“I highly recommend Sekolah Ciputra; the experiences and lessons I gained at Sekolah Ciputra fueled my drive for continuous self-improvement.”
MICHELLE PARWOTO WIRONO
GRADUATED: 2018
1. After graduating from Sekolah Ciputra, where do you study? What is your major?
After graduating, I studied at Columbus College of Art & Design (Ohio, USA) to major in illustration and minor in 2D animation.
2. What did you do after graduating from university?
In May 2022, I graduated from university and secured a job in the game industry. Following that, I made the decision to move from Ohio to Los Angeles to pursue a career in concept art and visual development.
3. What is your current occupation? Please share an overview
I currently work as a Junior Concept and Character Artist at FUN-GI Games (Los Angeles, USA). I design characters, environments, illustrations, and user interface assets.
4. As a Junior Concept and Character Artist, what are the challenges? How do you overcome it?
This role comes with a lot of challenges because you have to take words and turn them into images, shapes, and colours that resonate with everyone. On top of that, you’re expected to be versatile and wear different hats as you have to create all sorts of things, from in-game assets to marketing materials in a short amount of time. I overcome these challenges by being disciplined about my time through task prioritization.
5. What was the biggest challenge of moving to a new country?
Moving to a new country comes with its fair share of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is getting used to the different social cues and braving through winter. On top of that, being separated from my family during the early stages of adulthood was pretty intimidating. I had to quickly learn how to be independent and rely on my own judgment to make important decisions.
6. What do you enjoy most about your new environment?
I love how this community embraces innovation, expression, and creativity. Being in the creative hub of the world, there’s an abundance of opportunities and events like Lightbox Expo and BlizzCon that allow me to further my career and pursue my dreams. Another aspect I adore is the exposure to diverse cultures and backgrounds, which has nurtured an open-minded mindset within me.
7. In what way did Sekolah Ciputra contribute to your job right now?
Sekolah Ciputra has played a pivotal role in shaping my college and career journey. During my 11th and 12th grade, I underwent the rigorous and challenging International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) at Sekolah Ciputra, which cultivated in me a strong sense of organization and discipline. The program’s demanding nature taught me how to excel under pressure and meet tight deadlines, equipping me with valuable skills in time management and task prioritization. The experiences and lessons I gained at Sekolah Ciputra fueled my drive for continuous self-improvement and instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility.
Sekolah Ciputra not only provided me with a challenging academic environment but also offered numerous opportunities to cultivate my artistic skills. I actively participated in creating props and backgrounds for school plays and musicals, as well as showcasing my artworks in the annual visual arts exhibition and gallery. As a visual arts HL student, I learned the value of creating art with purpose and embraced the significance of critique and feedback. This foundation has proven to be invaluable in my current profession, where I frequently engage in critique sessions and must effectively advocate for my creative decisions without taking feedback personally.
8. What was the best thing about Sekolah Ciputra? Tell us something memorable from your time at Sekolah Ciputra
Sekolah Ciputra stands out for its exceptional commitment to nurture students’ diverse passions and interests. One particularly vivid memory is when a surge of enthusiasm for debating and persuasive essay writing swept through the student body (myself included), driven by the upcoming event of The World Scholar’s Cup. In response to this interest, a dedicated group of teachers established a special Saturday “Class” where students could sharpen their debating and writing skills through engaging debate sessions and timed writing exercises. The school’s proactive approach demonstrated its dedication to meeting students’ demands and fostering their growth in areas they were passionate about. The remarkable efforts put forth resulted in a significant number of Sekolah Ciputra students advancing to the final round of The World Scholar’s Cup at the prestigious Yale University. This period remains profoundly memorable, as it showcased the school’s unwavering support and encouragement for students to push themselves and become their best selves. This experience exemplifies Sekolah Ciputra’s transformative power, its ability to provide the necessary resources, guidance, and opportunities for students to pursue their passions and achieve exceptional success, leaving an indelible mark on their personal and academic journeys.
9. What advice would you give to a graduating student?
As you approach the final years of high school, remember to have fun and make lasting memories. While it’s important to stay focused on your goals and strive for good grades, don’t forget to enjoy the journey. High school is a unique time in your life, and you don’t want to look back and remember it as a dull experience (trust me on this one). Find a balance between your academic pursuits and creating moments of joy and adventure. Take part in activities, make friends, be silly, and embrace new experiences that will leave you with fond memories.
10. Would you recommend Sekolah Ciputra to others? If yes, what would you say about it?
Without a doubt, I highly recommend Sekolah Ciputra to others seeking a well-rounded educational experience. This school excels in striking a perfect balance between academic pursuits and enjoyable activities. One notable aspect is the wide range of after-school activities that Sekolah Ciputra offers, catering to various interests and passions. Whether it’s engaging in Gundam building or participating in debate clubs for prestigious events like The World Scholar’s Cup, the school wholeheartedly encourages students to explore and nourish their unique talents and interests.
11. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time, I love immersing myself in plein air painting and experimenting with blender to create stunning 3D artworks that complement my 2D art and portfolio. Apart from my artistic pursuits, I love discovering the unique flavors of different boba places. These activities bring me immense joy, fuel my personal growth, and add an exciting touch to my everyday life.
