WHAT THEY SAY
ABOUT IDEA.
SIMONE TENTONI
"I discovered many qualities that I did not think in the slightest belonged to me"
When I enrolled in Idea Academy's Master's program, I had just started working and thought it would help me hone the skills I had.
The truth is that the school did much more than that.
Thanks to the fantastic array of highly trained faculty, I discovered many qualities that I did not think in the slightest belonged to me, radically changed my creative approach, and concretely expanded my opportunities to grow.
MASSIMILIANO HAEMATINON NIGRO
"The experience was like a baptism of fire for me"
IDEA Academy's Master in Art Direction was my first encounter with Art as a practical discipline; before then, I had no experience with drawing, painting or design. In hindsight,
I can say that I started without the necessary preparation, but thanks to the patience and quality of the teachers' teachings, I acquired the indispensable foundation to continue my study as a self-taught artist.
I am infinitely grateful to them; the experience was like a baptism of fire for me.
ANDREA TANYA MARCHELLO
"It was the best choice I could have made"
At the age of 30 I was still trapped in a job that didn’t represent me, far from what I loved and love doing most in the world and for which I made years of sacrifices with the hope of finding a stable job: drawing.
Finally, after careful evaluation I decided to give up everything and enroll in the IDEA Academy’s visual development course! It was the best choice I could have made: it is a professional course dedicated to those like me who want to enter the world of the animation or video game industry. It was an intense year, the road was not always smooth, but the professionalism and skills honed and acquired during the course were worth it. Now I finally work as a background designer at Rainbow and I’m sure it was thanks to my commitment, but also thanks to the professionals who guided me and my classmates on this path.
100% recommended!
SAM VANDERPLANK
"I enrolled at IDEA at a time when I was very lost on my future as an artist."
I had heard about the Academy in the summer of 2022 and decided this would be my next step. The teaching immediately blew me away as I felt this was exactly what I had been missing at my previous school. In addition, the sense of community was an experience I will always treasure. I learnt so much not only from my teachers but also from my amazing classmates. I found the course to be extremely challenging, however with many an all-nighter I emerged in June 2024 with a portfolio I was proud of and one I felt confident taking with me to Annecy Festival.
I am so grateful to IDEA and everyone I met there, as the school truly changed my life and without them I wouldn't have landed my job as a background painter on one of my favourite shows.
JULE WERMERSSEN
"IDEA Academy has changed my life in every aspect."
IDEA Academy has changed my life in every aspect. I've always loved drawing, but never knew much about it. IDEA Academy gave me the skillset and the insights about the industry that I needed to actually make a career in art.
It's been the best 3 years of my life, I've met inspiring people and great friends.
I would always do it again, thank you IDEA :)
AHMED GAMAL
"The experience I had at IDEA helped me a lot in my role as an Art Director at Disney+"
My experience at IDEA Academy was like pulling together all the fractals of learning and experimenting and reorganizing it in the most efficient way. As a self-taught artist, I always struggled with important topics around art like how I should approach learning new skills, how to have a proper mindset as an artist, and how to set a solid workflow and be able to present and show my work. IDEA isn't just about learning art techniques, it is about how to be a fully functioning artist with an arsenal of technical and artistic tools.
The teachers in IDEA had a strong professional experience besides their academic skills. This made the courses very efficient in helping the students implement what they have learnt in real work situations.
The experience I had at IDEA helped me a lot in my role as an Art Director at Disney+. It made me comfortable in crafting ideas, communicating with clients and team members and creating a stable workflow.
Also, IDEA is creating this friendly environment between students and teachers, everyone was having fun and everyone was very supportive.
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BEATRICE MARINELLI
"Enrolling in Idea Academy was the most radical and caring change in my life!"
I started the Fundamentals course that I was still majoring in physical therapy, but I felt I wanted to listen to that voice that said that drawing could be my path.
Thanks to the continued support of professors and fellow Idea students, I finally put my whole self into drawing!
It has been three intense and wonderful years, I learned so much in such a short time that sometimes ,if I stop and think about it, it seems impossible to me that I have improved so much.
I started out that I didn't really have mind what I wanted to do, but thanks to the notions I learned during my studies in the academy and thanks to the shared experiences of other professionals in the field, I now have clear goals and a method of work that helps me to be consistent!
