UPH Visual Communication Design
Passionate, Brighter, and Transformational
On Friday, October 27, 2023, VCD UPH visited Dian Harapan School (SDH) in Kupang. This visit was part of conducting a character design workshop for the high school students of SDH Kupang. The workshop provided materials on understanding shape language commonly used in designing characters in a simple manner. Thank you to SDH Kupang for the warm welcome and enthusiasm. We hope to meet again in the future.
On Wednesday, October 25, 2023, VCD UPH received a visit from the Studi Humanitas Program of Duta Wacana Christian University (UKDW) for a comparative study. During the event, both study programs got to know each other and shared information about their respective study activities.
Thank you to the Humanities Study Program for visiting VCD UPH. We hope that in the future, good relationships and collaborations can be established between the two study programs, especially for our students.
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.”
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.
Hello, I’m Rinaldo Hartanto. I’m an alumnus from the class of 2011. At the time I was studying, there were no specializations, but I was always interested in illustration. Currently, I work as a studio manager and printmaker at Black Hand Gang Printmaking Studio in Ubud, Bali. Additionally, I work as a freelance illustrator and artist.
I started my studies at DKV UPH in 2007. During my time at university, I was quite active in the Department Student Association, especially in events like Artbound and student art exhibitions. My favorite place to hang out was, without a doubt, the library. With its extensive visual archives, comprehensive design and art books, and comfortable spaces, I enjoyed spending hours working on assignments and reading in the library. The painting studio was also one of my favorite places, especially in the later semesters.
As someone involved in the world of visual arts and illustration, I was impressed by various courses that covered history, culture, and illustration, including:
Even though I’m not currently working directly in the field of graphic design, DKV UPH equipped me with various practical skills and conceptual abilities related to systematic thinking, the graphic design paradigm as a visual problem-solving solution, creative concept development, and various pre-production processes in both print and digital graphic design.
I absolutely recommend others to learn at DKV UPH. Especially because of the passionate and caring teaching staff at DKV UPH. Currently, DKV UPH is equipped with excellent facilities such as printing and graphic studios. I’m somewhat envious of current students because they have access to these new facilities. So, for all you UPH students, make the most of these facilities while you can! The support system for students interested in film is also strong. I’ve noticed that many UPH students and alumni are showcasing their work at various film festivals.
My time at Universitas Pelita Harapan was truly enriching, providing me with the opportunity to explore aspects of art that were previously unfamiliar to me. The university offered well-structured curricula and state-of-the-art facilities, which allowed students like me to maximize and refine our skills. Moreover, I had the pleasure of interacting with friendly and highly talented lecturers and friends who provided invaluable guidance throughout various assignments, employing diverse teaching methods. Sharing our unique drawing styles and creative work with one another was both enjoyable and beneficial.
One aspect of my education that significantly enhanced my journey as a concept artist and illustrator was the study of basic design principles. Our dedicated lecturers taught us how shapes and colors can determine the composition of art, creating different volumes, depths, perspectives, and points of view that interact to produce intriguing effects and elicit responses from viewers. They offered practical examples and techniques to infuse our artwork with stories and emotions, making it more captivating.
Upon graduating, I embarked on a fulfilling career as a concept artist, relishing the role it played in the animation pipeline. Managing the pre-production phase and the flexibility it offered, such as brainstorming character ideas, was particularly enjoyable. Simultaneously, I didn’t want to abandon my passion for illustration. Initially, it began as a side project, but it soon evolved into accepting commissions for video game characters, especially those from popular games like World of Warcraft, Final Fantasy XIV, Dungeons and Dragons, and many others. I take great pride in these commissions, especially as an avid MMORPG player myself. The characters I create become a part of me, and in some cases, they embody aspects of my own identity. Crafting art that allows people to represent themselves, whether in fiction or reality, is a tremendous honor.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Universitas Pelita Harapan as a place that nurtures and empowers students to expand their knowledge and skills. My time here was an unforgettable experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity. Thank you for having me.
