Cyber Monday iPad Deals Checker

Welcome to Our Cyber Monday iPad Deals Checker

Welcome to our brand new Cyber Monday iPad deals checker. We’re going to be searching high and low for all the best iPad deals this weekend… so far I’m seeing a lot of continuation from Black Friday deals, but don’t be fooled. As Amazon shift to Cyber Monday wording, you are going to see unique iPad deals released for Cyber Monday. Happy hunting!

What to Expect

As we scan the web for the best deals, we’ll be keeping an eye out for discounts on various iPad models, including the latest iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad mini. We’ll also be monitoring sales on Apple’s previous-generation models, as well as refurbished and certified pre-owned iPads.

Popular Deals So Far

• Apple iPad (7th generation): $299 (save $100)
• Apple iPad Air (4th generation): $429 (save $100)
• Apple iPad Pro (11-inch): $799 (save $200)

Why Shop on Cyber Monday?

Cyber Monday is known for offering some of the best online deals of the holiday season. With many retailers offering exclusive discounts and promotions, it’s a great time to snag a new iPad at a discounted price. Plus, with the recent price drops on Apple’s latest iPads, we’re expecting to see even more aggressive pricing on older models.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best iPad for me?
A: We recommend considering your budget, desired use case, and personal preferences when choosing an iPad. For example, the iPad Pro is ideal for creative professionals, while the iPad Air is a great all-around option for everyday use.

Q: Are these deals available only on Amazon?
A: Not necessarily. We’ll be monitoring deals from multiple retailers, including Apple’s official store, Best Buy, and Walmart, among others.

Q: Can I find deals on refurbished or certified pre-owned iPads?
A: Yes, we’ll be searching for discounts on refurbished and certified pre-owned iPads, which can be a significant cost savings.

Conclusion

Stay tuned as we continue to scour the web for the best iPad deals this Cyber Monday. With our dedicated team of deal hunters, you can trust that you’re getting the best prices on the latest and greatest iPads. Happy shopping!

Mixing 2D and 3D Art Styles: Fresh Approaches

From personal workflows to large pipelines, across concept art, VFX, and animation, teams and individuals are now starting to merge 2D art and 3D modeling techniques to work faster – and pioneer incredible new aesthetics. And software is obliging, whether it’s Blender’s 2D painterly tools or accessible 3D in Photoshop via Substance 3D Viewer.

The Most Visible Manifestation

The most visible manifestation of this to those outside the industry is the move away from the traditional CG look in animated films towards more creative, painterly styles. Rather than utilising the best 3D software to texture and light a scene in the usual way, artists have been using 2D techniques and the best digital art software to paint 3D models of characters and backgrounds to create distinctive stylised looks.

Benefits for Artists

For artists working within the industry, bringing 3D techniques into traditionally 2D realms, and vice versa, is bringing all kinds of benefits. Shir Baron, an animator on Puss in Boots: The Last Wish and the impressionistic The Wild Robot, explains that there’s much to be gained from workflows that combine the freedom and creativity of drawing in 2D with the accuracy of 3D software.

Effective Collaboration Across 2D and 3D

When he began his career 25 years ago, Phillip Leonhardt, a VFX supervisor at Wētā FX, says ‘Do you want to do 2D or 3D?’ was the first question he was asked. “I wonder whether that question remains the same today,” he ponders.

Techniques That 20 Years Ago Might Have Been Beyond the Boundaries

Techniques that 20 years ago might have been beyond the boundaries of an artist’s expertise have become a lot more accessible, opening up the opportunity for all of us to craft more sophistication into the delivered work,” he explains.

The Future of Digital Art and Animation

The trend towards stylised animation in CG films and TV shows has been under way for several years now, but what makes it exciting is that there’s still so much fresh creative territory to be uncovered and explored. Every production has its own unique look that’s facilitated by special tools and workflows, written and designed especially for that project, and artists will sometimes experience it as if they’re working in a brand new medium.

