Happy Eid al-Fitr to friends who celebrate it. April is a month that may be more relaxed compared to previous months.
Besides being a holiday, the focus this month has shifted towards preparing for the Final Semester Exams, which will begin on April 29, 2024, until May 6, 2024. In addition to the Final Semester Exams, at the beginning of April, there is also a visual presentation for students who are working on their final projects.
The completion of one semester signifies the beginning of a new semester. Hopefully, this semester can be completed well, and the next semester can be even more interesting and better for everyone.
Hey there! I’m Marcia Fortuna, but my friends call me Cia. I graduated in 2018 with a degree in Visual Communication Design, with a concentration in Cinematography from UPH.
Currently, I work as an illustrator specializing in visual development (also known as concept art), and I also attend conventions where I showcase and sell my artworks. Prior to university, I had zero artistic knowledge or skill, so the first few semesters at UPH were challenging. However, both the teachers and friends were very supportive. I was able to overcome these hurdles and gradually acquire valuable artistic knowledge and skills.
Particularly in my cinematography classes, I found myself drawn to the pre-production stage of movie creation, especially worldbuilding and storyboarding. This fascination eventually led me to further explore my interest in illustration. After graduating in 2022, I started making art prints of my artwork and joining art booth events under my brand name CallmeCia. The response was incredibly positive, and by 2024, I expanded internationally, participating in conventions in Singapore.
My most memorable class at UPH, though I can’t recall its specific name, was during my cinematography concentration. One assignment that stood out was when we were tasked with individually creating and presenting short stories to the class. Our teacher, who was incredibly open, listened attentively to each story and provided genuine feedback to every student. This particular assignment became my favorite because it allowed our creativity to run wild while also emphasizing the importance of purpose behind our creative decisions.
Choosing UPH for your degree is a fantastic decision. The campus is filled with supportive peers and teachers who genuinely care about your success. Personally, my time at UPH has been invaluable for my career growth.
“Shoot for the moon, and even if you miss you’ll land among the stars”
VCD UPH proudly presents the exhibition “Everything for Children II International Illustration Exhibition.” This exhibition takes place from April 16, 2024, to May 17, 2024, at B301, Universitas Pelita Harapan. The exhibition showcases artworks from participants from 20 countries. Within the exhibition, there are several works by faculty and students from VCD UPH who also enliven the exhibition.
Dr. Martin Luqman Katoppo, S.T., M.T. opening the exhibitionFidelia Cheryl Antoni from VCD UPH 2022 and her work in the exhibitionEston Kamelang Mauleti, S.Sn., M.Ds. and his works in the exhibition
Hello, my name is Cynthia Novita. I’m an alumna of Visual Communication Design (DKV) with a major in graphic design from Pelita Harapan University, graduating in the batch of 2014-2018. Currently, I work as an artist, ceramicist, and graphic designer under my own brand, Karyaku Kata.
My journey at this institution was one of the best experiences of my lifetime. I gained great knowledge, enjoyed a pleasant environment, had wonderful teachers, and made good friends. Throughout college, there were ups and downs, but I persevered, giving my best, which made it an incredible journey. I learned valuable lessons on managing design projects both individually and as a team, emphasizing the importance of persistence in building a strong foundation for becoming a good designer, especially in design thinking. I had the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of design, visual creation, and observational skills in my daily life.
In every project, I pushed myself to explore and be curious, enhancing my skills as a designer and artist. I enthusiastically attended many classes, appreciating UPH’s excellent curriculum and offerings. My favorite classes included philosophy of art, drawing, painting, typography, and methods of graphic reproduction, all of which are highly relevant to the industries I work in. I am grateful to Pak Alfian and Miss Nita for being great lecturers and supervisors who encouraged and embraced my skills, helping me become a confident designer.
Starting my career as a graphic designer, I transitioned to working in corporate property after graduation in 2018. With the end of the pandemic, I returned to working as a graphic designer and art teacher in an art studio. Over time, I delved into pottery, driven by curiosity and a passion for applied art. This led to the establishment of my own brand, Karyaku Kata, in September of the previous year. Karyaku Kata, which stands for Karya Kuas (brush), Kain (fabric), and Tanah (clay, ceramic), encompasses various forms of applied art, with “Kata” (word) representing the titles of my products, inspired by transitions between feelings, emotions, and thoughts.
Utilizing my sense and knowledge as a graphic designer, I aim to infuse my art with emotion. Drawing from the design theory of “experience design” learned in college, I strive to create pottery that engages people on a sensory level, incorporating concepts, stories, and music to evoke emotion. My goal is to create pieces that are not only visually appealing and functional but also meaningful, fostering connections that endure. Each creation reflects my dedication and passion for handcrafted arts, expressing my soul through colors and strokes.