Thanks to the Idea and their continued support, I have not given up on my dream and have figured out how to make it a reality, with a lot of work but never forgetting why I started drawing.
A few years ago I would not have even allowed myself to imagine that I could work in this field! And now here I am working on a team for an animated series, doing work that I love!
I will be forever grateful to the Idea <3
GABBY LEE
"Everyone I met through IDEA Academy are people I will always look up to and admire in my artistic career "
After completing my BFA, I realized that I needed to improve my skills in order to work in the animation industry. I found IDEA Academy and thought it was too awesome to be true. And it turned out, indeed, that IDEA is very real and really awesome. The program pushed me to my limit. With the support of the instructors, I grew to be comfortable with the discomfort of not knowing and learned to enjoy the process of experimentation to find my unique artistic voice. I was constantly inspired by the teachers, my classmates, and the culture of community and support that the staff cultivated within the school. Everyone I met through IDEA Academy are people I will always look up to and admire in my artistic career. I am now a background artist at Bento Box Entertainment, and am working on projects I only dreamed about when I was young. I wouldn't be here without the great efforts the staff put into the program to make it such a phenomenal experience for all the students. Thank you IDEA Academy!
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BEATRICE BATTISTA
"I found exactly what I was looking for and my dreams are finally coming true! "
I found IDEA Academy after more than a year of searching. I was afraid I would never find a school that covered my interests, especially in Italy, but I was pleasantly surprised by my discovery. I attended the 3-year Visual Development track and it was the best choice I could have made. At IDEA I found exceptionally talented and knowledgeable professors, sometimes from the other side of the globe. I was able to learn so many different ways to approach the world of concept art and choose my favorite and pursue it in the working world. The internationality and diversity of this environment and its students really opened my eyes to the world and convinced me to pursue my dreams. I will always remember the Academy years fondly and nostalgically.
BEATRIZ NOVAIS LICKFOLD
"My dreams are finally coming true and I know it wouldn’t have been possible without IDEA! "
I decided to go to IDEA after one year out of univrsity I realized I was nowhere near where I needed to be if I wanted to get a job in the industry so I decided to develop my skills further, I had heard about IDEA Academy through a friend and thought that was exactly what I was missing. My time there was amazing, I had never worked as hard or been pushed as far than when I was there, both by my amazing and talented teachers (who offered me such a range of skills and ideas) and my friends! In one year I got better than i could have ever hoped for, and now after developing my portfolio further on my own, using the tools IDEA provided me, I am working at Titmouse as a Background painter!
My dreams are finally coming true and I know it wouldn’t have been possible without IDEA!
LEONARDO GIAMMICHELE
"The experience at IDEA was wonderful! "
The experience at IDEA was wonderful, in a sunny and peaceful environment that at the same time gave you the energy to spur and to challenge yourself. Classes have been super constructive and allowed me to take giant steps ( in fact when I started the course I only knew how to use traditional materials). In addition to the assigned exercises, the teachers succeed with collective and individual critiques that helped in bringing out the best qualities of each student and have made everything more stimulating every day.
And lastly, it would hardly be necessary to say that this experience has been made even better by my colleagues (now friends) with whom I have been able to compare myself and improve every day.
ELISA FERRACINI
"IDEA Academy was an experience of the highest value"
For me, IDEA Academy was an experience of the highest value that allowed me to bring order and discipline to my way of making art. An experience that has also finally cleared my ideas on how much commitment and perseverance it requires to be a concept artist, a job that I will try to cultivate from now on with a decidedly more critical, objective and professional eye than before. More than a simple course, I consider IDEA as the family that helped me to forge confidence in my abilities, and even if I did not have the opportunity to study on-site, the support received was an invaluable help, such as if I had lived it in presence.
In all of this, I cannot fail to mention the wonderful people I have known, especially my classmates and teachers, for whom I have a deep respect and from whom I continue to learn to this day.
GIULIA MARUZZELLI
"This is a life-changing course"
I searched hard for a course that would train me in visual development and prepare me for what I wanted to do since I was a little girl, which was: making cartoons. I inquired relentlessly both on google and by asking friends. I decided, pushed by the many positive reviews from former students and professionals, and I must say... that year changed my life.
