
Ian Dean
Ian Dean is Editor, Digital Arts & 3D at Creative Bloq, and the former editor of many leading magazines. These titles included ImagineFX, 3D World and leading video game title Official PlayStation Magazine. In his early career he wrote for music and film magazines including Uncut and SFX. Ian launched Xbox magazine X360 and edited PlayStation World. For Creative Bloq, Ian combines his experiences to bring the latest news on AI, digital art and video game art and tech, and more to Creative Bloq, and in his spare time he doodles in Procreate, ArtRage, and Rebelle while finding time to play Xbox and PS5. He's also a keen Cricut user and laser cutter fan, and is currently crafting on Glowforge and xTools M1.
Latest articles by Ian Dean

The overlooked reasons why '90s animated films still hold up – and why they still feel magical
By James Clarke published
From The Lion King to Ghost in the Shell, why these classics still matter.

How are these 3D characters so ugly yet so beautiful?
By Ian Dean published
There's a reason we love ugly design.

Avoid the tariffs and save more with this made-in-America Prime Day deal
By Ian Dean published
Get the Artograph EZ Tracer Projector for less – this all-American deal is your Prime Day win.

Dodging Amazon this Prime Day? Good news – my favourite open-ear buds are 34% off elsewhere (and they’re worth it)
By Ian Dean published
Great sound, comfy fit, no Bezos required.

I finally found a true Wacom rival – and now the Xencelabs Pen Display 16 is on sale for the first time
By Ian Dean last updated
A pro-spec'd drawing display for less.

AI 'credit anxiety' is dead – Freepik's unlimited AI video tools are a game-changer for creators
By Ian Dean published
No caps, no tokens, no stress.

The Premier League just teamed up with Adobe, and it's a big win for all creatives
By Ian Dean published
Football just became the world’s biggest creative playground.

These PS5 retro game deals took me straight back to the '90s – and they're all on sale for Prime Day
By Ian Dean published
PS5 game remake deals are all that and a bag of chips.

I'm looking for ways to break creative block – so naturally, I’m starting with 30% off this putting machine
By Ian Dean published
This Prime Day deal is cheap enough to putt in my basket with no regrets.

The stunningly overachieving Wacom Movink is (gasp) actually a deal for Prime Day
By Ian Dean published
This $113 discount makes me happy.

These breakout Atari 2600 Plus deals are taking prices back to 1984*
By Ian Dean published
*We've done the maths.

Nex Playground hits lowest price yet after Black Friday sellout
By Ian Dean published
I called it “Netflix for games” in my review – and now it's 29% off on Prime Day.

The Nothing Phone (3) surprised me – a week in, it’s the best phone I’ve used for creating content
By Ian Dean published
Clean design, clever features, and creator-focused tools – Nothing’s latest won me over.

If I was buying a new craft machine this Amazon Prime Day, I'd get a Cricut Maker 4
By Rosie Hilder last updated
Here's why I'm most excited by Maker 4 deals this Cricut Amazon Prime Day.

The older Wacom Intuos Pro (Medium) with $79 off is a smart choice for beginners and hobbyists
By Ian Dean published
Here's why I'd still buy one today.

Why did my favourite drawing tablet brand launch open-ear earbuds? Here’s my honest reaction
By Ian Dean published
Ugee’s FreSound earbuds are a surprising shift from pen displays to personal audio.

If you want to use Procreate on an iPad, these are the only ones we'd choose
By Ian Dean last updated
Create digital art with the best iPad for Procreate.

Guillermo del Toro 'feels like our Gandalf' say animators behind Mexico's first stop-motion feature
By Ian Dean published
The movie legend sprinkled some magic on I Am Frankelda.

If you're a digital artist like me, you'll love these iPad models for drawing
By Ian Dean last updated
Perfect for artists, these are the best iPads for drawing available today.

Nothing Phone (3) design is proving controversial – tell us what you think
By Ian Dean published
Take our poll and share your thoughts.

The best drawing tablets: fully tested for all kinds of digital artists and budgets
By Ian Dean last updated
These are the best drawing tablets for all kinds of artists and budgets.

I grew up on 8-bit classics – can you beat my ultimate retro game art quiz?
By Ian Dean published
Show your insider knowledge.

The best iPad alternatives – escape the Apple ecosystem
By Ian Dean last updated
Our reviewers pick the best iPad alternatives from Samsung, Microsoft, Honor and more.
Daily design news, reviews, how-tos and more, as picked by the editors.