Rainbow Academy is dedicated to leading the field in Computer Graphics, 3D and 2D Animation, Visual Effects, Video Games, and Concept Art education. Since its founding in 2011, the Academy has provided students with a balanced approach, combining theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on experience to ensure they are well-prepared for the industry.
Recent graduates Alessandro Pibiu and Roberta Toledo share their experiences studying both online and on campus, showcasing the Academy's flexibility and comprehensive learning environment.
Alessandro: Rainbow Academy is based in Rome and is a full-fledged training school that offers a wide range of solutions in the field of digital art, from 2D to 3D, both onsite and online. One of the things I liked most is the fact that it is also a production studio, which means everything they teach reflects the real workflow of the industry. The instructors are all professionals who work in the field I want to be a part of, and their feedback is invaluable because it is based on direct experience. Besides their professionalism, I was impressed by the warmth and personal approach they offered throughout the training process.
Roberta: Rainbow Academy is an advanced training school based in Rome, specialising in 3D animation, visual effects (VFX), and game design. What sets it apart is its highly practical and professionally-oriented approach, allowing students to learn from a team of experienced instructors and work on real projects using cutting-edge software such as Maya, ZBrush, Unreal Engine, and other tools used in international productions. From my perspective, this dynamic and stimulating environment makes the school a benchmark for those aspiring to a
career in the creative industry, thanks to the comprehensive training it provides.
What made you choose to study at Rainbow Academy?
Alessandro: I found out about Rainbow Academy through Google. I was looking for a school in Italy that offered comprehensive training to learn all the necessary basics to enter the 3D world. This school was consistently at the top of the rankings I found online, so I decided to enrol in the Game Assets online Master Course. The master’s program was the perfect combination of my two passions: art and video games. Even though it is far from where I live, the school is fully equipped to allow online students to participate fully in all activities.
Roberta: I have always dreamed of becoming a 3D artist, and I knew that to achieve this goal, I would need specialised training. I chose Rainbow Academy because I knew it would provide me not only with the necessary technical skills but also a deep understanding of the processes behind 3D content creation and how the industry works. This journey has lived up to my expectations, giving me a solid foundation on which to build my career.
How do students and teachers interact and what kind of mentorship can a student expect?
Alessandro: As an online student who had never done anything similar before, I was initially worried that I wouldn’t receive enough attention in terms of teaching. However, I was proven wrong from the very first lesson. All the teachers and assistants were always available for clarifications and questions, both during and after class. For any technical issues or academic doubts, all it took was an email or message to quickly receive help and advice. The support provided during the exam phases was incredible, and I never felt alone.
Roberta: At the school, there is constant interaction between students and teachers, who are always available and ready to offer support. The relationship is very direct and collaborative, creating an open and stimulating learning environment. The teachers don't just explain techniques; they also provide valuable feedback and practical guidance on how to improve.
What have you found most valuable about your learning experience so far?
Alessandro: I have always drawn characters and faces, so my main goal in this master’s program was to deepen this skill. I managed to learn both basic and advanced techniques for sculpting, texturing, and animating 3D characters. Additionally, the master’s helped me expand my artistic skills in other areas, such as landscapes and structures, which I probably wouldn’t have tackled on my own. Despite the initial difficulties, I found the learning process very enjoyable. I also learned to use a wide range of essential software in the 3D industry.
Roberta: One of the things I appreciated most is the way all stages of production are explained to us, step by step, in a clear and well-organised manner. Organisation is a key aspect that I have come to value: it’s what allows you to confidently tackle complex projects while maintaining control over every detail. This approach has definitely enriched my artistic growth, giving me a clearer and more professional perspective on the workflow.
Can you tell me about a school assignment where your teachers gave you helpful feedback?
Alessandro: The master’s program is structured into several modules, each covering a key phase of the 3D creation process. By the end, we had produced a complete showreel. One of the modules that stood out the most for me was the one dedicated to character design. With the support of the instructor, we were able to create a complete and animated 3D character independently, starting from a 2D concept. We explored all the necessary techniques and processes, using various software depending on the stage of development. Besides the technical aspects, we were also given valuable artistic advice, such as color palettes, posture, and the unique traits of characters. I was particularly pleased with this exam, in which I achieved top marks.
Roberta: During the preparation of my thesis, I received constant supervision from one of my teachers who, through his feedback, allowed me to further explore certain aspects of production. His guidance was essential in refining the project and optimising the workflow, resulting in a final outcome that I am very satisfied with.
At the school, there is constant interaction between students and teachers, who are always available and ready to offer support. The relationship is very direct and collaborative, creating an open and stimulating learning environment. - Roberta
What opportunities does Rainbow Academy provide outside of regular classes?