Idea educates you both because of the professional level of the teachers and also indirectly because of the very high level of fellow students. Despite the fact that my year was during the pandemic, I made key friendships and learned from my peers as well. Idea carefully selects its students and takes care to train you throughout the year so that once you finish the course your portfolio is complete to start sending it to animation studios. I felt motivated constantly and the desire to grow and learn is never lacking throughout the year, the exercises done were always creative and challenging! If I could I would do it all over again. When the year ended in July, a month later I was working for publishing, and little by little I began my journey as a character designer: I continued by making a board game, then characters for a short film, then for a teaser. I did illustrations for covers and participated in the creation of a concept in an art workshop. Now I work at Apolo films in Barcelona as a character designer and my life is really the way I always dreamed it would be, thanks to IDEA and my willpower. Before I enrolled I had a vague idea of what drawing was. It takes commitment, for sure, but also believing in it until the end.
EIRINI MICHAILIDOU
"I was pushed out of my comfort zone and got exactly the motivation I needed to get my skills to the next level"
After getting my design engineering degree and working in advertising for a few years, I realised my work was not going where i wanted it to go. My passion for animation design was strong and I had to know more about it. IDEA was the best option for that. The school had a great lineup of teachers and courses that matched the industry I was aiming for. So I enrolled in the Visual Development Master, I packed up everything and moved to Rome for a year! It was the best decision and I was not disappointed. Every project was on point and kept me on my toes for the whole duration of the course! I was pushed out of my comfort zone and got exactly the motivation I needed to get my skills to the next level.
Currently, I’m working as a 2D Designer at Brown Bag Films for the preproduction of an animated tv show!
EUGENIO PANICHI
"For me IDEA is not just an academy, but also a second home, especially for the welcoming and sharing atmosphere you can feel"
I spent two wonderful years at IDEA, attending both levels of the Visual Development Master courses. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to deepen their knowledge and develop their potential in this field. The teachers are great, they are incredible professionals but also people of heart, careful and thoughtful in the artistic growth of each student with their teachings and special advice. For me IDEA is not just an academy, but also a second home, especially for the welcoming and sharing atmosphere you can feel. The best place where to grow your talent in a competition-free mood.
IDEA is truly an international hub. You can meet students from all over the world, which for me represented a unique value and a reason for my artistic growth thanks to the continuous comparison with different cultural backgrounds, ways of thinking, and, consequently, different graphic styles. This aspect has been fundamental for me as it helps to develop the team spirit among the students, which I think is very important for working in the industry. I'm really happy with my path although it went too fast, sigh!
JOEL BOERI HASSID
"One of the best parts is that you end up getting into the habit of drawing every day for 9 months and that is one of the best ways to progress."
I decided to enroll in Visual Development Master Level 1 because I wanted a specific formation on Visual arts after my Fine art bachelor.
For me, IDEA Academy was an absolutely level up as an artist. The thing is I wanted to work as an artist in the entertainment industry but I didn't know the keys to do it.
With all IDEA professionals, I had the opportunity to focus my art in the "right way" for it and I learned a lot from each feedback and each tip they gave to us, while we learned how the industry works.
One of the best parts is that you end up getting into the habit of drawing every day for 9 months and that is one of the best ways to progress.
THAOMY LE
"This was the best decision I ever made after being stuck at home with not a lot of vacancies and a lack of experience within the field. I loved IDEA Academy!"
I came from an animation background studying at Bournemouth University for 3 years - I felt as if I was in the wrong course and I wanted to pursue illustration and visual development. I stumbled across IDEA Academy through doing research into Masters during lockdown because I wanted to learn and gain motivation to draw again. This was the best decision I ever made after being stuck at home with not a lot of vacancies and a lack of experience within the field. I loved IDEA Academy! The people, staff, and lecturers are super lovely and supportive towards your choices and decision. Gained a lot of feedback to improve and it was very insightful to explore visual development as a whole. I felt that IDEA has made me grow and I made lots of friends virtually, I wish I met everyone in person. I am now a background artist at Dog Ears and I am living my dream every day enjoying it so much with the projects and people I am working with. I want to thank IDEA for giving people the opportunity to further explore into the arts and illustration. You guys are amazing!!
