
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

GDC 2025: AI isn't the 'creative cure-all' that some hoped
By Ian Dean published
The Unity Gaming Report reveals gen AI isn't stealing creative jobs (yet).

"In the future, there will be fewer artists like me – real artists" says Stanley 'Artgerm' Lau as he reflects on the dangerous impact of AI on art
By Ian Dean published
The Marvel and DC Comics artist says what many quietly believe.

How to use interior design to build narrative in digital art
By Magdalina Dianova published
Find out how illustrator Magdalina Dianova uses Blender to create a cosy setting that helps to express her character’s personality.

"We wanted to talk about AI and its relationship to art" – how we made 2025’s VES Student Award-winning animation Pittura
By Richard Hill published
Titouan Lassere, one of the film's co-directors, explains how it was made.

"Art is not easy. You have to suffer in joy" – Stanley 'Artgerm' Lau reflects on what it takes to succeed in comic art
By Ian Dean published
The DC and Marvel cover artist reveals why passion and perseverance is key to success.

The best rendering software
By Paul Hatton last updated
Create amazing images and videos with the best rendering software for Windows and Mac.

Sketchbook watercolour tips from illustrator Jason Chan P.L.
By Madalina Buzenchi published
Quick advice to create on the go urban art.

Sorry We're Closed review: a bewitching, bizarre and often frustrating horror cocktail
By Ian Dean published
Demons are the least of your problems in this Persona-meets-Resident Evil indie.

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II is a surprise favourite to win big at the BAFTA Game Awards 2025
By Ian Dean published
The overlooked Xbox game has 11 nominations, ten more than Black Myth: Wukong.

Nothing Phone 3a vs Nothing Phone 3a Pro: the minimalist design brand is at a crossroads
By Ian Dean published
I've tried both new Nothing phones, and my feelings about them couldn’t be more different.

How to draw vibrant character art, tips from a pro artist
By Lidia Cambon published
Lidia Cambon reveals her step-by-step process for creating a full-body illustration from first sketch to vibrant, cohesive colour with markers.

The best digital art software
By Ian Dean last updated
Discover the best free and paid-for digital art tools around.

Alien: Romulus is one of the creepiest films ever – here's how the architecture was made
By Nick Stath published
Nick Stath explains how he made the eerie, atmospheric environment for the sci-fi horrors of Alien: Romulus.

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.

Star Wars: The 212th is a new movie I wish was real
By Ian Dean published
New VFX outfit Hoplite Studio celebrates its talented artists with a non-profit short film.

Monster Hunter Wilds is 'easy' – but why is that a bad thing?
By Ian Dean published
I've been playing for a week, and love the accessible design.

Warner Bros. closing Monolith Productions is the end of an era – so what comes next?
By Ian Dean published
Player First and San Diego studios are also closed, as WB Games shares its vision for the future.

Adobe Photoshop is now on iPhone – and it's free!
By Ian Dean published
And I'm genuinely excited.

How fashion illustrator Hayden Williams got Beyoncé on speed dial
By Ian Dean published
Loved by Ariana Grande, Rihanna and others, what every artist can learn from this story.

PUBG creator's next game might be too brutal – and that's exactly the point
By Ian Dean published
Prologue: Go Wayback! aims for incredible realism.

Microsoft's Muse AI wants to change how games are made - but can it work?
By Ian Dean published
Ninja Theory's generative AI can replicate gameplay and assets.

Dissecting Avowed's beautifully abstract artwork, and how it was made
By Ian Dean published
A bold vision of fantasy and ambiguity – Skylight Collective's Executive Creative Director and Obsidian's Game Director explain how it was made.

How Wicked's terrifying flying monkeys were created
By James Clarke published
ILM made them incredibly lifelike.
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