
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

Behind Severance’s minimalist style lies an incredible complexity
By Ian Dean published
Here’s how ILM and Mango FX pulled it off.

The best laptops for Cricut makers: get the most out of Cricut Design Space
By Ian Dean last updated
As keen crafters, we've picked out the best laptops for Cricut makers – all tested to handle the brand's software.

This new VR game reimagines your living room as a 3D mini-golf course
By Ian Dean published
House of Golf VR is a mixed reality design tool disguised as a game.

The best Cricut machines
By Beth Nicholls, Ian Dean last updated
The ultimate vinyl cutters for home crafting, with precise material cuts to help you transfer your designs onto mugs, T-shirts and more.

From Inktober to Drawtober: your ultimate guide to October art challenges
By Ian Dean last updated
It's the month to get creative.

Why Nothing’s AI Essential could finally break Android and iOS
By Ian Dean published
The future of smartphones is personal.

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.

The best Apple Pencil alternatives: expert recommended
By Beren Neale last updated
We present the best Apple Pencil alternatives today.

The best iPads for drawing tested and reviewed by a digital artist
By Ian Dean last updated
I've chosen the best iPad for every type of artist.

Unbelievably, the new XPPen Artist Ultra 16 4K OLED already has $90 off
By Ian Dean published
Grab your new drawing tablet before the deal ends.

How the MCM Comic Con Scholarship is empowering new creators
By Ian Dean published
Advice for finding confidence and creative direction.

The best drawing apps for iPad
By Ian Dean last updated
Find the best drawing apps for iPad, whatever your level of experience.

I’ve been testing the CMF Headphone Pro, and they feel like The Jetsons meets Jet Set Radio
By Ian Dean published
Retro curves, elegant colour, and smart controls at a budget price.

Why Nvidia's Blueprint might be the best tool you'll use for 3D modelling
By Ian Dean published
Yes, it's AI, but it looks genuinely helpful.

I tried the XPPen Artist Ultra 16 – a 4K OLED drawing tablet that feels next-level
By Ian Dean published
Colour, accuracy and… fun. This may just be the new standard.

Why Chronoscript's raw, hand-drawn art style is an inspiration
By Ian Dean published
This indie game's messy beauty could reshape game design.

The best laser cutters and engravers for pro crafters
By Ian Dean, Beth Nicholls last updated
Cut, score and engrave with accuracy using the best laser cutters.

Autodesk is pitching a creative future with less noise, more Flow
By Ian Dean published
Diana Colella, EVP and Head of Media & Entertainment, sets out her vision.

What I learned about Autodesk in 2025, from my 'cosy' chat with its CEO
By Ian Dean published
Less admin and more creativity.

I tested the new Nothing Ear (3) to Nashville and back, and won't travel anywhere with anything else
By Ian Dean published
Brilliant sound quality, quirky design, and Super Mic impress.

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.

Flow Studio is the AI filmmaking tool built by filmmakers, for filmmakers
By Ian Dean published
And it's now free.

Forget hype, Autodesk University 2025 shows how designers can actually thrive
By Ian Dean published
My first day revealed a blueprint for the next decade.
Daily design news, reviews, how-tos and more, as picked by the editors.


