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

Why Mullet Madjack’s retro VHS-era anime art style still stands out
By Ian Dean published
Ahead of its Switch release, art director Alessandro Martinello explains why imperfection matters.

Why this artist swapped architecture for Unreal Engine
By Ian Dean published
Techland's Jan Buczny wants to build worlds that tell stories.

Why Metro 2039 is doubling down on tightly curated, story-first level design
By Ian Dean published
4A Games is pushing back against open-world excess.

The Target x Pokémon collection could sell out fast – here’s what to know and beat the rush
By Ian Dean published
Choose your favourites today and stay ahead of the pack.

Why the new NEOGEO AES+ console changes everything about retro gaming
By Ian Dean published
This isn't emulation, it’s a chip-level reconstruction of how gaming felt in the '90s.

Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss review: stunning UE5 visual design and ambitious ideas impress
By Ian Dean published
Not perfect, but a Lovecraftian detective-horror I can't put down.

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.

The best 3D modelling apps for iPad
By Rob Redman last updated
Our experts select the best 3D modelling apps for iPad to sculpt, concept, and draft, whether you're a pro or hobbyist artist.

A Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake on Switch 2 could be a mistake – here’s why
By Ian Dean published
Nintendo faces an impossible choice.

Persona's legendary artist brings Devil May Cry's characters to his new Switch game
By Ian Dean published
Kazuma Kaneko’s Tsukuyomi on Switch integrates Devil May Cry 5 designs for Dante, Nero and Vergil.

ChainStaff review: an ‘80s-art-inspired shooter with one brilliant idea
By Ian Dean published
But that idea is the amazing ChainStaff (and a Heavy Metal magazine collection).

Why this portfolio stands out in a world of samey 3D characters
By Ian Dean published
Kevin Beckers channels his arch-viz know-how into character design.

This game concept artist explores fantastical ideas in historical settings
By Ian Dean published
Felix Riaño paints cowboys and aliens.

Is Brave New Wonders proof there's a place for AI in indie games?
By Ian Dean published
City From Naught co-founder Shala Chen explains the red lines and room for creativity.

Evercade Nexus is the retro handheld upgrade I've been waiting for – pre-orders are open
By Ian Dean last updated
Big, bold, and properly modern, 64-bit retro gaming on the go is here.

The best iPad for Procreate for different types of artists (we've tested all of them)
By Ian Dean last updated
Create digital art with the best iPad for Procreate.

The best tablets with a stylus pen for drawing and note-taking
By Ian Dean last updated
Our expert compares the best tablets with a stylus included for taking notes and art.

From '90s Macintosh inspirations to modern design, these are the accessories every Apple fan needs
By Ian Dean published
Celebrate 50 years of Apple with these affordable extras.

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.

Crimson Desert (PS5) review: a massive, beautiful fantasy simulation where stuff happens
By Ian Dean published
A stunning sandbox that fights you every step of the way.

Adobe's Turntable turns 2D images into 3D views inside Illustrator, saving hours of work
By Ian Dean published
A genuinely useful AI upgrade.

Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster (PS5) review: surprisingly fast and authentic
By Ian Dean published
Why this ‘90s shooter is worth replaying.

Harry Potter Book Nooks lead the cosy craft trend, and they're on sale
By Ian Dean published
Get these popular kits for less.
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