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.

Junissa Bianda


My name is Junissa Bianda H, and I am an illustrator specializing in children’s books and goods. I attended UPH from 2009 to 2013, majoring in DKV. My time at UPH was truly eye-opening, unlocking numerous skills and wisdom during my classes.

Among the subjects, I particularly enjoyed the Digital Art class, where I learned the basic principles of Photoshop. This marked a breakthrough in my artistic journey as it was my first introduction to Photoshop. Previously, I had primarily used traditional mediums for my art, but now I consistently incorporate Photoshop into my projects. In the Illustration class, I explored the vast styles of illustration and learned to stylize humans and objects. I also appreciated experimenting with mixing traditional media, producing different and unique textures for my work.

Inspired by the classes at UPH, I decided to delve deeper into illustration by pursuing a master’s degree at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.

Currently, I am represented by a literary agency based in NYC, UK, and Singapore. Throughout my career, my clients have mainly been publishers, including Penguin Random House, Nosycrow, Usborne, Hallmark, Sourcebooks, Scholastic, Hachette, Cottage Door Press, Unilever, Albert Whitman & Co, among others.

One of my notable illustrated books, titled “Nabil Steals a Penguin,” was voted “Picture Book of the Month” by The Guardian and The Bookseller. It was also mentioned in the Observer as the picture book to look out for.

I had the privilege of creating branding for IHC Pertamedika’s children’s hospital in Makassar, designing two new mascots, and creating a mural for its 20m corridor and rooms.

In 2021, I debuted my own illustrated and written book series, “Kareem and Khaleel,” published by Lentera Hati. The series, consisting of five books, has sold over 20,000 copies worldwide. The IP is expanding into other media, including small merchandise and goods. The series was nominated as the bestseller in the children’s book category in BBW and Gramedia.

All these projects were made easier by the foundation laid during my time at UPH, and I highly recommend it to art students.

Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.

Pablo Picasso

Environmental Graphic Design Simulation Project with Scientia Square Park

VCD UPH with the Management of Scientia Square Park

On Tuesday, December 19, 2023, students from the Visual Communication Design (VCD) program at UPH visited Scientia Square Park to present their analysis and proposals regarding environmental graphic design at Scientia Square Park. This project is part of the final examination for the course “Graphic Design in Space,” held in the Odd Semester of 2023/2024. Through this project, which involves industry stakeholders, VCD UPH aims to provide students with real-world experience to enhance their learning.

VCD UPH Students Presenting Their Studies and Designs to the Management of Scientia Square Park

Jeff Daniel Riyanto

Photo of Jeff Daniel

My name is Jeff Daniel Riyanto. I graduated from Visual Communication Design (DKV) at UPH with a concentration in Graphic Design, belonging to the batch of 2018-2022. Currently, I own a creative design studio that predominantly focuses on social media design. We manage brands and designs related to the food and beverage industry and have expanded into fashion and lifestyle as well.

My experience studying DKV was both exciting and challenging. Meeting new friends with diverse backgrounds and interests in design was a highlight. Among the courses I took at UPH, especially in the Graphic Design department, the most impactful was the main studio course. There, I learned design principles that have proven to be incredibly useful in my professional endeavors.

The rapid development of Industry 5.0 has significantly influenced the creative workforce. During my time at UPH, the learning process evolved to keep pace with the times, providing an added advantage for us as students. I highly recommend UPH because, in my opinion, it offers an environment where you can develop exceptionally well, and the faculty is very supportive of its students. For instance, my classmates and I were required to participate in a typeface design competition, which resulted in us winning second place on an international scale.

Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success.

Dale Carnegie

Alumni: Glory Josephine Immanuela

Photo of Glory Josephine Immanuela. Photo Provided by Glory Josephine Immanuela.

Hi, let me introduce myself. My name is Glory Josephine Immanuela, but I’m commonly called Goi. I’m an alumna of DKV UPH, specializing in Graphic Design, from the class of 2016. Up to this day, I’m working on a business that my friend and I founded back in 2018 during our time at university, which is a custom artwear venture called Rupa Cerita (located in Bogor).

My current opportunities and abilities are closely tied to the 3.5 years of education I received at DKV UPH. I’ve always considered my time in college as an incredible blessing from God because the knowledge, activities, opportunities, and campus facilities equipped me from various aspects. This included a highly comprehensive design discipline, knowledgeable professors, a library with quality reference books, insights into job opportunities for designers in the current design industry (both nationally and internationally), the opening of connections and job prospects, well-equipped design labs and computers, and simulations of the role of design within the broader community.

While nearly all the courses I took were memorable, and I still recall the ups and downs, there’s one moment in the Experimental Typography course that I’ll never forget. During my studies, I went through an identity crisis, finding it challenging to follow and adapt to the main task of graphic designers, which is to systematically, structurally, and measurably address communication problems with visuals. Perhaps my visual style was more dynamic, and not all creative briefs suited my approach. This created the impression that I might never meet the industry’s needs, and I felt that the industry would forever be boring and stressful. However, in the Experimental Typography class, the emphasis was on the level of exploration of typography, layout, and animation. And at one point, when the Head of the Department, Mr. Alfiansyah Zulkarnain, visited the class, he uttered a simple sentence, “Wow, this font is so Goi.” That’s when I felt understood and accepted. Finally, my self-confidence began to grow, allowing me to explore my own design character.

I’m grateful for the knowledge of Graphic Design that I gained at DKV UPH. It not only influenced my visual work but also my everyday life and work. Project and time management skills were greatly honed when working in teams, preparing me to deal with various individuals in the industry.

I will always recommend DKV UPH to young creatives who want to study design because at DKV UPH, you can learn from highly experienced professors who are still active in the design industry. The supportive facilities and environment are among the key factors in the development of students.

“For me, success isn’t about meeting the standards the world sets, but about developing one’s talents and fulfilling one’s own God-given calling to the best of one’s ability. That alone is sufficient.”

Guest Lecture from Paperina & Heidelberg

Mr. Santoso Giving Lecture on the Class


On Tuesday, October 17, 2023, VCD UPH (Visual Communication Design at the University of Pelita Harapan) welcomed Mr. Nico Antonio Santoso (PT. Paperina Dwijaya) and Mr. Jaya Atmaja (PT. Heidelberg Indonesia) to the Printing Production class. Both of them attended as guest speakers in a lecture by industry practitioners. Thank you, Mr. Santoso and Mr. Atmaja, for your time in sharing your experiences at VCD UPH.

Produksi Cetak Class with Mr. Santoso and Mr. Atmaja

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: 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