Conclusion

The turn towards handcrafted looks combined with a new creative frontier could be just what we need at a time when the digital art and animation professions are under threat from AI and other pressures. Inspired by this article? Then get involved and get creative yourself. Read our guides to the best laptops for animation and the best laptops for 3D modeling, and catch-up on the latest digital art news and tutorials in our magazine, ImagineFX.

FAQs

Q: What are the benefits of merging 2D and 3D art styles?
A: The benefits include the ability to work faster, pioneer new aesthetics, and create distinctive stylised looks.

Q: How are artists using 3D techniques in traditionally 2D realms?
A: Artists are using 3D software to create rough passes of their animation, and to generate new shapes and camera angles.

Q: What is the trend towards stylised animation in CG films and TV shows?
A: The trend is towards more creative, painterly styles, using 2D techniques and digital art software to paint 3D models of characters and backgrounds.

Q: How can artists get involved in this trend?
A: Artists can get involved by reading our guides to the best laptops for animation and the best laptops for 3D modeling, and catching up on the latest digital art news and tutorials in our magazine, ImagineFX.

Purchasing an Art Printer for Black Friday

My husband is an artist, and he’s been wanting to buy a new art printer for a while now. He has a market coming up over Black Friday weekend so he didn’t want to wait until the Black Friday sales to get one.

The Canon Pixma Pro-200: Our Choice

After much deliberation and consulting of our art printers buying guide, we opted to buy the Canon Pixma Pro-200, at a cost of £400, down from £459.99. That price has now dropped further, with the printer costing £369 at Amazon right now. So yes, we’re kicking ourselves a bit. But hey ho, if you want to grab this offer then it’s still live.

Initial Impressions and Reviews

So far we are really happy with the printer, and it’s done a fine job of printing out Ben’s artwork. When our tech reviews editor reviewed it, he gave the Canon Pixma Pro-200 printer 4.5 stars. It’s particularly good for printing photos.

More Printer Deals Available

There are more printer deals below in your region if the one above isn’t for you.

Upgrade Your Setup for Less

We curate the best offers on creative kit and give our expert recommendations to save you time this Black Friday. Upgrade your setup for less with Creative Bloq.

Conclusion

We’re satisfied with our purchase of the Canon Pixma Pro-200 and would recommend it to anyone in the market for a new art printer. While the price may have dropped further since we bought it, we still think it’s a great value for the quality of printing it produces.

FAQs

Q: Is the Canon Pixma Pro-200 worth the investment?

A: Yes, based on our experience and reviews, we think it’s a great choice for artists and photographers looking for a high-quality art printer.

Q: What is the recommended use for the Canon Pixma Pro-200?

A: The Canon Pixma Pro-200 is particularly well-suited for printing photos and artwork.

Q: Are there any other printer deals available?

A: Yes, there are more printer deals available in your region if the one mentioned above isn’t for you. Please check the links provided.

Q: Can I trust Creative Bloq’s recommendations?

A: Yes, our team of experts curates the best offers on creative kit and gives expert recommendations to save you time and money this Black Friday.

Article

01. Wordmarks with a Twist

Logo design is more than a visual identifier; it’s the cornerstone of a brand’s identity. However, for much of the 2010s and early 2020s, it largely felt trapped in a cul-de-sac of lifeless sans-serif minimalism.

However, as we predicted in our 2024 logo trends piece, that’s all started to change. Over the last 12 months, we’ve seen graphic designers start to push boundaries once more; blending tradition with modernity to craft logos that connect on a deeper level.

To get a sense of where this is all heading, we’ve spoken to a range of designers up and down the industry. Their predictions for logo trends in 2025 centre around a growing focus on storytelling, human connection, and adaptive design systems.

02. Breaking Away from Cliché

For many years, we’ve heard the same complaint from readers when we showcase new logo designs: "it’s too generic". But Mike Goldsworthy, creative lead at ilk agency believes that’s starting to come to an end. “Companies and organisations have been ditching the same-old-same-old recently, and I think that this is a trend that’s only going to grow," he says.