My name is Tiffany Wong. I’m an alumna of DKV UPH, with a concentration in DG, from the batch of 2017-2021. Currently, I am working as a freelance graphic and book designer while also pursuing my passion for print through “sore sore,” an indie publishing platform. My practice explores how personal experiences and emotions are represented by tangible objects alongside written language.
I entered DKV UPH with little to no knowledge of the graphic design world. As far as I knew, I only wanted to have the ability to communicate with visuals, as their brochure advertised that academic year. With only a basic skill in drawing typography, I was amazed when I learned that this skill was just the tip of the iceberg in the graphic design world. Nevertheless, I was thoroughly guided through it, with classes and programs that taught me more than enough to thrive in the industry.
Looking back at my days in DKV UPH, I can’t choose a favorite class as I see them all as a holistic experience that I cherish. However, two that were particularly momentous for me are Main Studio 1 and Experimental Typography. Main Studio 1 was when I first discovered my passion for book design, which I now pursue wholeheartedly. Experimental Typography, on the other hand, was when I delved deeply into the essence of graphic design. It was probably when I achieved the ability to communicate with visuals, fulfilling my freshman dream.
I must say that not only did I gain knowledge and new skills, but my time studying in DKV UPH was also a journey of self-discovery. As I learned the many elements of the graphic design world in my classes, I was also guided to nurture my passion. The lecturers and the learning environment at DKV UPH were nothing but supportive. I hope that many more students can experience this once-in-a-lifetime journey, as I did.
Tiffany Wong currently lives and works in Jakarta as a graphic designer, art director, and visual artist. She previously worked as a graphic designer for Artnivora and Jakarta Film Week, as well as the visual communication designer for Orasis Art Space. Her work has been featured on Behance in the InDesign and Editorial section and in Madrid Grafica 2021.
Tiffany specializes in editorial and book design, where she explores language and words in relation to the book as an object. Her deep admiration for individual experiences and the natural world has led her to create works deeply rooted in romanticism, described by some as ‘poetic,’ ‘raw,’ and ‘whimsical.’
“At the end of the day, it isn’t where I came from. Maybe home is somewhere I’m going and never have been before.” ― Warsan Shire
Our Newsletter for October 2023 has been published.
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Gilbert March, class of 2013 in Visual Communication Design with a specialization in Cinematography, works as a Director for Music Videos and Advertisements.
My experience at UPH’s Visual Communication Design (Dkv UPH) has given me an unforgettable journey. The guidance, professors, mentors, and other staff members were incredibly helpful in helping me understand the importance of relationships and communication. Not only that, but a comfortable environment plays a significant role in allowing us to focus on our work. The excellent facilities enabled us to practice and create, and equally important, the friendships that supported, assisted, and taught me how to collaborate in completing tasks.
Many things left an impression because all the Cinematography courses heavily relied on teamwork. We were highly encouraged to tolerate and respect each other’s opinions. This made our work not just a personal endeavor but a collective creation.
Learning at UPH has been immensely beneficial to my career in the industry because it has enabled me to provide solutions to problems, particularly in film production. It has honed my ability to think creatively and swiftly, allowing me to seamlessly incorporate idealistic elements into video presentations.
I recommend this program to those who want to develop their talents and find their identity. Everything taught here has a significant impact on those who want to enter the workforce. It’s not just about readiness for work; it will also refine your identity. Thank you to UPH for educating and honing me to this point.
On Saturday, September 23, 2023, UPH VCD (Visual Communication Design) visited Lentera Harapan Curug School to hold an academic showcase for the students. In addition to the academic showcase, one of the UPH VCD lecturers, Naldo Yanuar Heryanto, S.Sn., M.T., conducted a character design workshop for students who are interested in the field of visual communication design. The presence of UPH VCD at Lentera Harapan Curug School was warmly welcomed and met with enthusiasm by the students. Thank you for having us at Lentera Harapan Curug School, and we look forward to meeting again on another occasion.