KONSTANTINOS KYRIAKOU
"IDEA Academy was the place where my dreams started taking shape and becoming reality"
As most of young people at around the age of 25 I was trying to figure out my future and answer the million-dollar question “what do I want to do in my life?”. Coming from a very different background, having originally studied Chemistry, I decided to switch my career path and focus on my passion for art.
IDEA Academy was the place where my dreams started taking shape and becoming reality. Within just a year of studying at the Visual Development Master Level 1 course I developed a strong array of skills that helped me jump right in the animation industry. And now, not so long after graduating, I have been living the dream of being a storyboard artist in the spectacular world of animated TV series.
If I could turn back time and tell that to my younger self it would probably seem like a scenario out of a science fiction movie. But here I am now looking back and firmly appreciating my decision to study in IDEA. For otherwise, I wouldn’t have met with so many amazing classmates-now-colleagues and I wouldn’t have learned from the best in the industry what it means to be a great professional and above all a brilliant individual. I will always be grateful to everyone at IDEA and feel the impact of this wonderful school on my career and personality.
SILVIA ALTAMURA
"I can say that IDEA Academy has been a real guiding light, helping me to better understand everything related to the world of animation (and not only!)"
After understanding my interest in pre-production in the animation field, I have struggled to find a course that could help me understand more about this field.
I can say that IDEA Academy has been a real guiding light, helping me to better understand everything related to the world of animation (and not only!).
I attended the Visual Development Master courses level 1 and level 2, during which I've learned a lot from different professionals whom I had the honor of having as teachers. I've greatly appreciated their availability and kindness.
The exchange of ideas and advice with my classmates, with whom I still have wonderful relationships of friendship, was also fundamental.
ELEUFTHERIA MOSCHA
"I couldn't be more grateful about the amount of knowledge that I gained over the past years, about the great teachers that were my guides in that journey, and about the wonderful classmates that never stopped to support each other during this, sometimes extremely stressful, period"
For a strange girl like me , who used ,from a really early age, to create her own wacky worlds in order escape in them, becoming a part of the animation and game industry has always been a dream. However growing up in Greece didn't offer many oppοrtunities on that direction and sadly this strange girl ended up studying and becoming a lawyer, a proffesion that was interesting but faraway from her true desires. Everything changed when this girl found out, with the help of her comic teacher, about IDEA academy and she decided to leave everything behind and move to Italy in order to follow her dream. And she never regreted it, even after the changes that the Coronavirus pandemic caused. Being a part of IDEA academy, for the last two years starting from the "Fundamentals of Visual Development" opened a completely new world in front of me. I couldn't be more grateful about the amount of knowledge that I gained over the past years, about the great teachers that were my guides in that journey, and about the wonderful classmates that never stopped to support each other during this, sometimes extremely stressful, period. And here I am now, just after a week after finishing my last year at IDEA, working as a character and background designer at an animation studio in Greece. Thank you IDEA for making it possible and for the support cause this journey is as beautiful as it is difficult and it was a pleasure not feeling alone during it.
AMUND SLETTAN
"The academy has laid the foundations for me as an artist both in technique and mindset."
I first heard about IDEA Academy from a friend when we were studying fine arts in Oslo. We were both looking to get into concept art but couldn’t find the right school.
He asked if I wanted to join him, and I can say with confidence that to do so was one of my best decisions in life. I’ve gotten to meet so many talented and wonderful people from all over the world and had the pleasure to study with them in an inspiring and energizing environment.
I’ve never felt closer to my classmates and staff than I did at IDEA.
My three years at IDEA have truly been a journey, and I feel like a very different person from when I first came to school.
The academy has laid the foundations for me as an artist both in technique and mindset.
VALENTINA NAPOLITANO
"The staff is amazing and the kindness and professionalism of all the teachers changed me as an artist and as a person"
I spent two wonderful years during the Master in art direction at IDEA Academy. The staff is amazing and the kindness and professionalism of all the teachers changed me as an artist and as a person, I have found friends and mentors and I couldn't be more grateful.
These were years of intense work that I will always remember as a fundamental experience of my life.