Take the automotive world, for example. For years, brands have leaned into a fleet of masculine, angular, chiselled logos–designs that wouldn’t look out of place on a men’s razor brand. Enter Jaguar’s in-house design team. Jaguar’s latest rebrand is one of the most talked-about this year, and they’ve fully embraced a more approachable and inclusive design. Though, in doing so, some might say they’ve left the heart and soul of Jaguar on the back seat.

03. Experimental Typography

Katy Hopkins, executive creative director at Iris, predicts that a lot more bold, expressive fonts will make their way into logo design in 2025. "I think we will see different experimental typography bring personality to brand identities," she says. "Playing with shape, weight and motion to create unconventional fonts. Creating stretched effects and fluid formations. It’s a great way to catch attention and make a statement."

04. Rise of Retro

Noticed how large logos are getting lately? Callum certainly has. "One logo trend I think might gain some traction in 2025 are bold, chunky wordmarks that take up every inch of a layout," he says.

A good example is the new logo for digital news portal MAD by Ba’ndo. Similarly, I’m expecting to see more logos that can adapt to create an entire design system, such as New Kid’s work for Perpetual, a robotics company automating inventory management for healthcare workers.

05. Two Paths to Choose

Some of these logo trends seem to run counter to each other, so it’s clear that traffic isn’t all going in the same direction. However, Lucas Luz, art director at &Walsh, believes that they basically boil down to two possible paths for logos in the coming years.

One sees them becoming highly intricate, drawing on historical elements of the brand to evoke a sense of nostalgia and credibility. The other takes the complete opposite approach, with entirely typographic logos that allow the graphic system to take centre stage.

06. Human Connection

Whichever direction designers go with their logos in 2025, Beth believes that at the heart of all this is a focus on human connection. "A great logo isn’t just about looking good, it’s about feeling right," she reasons. "Whether it’s through simplicity, bespoke details or a nostalgic touch, logos that are thoughtful and idea-driven will stand the test of time.

07. Making the Logo Smaller

Finally, we’ve talked about how logos are designed. But the ways they are used is also changing, believes Kate Moldan, account manager at Redpill.

"The days of showcasing large, bold logos across digital content are coming to an end," she says. "Brands are increasingly prioritising the expression of their identity through language, behaviour, and authentic storytelling rather than relying heavily on logo visibility. Some examples are some recent examples are: Dove’s The Code and LEGO’s Play is Your Superpower campaign.

Conclusion

As we move into 2025, logo design will adapt to reflect this shift, focusing on synergy, human connection, and seamless integration, particularly in this fast-paced era of short-form content.

FAQs

Q: What is the focus of logo design in 2025?
A: The focus is on storytelling, human connection, and adaptive design systems.

Q: What is the trend towards in logo design?
A: Minimalism is giving way to more expressive, experimental designs that showcase a brand’s personality and values.

Q: How will logos be used in the future?
A: Logos will be used to support brand identity, rather than being the sole focus of a brand’s visual identity.

Q: What is the role of typography in logo design?
A: Typography will play a significant role in logo design, with bold, expressive fonts becoming more popular.

Black Friday Laser Cutter Deals

Black Friday has gone, but many of the deals on creative tech are likely to continue through the weekend. That includes a record-breaking price drop on what we rate as the best laser cutter for craft work.

The xTool P2

The mighty xTool P2 is reduced by $950 from $4,399 to $3,499 at Amazon. However, there is one catch with this deal. It’s only available for Amazon Prime members – like the discounts during Amazon’s own Prime Day sale. The good news is that you can always sign up for a free trial of Amazon Prime to take advantage of the Black Friday deal and then cancel later if you decide you won’t use the various benefits that come with membership (free delivery, for example).

Review and Features

Our Digital Arts & 3D editor Ian Dean reviewed this laser cutter a year ago and found it to be the best device on the market for pro crafters and small businesses. The powerful 55W laser is fast and accurate, and it can handle materials as varied as cardboard, wood, rubber, leather, stone, metal, glass and more.

