Fredella Agatha.” Fredella Agatha is one of the alumni from VCD UPH who chose a type design project as her final project. Now, she’s returning to share her experiences in the Typolog 2023 webinar.

This webinar will take place on October 20, 2023, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM WIB (Western Indonesia Time). Please register through https://bit.ly/RegistrasiTypologSesi3.

Alumni: Evan Wijaya

Photo of Evan Wijaya. Photo Provided by Evan Wijaya

My name is Evan Wijaya, and I’m a graphic designer. I entered Universitas Pelita Harapan in 2013 and graduated in 2017.

UPH provided me with a strong foundation in design. Back then, I knew nothing about design, and frankly, I was quite afraid of falling behind other students who I presumed already knew one or two things. Thankfully, the curriculum and the lecturers were very helpful in guiding me through the lessons.

I truly appreciate how the lessons didn’t only focus on hard skills but, more importantly, on soft skills as well. The early semesters were truly eye-opening to me as I got to know the basics that I still often rely on today, such as basic layout design, typography, and design thinking. The impact these lessons had on me was very substantial.

The three and a half years helped shape my interest in pursuing a career in the design world and introduced me to outstanding colleagues. The entire experience of studying at UPH practically made me who I am professionally today.


Evan Wijaya is an Indonesia-based graphic designer with a passion for graphic design in films, film production design, and set design. Movies and pop culture are his driving force in entering the field of graphic design. However, he often draws inspiration from subjects related to history, culture, art, science, myth, and fantasy. When it comes to design, he values great attention to detail.

Evan has received several recognitions, including the Indonesian Graphic Design Award 2 in the Typography Category (2014) and the Grand Prize Winner of the Adobe Hidden Treasures: Bauhaus Dessau competition (2018). He has collaborated with various brands and production companies, such as Sejauh Mata Memandang, Miles Films, Starvision, Palari Films, Wahana Kreator, and Base

Doodleheimer

The Welcoming Party for the DKV Program at UPH was a vibrant and motivating event that aimed to introduce new students to the program’s community. It began with welcoming speeches from the program’s leadership, emphasizing its significance and the role of the Student Association of DKV (HMDKV). The event also featured interactive sessions to help new students connect with each other, fostering stronger bonds within their cohort. Notably, creative games like the Kahoot-based “Smart but Not Too Careful” and the cosplay competition added an element of fun and creativity to the event, showcasing the talents and enthusiasm of the new students.

Photo of One of The Student Groups in Doodleheimer

Moreover, senior students Carla C. and Natashia Lim played a pivotal role by sharing their experiences and insights. They advised maintaining mental well-being, effective stress management, and balancing academics with extracurricular activities. Their guidance served as a valuable resource for the incoming students, helping them navigate the challenges of their academic journey. Additionally, alumna Agnes Hernadi shared her experiences, shedding light on the challenges and solutions encountered during her studies, particularly in the context of the pandemic. Her perspective as an alumna provided a unique and relatable perspective for the new students, offering them inspiration and guidance as they embark on their own DKV UPH journey. Documenting the event through photos and videos allowed participants to capture these memorable moments, creating a sense of nostalgia and unity among the new DKV UPH students. Overall, the Welcoming Party was an inspiring and informative start to their journey in the DKV Program at UPH.

Photo of All the Participants and Committee of Doodleheimer

“Small World, Big Responsibility” Seminar

On Monday, August 28, 2023, a seminar titled “Small World, Big Responsibility” was conducted as a part of the Focal Point event. The event commenced with opening remarks from Dr. (Hon.) Jonathan L. Parapak, M.Eng.Sc., the Chancellor of Universitas Pelita Harapan, Dr. Martin L. Katoppo, the Dean of the School of Design at Universitas Pelita Harapan, and Masato Yamamoto, the President Director of Fujifilm Indonesia. The seminar’s opening concluded with the signing of a memorandum of agreement between FujiFilm Indonesia and Universitas Pelita Harapan’s School of Design.

Dr. Martin L. Katoppo, S.T., M.T., Dr. (Hon.) Jonathan L. Parapak, M.Eng.Sc., and Masato Yamamoto

Subsequently, during the event, Andiyan Lutfi introduced the exhibition participants to the realm of macro photography and provided a demonstration on the techniques involved in macro photography. Notably, in this seminar, Prof. Dr. F. Budi Hardiman also delved into the philosophical underpinnings behind macro photography.

Andiyan Lutfi at the Seminar
Prof. Dr. F. Budi Hardiman at the Seminar

DKV Welcoming Party: Doodleheimer – Creativity is the Bomb

DKV Welcomign Party: Doodleheimer Creativity is the Bomb

The Welcoming Party event is organized to provide inspiration about creativity and to offer positive encouragement in the transition of new students towards the academic phase. This event features alumni, namely Agnes Hernadi from the Cinematography specialization, class of 2018. Besides the alumni, there is also a senior who has accumulated valuable experiences during her study period, Natashia Lim from the Graphic Design (GD) specialization, class of 2021. Both speakers will discuss their experiences during their studies in Visual Communication Design (VCD) at UPH. We hope that this activity can provide an overview of the academic activities that will be undertaken by the new students.