Alessandro: Throughout the master’s, the school provided us with information on many reference sites for 3D work, where we could gather inspiration and improve our projects. Rainbow Academy also provided a dedicated Discord server where students and teachers could exchange ideas, offer advice, and share video tutorials. The school also involved us in various contests, such as the one from The Rookies, which we participated in during the final stages of the master’s.
Roberta: In addition to regular classes, the school often organises interesting events and meetings where various topics related to the world of 3D, animation, and VFX are explored in depth. These events provide an opportunity to gain deeper insight into the industry, interact with professionals, and discover new tools or techniques. It’s a great way to further enrich the learning experience and stay updated on industry trends, while also fostering networking with other students and professionals.
Can you describe any collaborative projects you have been a part of during your studies?
Alessandro: Towards the end of the master’s program, the school gave us the opportunity to participate in a group contest organised by The Rookies. We worked for about two weeks in three teams, each led by a group leader chosen by the teachers. Each group was tasked with developing a 2D concept of a character and an environment. As the character designer for my team, I was responsible for bringing our character to life. While we required some clarifications and corrections along the way, we were granted significant autonomy to test our skills and learn how to collaborate effectively. Despite the limited time and the challenges we faced, this experience was undoubtedly the most rewarding aspect of the entire master’s program.
Roberta:During my time at the Academy, I had the opportunity to work with a group of classmates with whom I immediately connected. We always supported and helped each other, creating a collaborative environment. Sharing our knowledge and skills allowed us to improve together, tackling common challenges and projects that enriched our artistic experience and made teamwork smoother.
Have you had the opportunity to work with industry professionals or participate in real-world projects during your time at the school?
Alessandro: Unfortunately, I have not yet received any job offers in the 3D field. For now, I am focusing on improving my portfolio. I am working hard to further refine my skills and expand my body of work so that I am prepared for future opportunities when they arise.
The master’s program was the perfect combination of my two passions: art and video games. Even though it is far from where I live, the school is fully equipped to allow online students to participate fully in all activities. - Alessandro
Roberta:We participated in The Rookies international contest in various groups, an experience that truly enhanced our artistic skills and promoted teamwork. Collaborating with other students on complex projects allowed us to share ideas, solve problems together, and refine our skills in a dynamic working environment. Each team member contributed their unique expertise, which enriched the final project and provided a valuable opportunity to learn from one another and grow as a team.
Alessandro: One of the most rewarding aspects of this master’s program was sharing the experience with people from different backgrounds. Rainbow Academy gave me the opportunity to interact with students who had diverse needs and experiences. Along with seven other students, I attended all the classes live via Discord. Despite the remote learning setup, I never felt excluded from any academic or recreational activities, which made the experience even more enriching.
Roberta:Rainbow Academy actively promotes diversity and inclusivity within the student community through various initiatives. For example, it organiaes events and workshops that celebrate diverse cultures and artistic practices, encouraging dialogue and collaboration among students from different backgrounds. This inclusive environment has enriched my educational experience, allowing me to engage with unique perspectives and learn from peers with diverse stories. The variety of experiences and talents at the academy has stimulated my creativity and helped me develop a broader artistic sensitivity.
What are your future goals, and how do you feel Rainbow Academy has prepared you for them?
Alessandro: Rainbow Academy has provided me with the knowledge and tools necessary to enter the 3D industry, allowing me to bring many of my creative ideas to life. My current goal is to continue expanding my portfolio. My dream is to become a professional character artist, either in the gaming or animation industries. When I am not working, I dedicate my time to studying, improving, and specialising in this field, with the hope of soon joining a cohesive team where I can continue to grow professionally.
Roberta:My main dream is to work as a 3D artist on large-scale projects. Currently, I am committed to continuously updating and improving my skills to make this dream a reality. Rainbow Academy has provided me with excellent training, which is now reflected in my personal projects. Thanks to the skills I’ve acquired and the hands-on experiences, I feel more prepared to face the challenges of the industry and to contribute to meaningful projects.
Alessandro Pibiu is 29 years old and lives in Carpi, in the province of Modena. He has always been self-taught, starting to draw at the age of 4, inspired by comic books and cartoon characters. During his teenage years, Alessandro developed a passion for hyperrealism and digital illustration, which he pursued until he eventually started tattooing. At 26, he began exploring the world of 3D, driven by his fascination with Pixar films, and decided to embark on a training path at Rainbow Academy.
Roberta Toledo is a passionate 3D artist, graphic, and web designer. She enjoys turning ideas into extraordinary visual realities, both individually and collaboratively. Roberta’s work blends passion with technical precision, and she is constantly exploring the latest innovations, eager for new collaborations to expand her skills.
Learn more about Rainbow Academy here.
