Hi guys, it's Ramii from Hellamax, whether you're new to LEGO building or a seasoned fan looking to expand your skills, creating your own models can be a fun and challenging journey.
Start with a theme or concept: What do you want to build? It could be a house, vehicle, spaceship, animal, or even a scene from your favorite movie. Brainstorm ideas and decide on a clear concept.
Sketch your idea: If you’re a visual person, drawing a rough sketch of your design can help you visualize the structure and details. You don’t need to be an artist—just sketch enough to capture the key features and layout.
Use reference images: If your creation is based on something from real life, like a building or vehicle, look up reference images online to study shapes, colors, and proportions.
Sort your bricks: Organizing your LEGO pieces by color, size, or type will make the building process much easier. If you’re looking for a specific piece, sorting can save you time and frustration.
Find specialty pieces: If your creation requires specific parts, such as unusual colors or shapes, you may need to purchase extra bricks. Online platforms like BrickLink or LEGO Pick a Brick allow you to buy individual pieces to complete your custom creation.
Consider using LEGO digital design software: LEGO Digital Designer (LDD) or other third-party LEGO building software can help you plan your build digitally before you begin using physical bricks. These tools allow you to experiment with different parts and designs without the need to own every piece upfront.
Start with a strong base: Depending on your project, you might want to use a large baseplate or create a custom base from regular bricks. Make sure the foundation is stable, especially for larger builds.
Build in layers: When constructing your creation, work in layers or sections. This method allows you to maintain structural integrity and ensure everything fits together as you progress.
Test connections: As you build, test the connections between bricks to make sure everything is secure. Loose or wobbly pieces can weaken your model and make it harder to add details later.
Use smaller pieces for details: Small LEGO bricks and elements can be used to add texture, patterns, and fine details. For example, 1x1 tiles, slopes, and round pieces are great for creating realistic textures like brick walls or stone pathways.
Include moving parts or functions: If you want your creation to have interactive elements, now is the time to incorporate them. Hinges, gears, and Technic pieces can add functionality to your build, like opening doors or rotating parts.
Focus on aesthetics: Pay attention to color schemes and overall aesthetics. Mixing too many colors can make your model look chaotic, so try to stick to a cohesive color palette unless you’re going for an intentionally colorful look.
Fix weak points: If any part of your build feels unstable or prone to breaking, reinforce it with extra pieces. Structural integrity is key, especially if you plan to display or play with your creation.
Refine the design: If something doesn’t look right or doesn’t match your original vision, take the time to adjust it. Swapping out parts, changing colors, or modifying the shape can often improve the final product.
Experiment with new techniques: As you build, try incorporating advanced building techniques like SNOT (Studs Not On Top) or using non-traditional piece combinations to create unique shapes and textures.
Display your model: Find a safe and visible place to display your creation, such as a shelf, desk, or display case. If your build is fragile, consider adding a protective cover to keep it safe from dust and damage.
Share online: There are many online communities where you can share your LEGO creations, including Instagram, Flickr, and LEGO-specific forums like Eurobricks. Posting photos of your build allows you to connect with other LEGO fans and receive feedback or praise for your work.
Enter LEGO competitions: If you're particularly proud of your build, consider entering LEGO competitions or showcasing your model at local LEGO conventions. Many events offer opportunities to display custom creations and compete for awards.
Building your own custom LEGO creations is a rewarding experience that allows you to unleash your creativity and design unique models beyond pre-packaged sets.
Ramii