Dean was originally planned on going into fashion design before he pursued acting. His creative background often shows up into his film work where he has contributed as a stylist for some of his characters. His first costume design credit was for Imaginary Enemies where he designed the costume for "Ian" a homeless youth.
He has an extensive modeling background. In Deans' first year modeling he was published to seven magazines shot in his hometown of Seattle, Washington. The concepts often center around an androgynous or bold modern theme.