RAFFAELE IZZO
"This experience has helped me to grow as an artist, and at the same time to understand what the industry is looking for and what strategies to adopt to be able to work in the entertainment industry"
I enrolled in the Visual Development Master level 1 at IDEA Academy after university and a period of self-taught study, determined to chase a dream that I have often thought of giving up. But then at IDEA I've found a stimulating environment, in which students are constantly inspired and encouraged to improve, thanks to the comparison with other students and feedback from teachers, who for me are the real strength of the school: professionals in the industry and , exceptional artists and very helpful people, along with the rest of the fantastic staff members. This experience has helped me to grow as an artist, and at the same time to understand what the market is looking for and what strategies to adopt to be able to work in the entertainment industry.
GONÇALO DIAS
"Nothing is impossible, chase your goal even if it seems unreachable, don't let anyone or anything get in your way, even if life throws you around, things will align. "
So after I finished my Bachelor degree in drawing, I felt I wasn't prepared or had enough knowledge to enter the industry. So I chose IDEA Academy as a stepping stone for me to fill the gaps in my education.
Even though I wasn't able to be onsite, because of the pandemic which led to not being able to meet my classmates and teachers in person, it was worth every single Skype minute.
I gained so much knowledge during my time there from improving my fundamental skills, knowing how to work in projects, work ethic, and being on a schedule.
In between the end of the Fundamental of Visual Development year and the beginning of my Visual development Master level I year I was able to get my first real job as a Matte Painter at DNEG Animation Studio.
Nothing is impossible, chase your goal even if it seems unreachable, don't let anyone or anything get in your way, even if life throws you around, things will align.
Work as smartly as you can and do what you are passionate about and you will get there.
SARA LEAL
"It made wonders for me, was challenging and inspiring! Learned a lot about developing a project & artistic vision!"
Enrolling in IDEA Academy was quite a decision and one I don't regret one bit. I had finished university in quite some time and been studying alone for a couple of years, I was at a point in my life I needed a boost!
My dear friend João Moura recommended me IDEA, and together with a few friends, I moved to Rome for a year at VisDev Master lvl 1.
It made wonders for me, was challenging and inspiring! Learned a lot about developing a project & artistic vision! And as a plus, I met wonderful people from teachers to colleagues that I look up to, to this day.
After I left IDEA I've been working freelance, with companies like Passion Pictures, M6M, No Moon!
JOJO LU
"I felt that going to IDEA Academy would take my life closer to the direction I wanted to go in"
I decided to come to IDEA Academy after working intermittently for a year freelance. I wasn’t happy with the direction my career was going, and I felt that going to IDEA Academy would take my life closer to the direction I wanted to go in. IDEA Academy provided me a great environment to learn and grow in. It gave me the chance to reflect on and develop my personal artistic voice. Rome itself was also a great place to live in and experience. Now, I’m working my dream job as a Concept Artist at Microsoft.
MARA TANGO
"This school was beyond any expectation I had "
My name’s Mara Tango and I attended the master level 1 at IDEA Academy 2019/2020.
This school was beyond any expectation I had, definitely the best! Classes were so interesting, well structured and informative, teachers are professionals and talented people, funny to be around and always available for their students, providing both didactic and emotional support (something I think is fundamental) as well as the director and the collaborators who were always ready to solve the smallest inconvenience. I honestly miss IDEA and the environment I found there because I was lucky enough to find also great classmates. If it wasn’t for IDEA I would have given up on my dream, instead, they taught me how to keep dreaming and keep working, and this is something I’ll be always thankful for.
MU GALIANO
"It was worth every single step, I’m very thankful to the school and all the amazing people I met there"
For a while, I had given up on art education after a turbulent time with self-teaching right after high school along with most options not being very affordable or too far away for me to move to at the time I was lucky to find out about IDEA academy through a good friend of mine and past alumni at IDEA, João Moura.
Going to IDEA was a very good decision, I’ve learnt a lot from my time there and got pushed out of my comfort zone constantly with the help and input of super talented and attentive teachers who really helped me build a way more complete portfolio by the end of the year!
It's a very enriching environment to be in along with your colleagues. To be challenged, learn and improve, become a better teammate, collaborate, grow as a person and artist and meet new friends.
And that’s how I ended up getting interviewed and given offers by several companies at Annecy and THU, however, the best surprise was getting contacted by Fortiche Production, to work on season one of Riot Games' Arcane series, where I was very happy to be part of the team.