Top Black Friday Laser Cutter Deals: US

• xTool P2: $4,399 $3,499 at Amazon (with Amazon Prime)

• Glowforge Aura: $1,199 $899 at Amazon

• xTool M1 Ultra 4 in 1: $1,699 $999 at xTool

Top Black Friday Laser Cutter Deal: UK

• xTool M1 Ultra 4 in 1: £1,699 £999 at xTool

• xTool F1 2-in-1 engraving machine: £1,799 £1,149 at Amazon

Today’s Best Laser Cutter Deal

You Might Also Like

Below you can find more of the best deals and lowest prices on laser cutters in your region via our automatic deal-hunting widget.

Conclusion

Don’t miss out on these amazing Black Friday deals on laser cutters. Whether you’re a professional crafter or a hobbyist, these powerful tools can help you create stunning projects. Sign up for Amazon Prime and take advantage of the xTool P2 deal, or explore other options in the US and UK.

FAQs

Q: Is the xTool P2 deal only available for Amazon Prime members?

A: Yes, the xTool P2 deal is only available for Amazon Prime members. However, you can sign up for a free trial of Amazon Prime to take advantage of the deal.

Q: What are the features of the xTool P2?

A: The xTool P2 features a powerful 55W laser, fast and accurate cutting, and the ability to handle materials such as cardboard, wood, rubber, leather, stone, metal, glass and more.

Q: Are there other Black Friday laser cutter deals available?

A: Yes, there are other Black Friday laser cutter deals available, including the Glowforge Aura and xTool M1 Ultra 4 in 1, among others.

Q: Can I cancel my Amazon Prime membership after the trial period?

A: Yes, you can cancel your Amazon Prime membership after the trial period if you decide you won’t use the various benefits that come with membership (free delivery, for example).

The Best Black Friday Surface Pro Deal

Black Friday deals are still available as we approach Cyber Monday, and one of the most impressive offers is $300 off the Microsoft Surface Pro 11, reduced from $1,399 to $999. This is not the cheapest configuration, but it’s the one I would recommend to ensure enough power for creative work.

Why I Love Microsoft’s Surface Pro

I’m a big fan of Microsoft’s Windows-based 2-in-1 tablet-cum-laptops. I’m actually writing this on a 2022 Surface Pro 8, which still serves me well for general productivity and even photo editing and some video editing (using proxies for 4K footage).

A Significant Step Up

This year’s model is a significant step up, now with a Snapdragon X Elite chip and an OLED display. Microsoft has also solved one of the biggest annoyances with the old Surface models by making it possible to now use the optional keyboard remotely rather than requiring it to be attached to the tablet.

Why This Tops Our Guide to the Best iPad Alternatives

It’s pretty clear why this tops our guide to the best iPad alternatives. The Surface Pro 11 offers a more powerful and versatile device that can handle demanding tasks with ease.

Conclusion

If you’re in the market for a powerful and versatile 2-in-1 tablet-cum-laptop, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is an excellent choice. With its significant step up in performance and features, it’s a great option for creative professionals and anyone who needs a device that can handle demanding tasks.

FAQs

Q: What is the price of the Microsoft Surface Pro 11?

A: The price of the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is $999, reduced from $1,399.

Q: What are the key features of the Microsoft Surface Pro 11?

A: The key features of the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 include a Snapdragon X Elite chip, an OLED display, and the ability to use the optional keyboard remotely.

Q: Is the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 a good option for creative professionals?

A: Yes, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is an excellent option for creative professionals who need a powerful and versatile device that can handle demanding tasks.

Q: Is the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 available on other platforms?

A: No, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is only available on the Windows platform.