I wholeheartedly recommend UPH to young creatives passionate about visual art. UPH provides excellent lecturers who are passionate about nurturing students’ skills. My journey at this institution equipped me with both soft and hard skills, providing a strong foundation for growth in the creative industries. I am immensely grateful to have been part of this journey.
There is a quote that I always say in my mind “Don’t ignore your little fire that is burning inside you, feel it and embrace it. Just keep going and trust the creative process then see what you’ll have become in the future”.
At the beginning of this April, VCD UPH just held a visual review for 42 students. The majority of students participating in this semester’s review are from the 2020 cohort, who are the first batch of students specializing in illustration. Following this visual review, students need to revise their work and prepare for the final review and also the final project exhibition scheduled for the middle of the year.
VCD UPH Final Project Visual ReviewVCD UPH Final Project Visual ReviewVCD UPH Final Project Visual Review
Follow VCD UPH’s Instagram for the latest updates on the progress of the final projects and the VCD UPH final project exhibition.
On April 4, 2024, representatives of VCD UPH students specializing in graphic design attended the graduation ceremony of the PENA (“Pahlawan Ekonomi Nusantara” or Nusantara Economic Heroes) program for the March 2024 period. This activity is a collaborative effort between Tata Rupa and the Ministry of Social Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia. The graduation ceremony itself is a continuation of a workshop attended some time ago.
Photo of VCD UPH Students at the Pahlawan Ekonomi Nusantara Graduation
During the event, representatives of graphic design specialization students received direct appreciation from the Minister of Social Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr. (H.C.) Ir. TRI RISMAHARINI, M.T.
Thank you to the Ministry of Social Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia and Tata Rupa for the opportunity to participate in the PENA or Pahlawan Ekonomi Nusantara program.
On March 28, 2024, a alumni sharing event was held by Putu Widyayana Putra & Jonathan Alexander. Both of them are alumni of VCD UPH with a specialization in animation in 2015. On this occasion, they shared their experiences working in the video game industry in Indonesia with the Film Management (Animation) class. Thank you, Putu and Jonathan, for taking the time to share your experiences with VCD UPH once again.
Putu Widyayana Putra & Jonathan Alexander in the Film Management Class
March 2024 may have been one of the longest months for VCD UPH.
For weeks, the UPH Film Festival (UFF) 2024 has been prepared and finally held on March 23, 2024. UFF 2024 has achieved a new milestone by being the first UFF held away from UPH. Hopefully, future UFFs can set new records and achievements for the festival.
Another extensive activity conducted during March 2024 was the Learning Express 2024 with Singapore Polytechnic. This project-based learning activity is one form of intensive learning that is rich and has real impacts throughout the process.
In addition to these two activities, VCD UPH also carried out various other equally interesting activities, such as alumni sharing sessions and public lectures.
For approximately two weeks, Singapore Polytechnic visited Universitas Pelita Harapan to conduct the Learning Express (LEX). LEX is a design thinking module conducted by Singapore Polytechnic with its university partners. This time, Universitas Pelita Harapan became the only LEX partner in Indonesia. In this LEX activity, three faculties from UPH participated: the Faculty of Design, the Faculty of Tourism, and the Faculty of Science and Technology.
Expert Sharing SessionBefore Empathy Study
In the March 2024 LEX, there were three projects that is collaboratively handled by UPH students and students from Singapore Polytechnic. The first project involved Sekolah Darussalam in Tangerang, Kebun Kandang Educational Eco Tourism, and Sustainable Dodol Making with Dodol Pak Oyot.
Empathy StudyEmpathy StudyEmpathy Study
In these three projects, the LEX team conducted data collection and idea development, which were then presented back to stakeholders. The final outcome of this LEX was a gallery walk, where each issue and idea were presented to the public to receive feedback and input.
IdeationIdeationPreparation for Co-CreationPreparation for Learning Express Gallery WalkLearning Express Gallery Walk
Upon completion of this LEX activity, UPH is committed to continuing to develop these three projects according to the capacity and potential that may be achieved. Hopefully, through this LEX activity, students can learn and gain valuable experience implementing their learning in real-life situations.
Co-Creation at SMK DarussalamCo-Creation at Kebun KandangCo-Creation at Dodol Pak Oyot
Thank you Singapore Polytechnic for this wonderful opportunity and collaboration in Learning Express March 2024. We look forward for our next collaboration.
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.
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
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
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
