Ian Dean
Ian Dean is Editor, Digital Arts & 3D at Creativebloq, 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
Best drawing tablets with a screen: find the right device for you
By Ian Dean published
Best drawing tablets with a screen; These are the best drawing tablets with a screen for all kinds of artists and budgets.
The best animation software: reviewed and tested by professional 3D artists
By Paul Hatton published
Find the best animation software for bringing your creations to life
Flint: Treasure of Oblivion review - expressive comic art styling saves this game from drowning
By Ian Dean published
Avast! This complex pirate RPG just about stays afloat.
Create accurate stylised character designs using Photoshop
By François Bourdin published
Concept artist François Bourdin shares pro advice to help you achieve accurate proportions for engaging, stylised characters
10 must-know digital art trends for 2025
By Tanya Combrinck published
10 must-know digital art trends for 2025; In 2025 we’ll see a move towards human-centred artistry, more immersive art projects, and a more sensible conversation around AI
Creating the John Wick-inspired mocap for SPINE - and why just Unreal Engine 5 isn't always enough
By Ian Dean published
SPINE's Lead Animator, Evgeniy Khapugin, shares how the upcoming gun-fu game's mocap is being been created.
Alien: Rogue Incursion's art director shares the "rookie mistake" he never made again
By Ian Dean published
Game artists, you need to read this.
How Nekki is designing "visually striking" boss characters for video game SPINE
By Ian Dean published
Dmitry Oshchepkov reveals the team's approach to animation, lore and the challenges of creating a gun-fu boss battle.
Creating SPINE's cinematic gameplay is like making an "action movie within a game"
By Ian Dean published
Director Dmitry Pimenov reveals the unique tech behind the Unreal Engine 5 game's crunchy design.
The best Black Friday drawing tablet deals
By Georgia Coggan last updated
Black Friday is the best time to buy a graphic tablet or pen display.
The best Cricut Black Friday deals
By Ian Dean last updated
Top prices on every model from the Cricut Maker, EasyPress, Joy and more.
The 10 gaming trends for 2025 that will transform how we play and create
By Lewis Packwood published
Our expert games writer predicts the gaming trends for 2025, including Nintendo Switch 2, the rise of indie gaming, the impact of generative AI and how Unreal Engine 5 will shake things up .
Making Moons of Darsalon "was a gamble" reveals solo indie game developer Dr Kucho
By Ian Dean published
The Unity-made retro game has some very advanced tech - here's how it was made.
Just hours left to grab the last Nintendo Switch Cyber Monday deals
By Georgia Coggan last updated
A lot of deals have sold out, but there are still some super Switch savings around.
Up to 30% off our highest-rated drawing tablets – all reduced for Cyber Monday!
By Ian Dean last updated
Our 5-star reviewed tablets from Wacom, Huion, Xencelabs and XPPen are reduced.
The best Cyber Monday deals for 3D artists - get 40% off Autodesk, Adobe and Reallusion
By Ian Dean published
Big savings on software for 3D modelling, animation and rendering.
Save 50% on Corel's best software for digital artists and graphic designers, and unleash your creativity
By Ian Dean published
Huge price drop on Corel Painter, CorelDRAW and more.
Rethink how you create digital art with the TourBox Elite editing controller - now with 25% off
By Ian Dean published
Short and sweet with a full stop.
The best iPad alternatives
By Ian Dean last updated
Escape the Apple ecosystem with the best iPad alternatives.
I grew up on SNK games, so this Neo Geo mini arcade is too good to miss at this reduced price
By Ian Dean published
The UNICO Mini MVS, one of my favourite retro game consoles, costs less on Black Friday.
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.
The best iPad for drawing: fully tested by creative experts
By Ian Dean last updated
Perfect for artists, these are the best iPads for drawing.
The best laser cutters and engravers
By Ian Dean last updated
Cut, score and engrave with accuracy using the best laser cutters.
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