Dean was born and raised in central Maryland and graduated from Ringling College of Art & Design in 2008. He now lives in St. Petersburg, Florida, with his wife and their three cats.

Since 2010, Dean has been sculpting sand professionally with Team Sandtastic, working primarily on commercial projects for corporate events, resorts, and global brands. His creativity and skill earned him 1st Place and Sculptor’s Choice in the solo division at the 2024 Siesta Key Crystal Classic. He’s returning this year to defend his title—but mostly to reconnect and have fun with his fellow sand sculpting friends.