It was worth every single step, I’m very thankful to the school and all the amazing people I met there.
JOAO MOURA
“It was the biggest change in my life, and by far, the best.”
I decided to attend IDEA Academy at the end of Summer of 2016. To my delight, the school accepted me and, in less then two weeks, I left my job, my apartment, sold my furniture and sorted out my affairs to go to Rome. It was the biggest change in my life, and by far, the best. I took a leap of faith by going to a school I had just heard about and was rewarded with the most amazing and talented teachers, the kindest staff, the best colleagues (now friends) and one of the greatest years of my life. It was my first contact with the 'visual development world' and I am very glad it happened there. IDEA is very prepared to introduce its students to this world: I had workshops with amazing artists, portfolio review and contact with studios and companies. At the end of the year, IDEA provided tickets for the Annecy Animation festival. This got me some interviews with some amazing studios and ended up giving me my first big break, the job I have at the moment.
Currently I am working at Illumination Macguff as a set designer for the preproduction of a movie. My job, as the name says, consists in helping with the set design of the movie.
ELISA MORICONI
“Here I found the most skilled and available teachers and amazing classmates.”
I enrolled in IDEA Academy’s Visual Development Master after attending some of its high-level workshops with international professionals. I was uncertain about it, as it would have been the first class ever, but I'm happy to say that I don’t regret it at all: here I found the most skilled and available teachers, and amazing classmates. It wasn’t easy for me, because I worked: many things to learn, intensive work, homework…but it was worth it! After the school, I kept working as a freelance artist, but embarking on some new exciting projects, that I would have never approached before, like my collaboration with the app Foodies Trip. I was also rewarded with a recognition for my work in Guy Richie’s King Arthur themed contest.
Currently I am Concept Artist at Netspeak Games.
LISA VANNINI
“Being surrounded everyday by people with the same love for art will give you a boost to the next level.”
After graduating in Japanese Studies I decided to try and pursue my creativity and passion for arts. My year at IDEA academy has been an incredible opportunity to grow as an artist and get to know the diverse aspects of the entertainment industry. Under the guidance of experienced teachers and professionals I could try out many different skills and techniques, from storyboarding to 3D rendering, which helped me defining my own path and career goals. A course at IDEA is hard work, but being surrounded everyday by people with the same love for art is really something that can’t be replaced and will give you a boost to the next level.
From June 2017 to January 2018 I worked as a concept artist, background artist and UI artist at Affinity Project, for the mobile game “Don-Ay: adorable runners. Currently I’m working as a freelancer.
Currently freelance illustrotor for Disney Publishing.
NICOLETTA BEA
“IDEA Academy was and still is a landmark for me”
After a degree in languages and different work experiences, I decided to sign up for the IDEA Academy Masters: it was definitely one of the best choices I could make to shake up my working and creative life.
The academy gave me the opportunity to confront myself with students and teachers who greatly stimulated and enriched me in a climate of expressive freedom and creative ferment. At the end of the course, thanks to the presence of the school at the Annécy festival, I was able to concretely project myself into the world of work and confront myself on a different level.
For me, IDEA has been and still is a landmark, a meeting place where I can continue to get involved and mature thanks to the professionalism and human warmth of all the staff.
At the moment I work as a freelance illustrator and from April 2019 I will start a new working adventure as prop designer at Caribara in Paris
DACIL ROCA
“I am every day happily designing environments, characters and props for different cartoon TV series.”
I studied Fine Arts and 2D Animation, I ended up working as a Graphic Designer and Illustrator for advertising and marketing for five years in Barcelona.
Then I decided to try changing from advertising to the industry that I have always trully love: Cartoons and Motion Pictures. So I decided to enroll in IDEA Academy. I was accepted in the Art Direction Master and It was amazing. The style variety and shocking artistry of every teacher and their constant feedback made me improve radically in only a 10 months course. The working level is very demanding and the lovely familiar environment of the academy and their staff made me feel very supported. Super recommended!
Then with the contacts I made in Annecy with the school I manage a couple of interviews and now I am working as a Visual Development Artist for Mondo TV in Tenerife, my home town. I am every day happily designing environments, characters and props for different cartoon TV series.