‘Tis the Season for Spotify Wrapped: A Guide to the New Album-Inspired Logos

Spotify Wrapped: A Time for Reflection

‘Tis the season for Spotify Wrapped, that special time of year when I reflect on how I’ve only listened to one album for the entirety of 2024. To mark the occasion, the streaming service has released a series of cryptic new logos inspired by some of this year’s top artists, and not to brag, I’m fairly certain I’ve decoded them all.

Diverse Album Art

While Spotify already has one of the best logos, these album-inspired design remixes show just how diverse album art can be. From serpent symbolism to cowboy couture, these crafty new logos are the perfect way to test your design knowledge and celebrate another year of musical excellence.

Decoding the Logos

The logos were revealed in a slick social post teasing the upcoming Spotify Wrapped. If you’re a pop girl like myself, you’ll likely recognize the first two logos as a reference to our reigning queens Sabrina Carpenter and Chapell Roan. These are closely followed by a Cowboy Carter-inspired design for the Beyonce fans and the unmistakable green hue of Charli XCX’s BRAT album (which ironically just looks like a low-res version of the OG Spotify logo).

Next, we have a reference to Don Tolviver’s ‘Hardstone Psycho’ followed by the minimalist design of Taylor Swift’s ‘The Tortured Poets Department’. The snake design references Megan Thee Stallion’s new serpent-inspired era, while the final two are nods to Billie Eilish’s ‘Hit Me Hard and Soft’ and Olivia Rodrigo’s 2023 release, ‘Guts’. (I’m 99.9% confident I’m correct, but until Spotify Wrapped finally drops, these are mere humble predictions.)

The Logos

Conclusion

In conclusion, Spotify’s album-inspired logos are a great way to test your design knowledge and celebrate another year of musical excellence. While the logos may be cryptic, they’re a fun way to engage with the music industry and appreciate the diversity of album art.

FAQs

Q: What is Spotify Wrapped?
A: Spotify Wrapped is a special feature from Spotify that provides users with a personalized summary of their listening habits from the past year.

Q: What are the new album-inspired logos for?
A: The new logos are a series of cryptic designs inspired by some of this year’s top artists.

Q: How do I decode the logos?
A: You can decode the logos by recognizing references to popular artists and their albums.

Q: When will Spotify Wrapped be available?
A: Spotify Wrapped will be available soon, and users can expect to receive their personalized summaries once the feature is released.

The Best Bambu Lab Black Friday Deal

A Year of 3D Printing Experience

It’s been exactly one year since I bought my very first 3D printer, thanks to a tempting Black Friday deal that led to a spontaneous and impulsive purchase. I can’t believe how far I’ve come along in my 3D printing journey since, and I feel like I’m finally ready to master multi-colour printing.

Upgrading to a New 3D Printer

I love my reliable Anycubic Kobra 2, but I think it’s time for an upgrade to one of the best 3D printers on the market right now with AMS (automated material system) capabilities. I’ve been nagging Anycubic for a while to let me try out its new Anycubic Kobra 3 Combo model, but with no luck yet.

Bambu Lab Black Friday Sale

During my hunt for Black Friday 3D printer deals, I came across Bambu Lab’s impressive Black Friday sale, and I have to say I’m actually quite tempted by some of these deals. There’s up to $250 off the Bambu Lab X1C, and $200 off the P1S model too – but it’s this deal with $110 off the Bambu Lab A1 Combo that has me potentially abandoning Anycubic.

The Best Bambu Lab Black Friday Deal

Below, you’ll find the best deals and lowest prices on the Bambu Lab A1 Combo in your region and worldwide, using our clever deals widget that updates 24/7.

FAQs

• What is the Bambu Lab A1 Combo?
  • The Bambu Lab A1 Combo is a 3D printer with AMS capabilities, offering a range of features and settings to help you produce high-quality prints.
• What is the best Black Friday deal for the Bambu Lab A1 Combo?
  • The best deal is the $110 off the Bambu Lab A1 Combo, which is currently available.
• Can I still get this deal if I’m outside of the US?
  • Yes, the deal is available worldwide, and our deals widget will help you find the best prices in your region.