Building Connections and Creativity: The Excitement of Maranatha Christian University’s Fine Arts Design Orientation

Entering college is one of the important moments for students. This is a transition period from secondary education to a more independent stage. This is where Campus Orientation plays an important role as an initial step in building social networks, getting to know the campus environment, and preparing themselves. At this time, the Fine Arts Design of Maranatha Christian University held an orientation for new students. The event was opened with an introduction between new students from various study programs in Fine Arts Design through mini games.

After the students had their introductions, the next event continued with a butterfly making workshop using plastic bottles.

The purpose of this workshop was to welcome new students, by having them write down their hopes and dreams of entering college. The butterfly as the main concept of the workshop is a butterfly as a symbol of the continuation of life and metamorphosis as well as the transition of their lives as high school students to college students.

After the students had the workshop, the next series of events moved on to the Sharing Session Talkshow session by alumni. In this session, new students will listen to the experiences of the speakers who have traveled a long journey.

Collaboration Matters, by Brillian Valentino Founder of BETESDHA STUDIO

Brillian Valentino Founder of BETESDHA STUDIO is a graduate of the Interior Design study of Maranatha Christian University, Mara Technology University. Emphasizing the importance of collaboration in achieving success. According to him, working with others through projects involving many parties is very crucial. especially in the professional world. He reminded that personal value is more important than hard skills alone. According to him, a bigger rival is not a competitor, but an opportunity to learn and grow.

In his career, Brillian has been involved in various art projects and collaborated with many artists. He emphasized the importance of building a reputation and network relationships. According to him, the more people we know, the greater our chances of developing. The more people we know, the more we can create a team. A solid Collaboration Team is the key to success in various projects.

Brillian advised new students to make good use of their college time, absorb as much knowledge as possible, and find friends who are on par with each other in their life journey. He believes that everyone has their own dreams.

Istafada, by Talitha Azura Istafada

The second speaker is Talitha Azura Istafada, Talitha who started her career in 2012, has a fashion-related brand. After graduating from high school she continued her education at Maranatha Christian University majoring in Fashion Design. At Maranatha she learned all the basics of becoming a fashion designer, then continued her education in London, including taking a short course at Kingston University, Central Saint Martinis and a diploma at the London Jewellery School. She also completed her undergraduate degree at the Muhammadiyah University of Bandung.

Talitha actively collaborates with universities and brands to strengthen her branding. Strong branding makes her more widely known and is the key to creating an impressive identity and building long-term relationships. She was also once a stylist for Indonesian singer Isyana Sarasvati. She emphasized the importance of taking every opportunity available, such as joining a fashion community. Talitha has also collaborated with the Indonesian Fashion Chamber (IFC), which gave her the opportunity to participate in fashion shows and perform abroad.

In the Q&A session, Talitha shared time management and networking tips. She explained that time management is formed naturally over time and the creative process. Inspiration cannot be forced, and as designers, we need to be flexible. Networking, according to her, can be done through the community, because from there many opportunities arise. She also emphasized the importance of involvement in social media to get to know clients, such as interacting with new people and being active with their content.

After the Sharing Session Talkshow by alumni, the next series of events from the Cartref 2024 event was the Post to Post Collaboration Games by HIMA. In this game, new students will be faced with various challenges at each post that has been prepared.

The students work together in each group to be able to complete each challenge that will test their collaboration, communication, and creativity skills. The students will compete with other groups in completing these challenges. This activity builds a healthy sense of competitiveness among new students.

After completing various activities that are full of enthusiasm and collaboration in the Post to Post series of events. The next event moves on to an exhibition of the results of the workshop that has been carried out. This activity is a special moment where all the results of creativity and effort that have been shown during the workshop will be exhibited.

Today’s series of events closed with a Welcoming Party which is a moment to strengthen the relationship between new students and the committee through mentors. This event was created to build a strong bond where new students will show their creativity and abilities through various performances that have been prepared. This is an opportunity to witness firsthand the skills, creative ideas and cooperation that have developed during the event. Hopefully this event will be a good start for a colorful academic and social journey in the future

(Reporting by Nakisha Zahra Cynthia, Justin Henry Denny Hartono)
Article by Nakisha Zahra Cynthia