Michael Crider has been writing about computers, phones, video games, and general internet nerd stuff for the past ten years. You're never happier than when you're tinkering with your homemade desktop computer or soldering a new keyboard.Continue reading... About Review Geek
Michael Krider
Michael Krider
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| 6 minutes read
At this point, LEGO isn't just a toy, it's a way of life. The small building blocks have a loyal fan base worldwide, both among children and adults. We've covered LEGO from start to finish on this site, but if you've been building advanced sets for years, you might be ready to start designing your own LEGO creations.
Of course anyone can create a new LEGO creation from existing sets or, more commonly, by combining pieces from existing sets. But for more than a hundred pieces, you'll need a plan for both building the set and purchasing the pieces you'll need.
That's how to do it.
Design-Software
If you want to make a LEGO set with hundreds or thousands of pieces, you need to plan it first. The easiest way to do this (without spending mortgage money on random parts) is to use a software tool to create a set virtually. At the time of writing, there are three notable options.
Estudio BrickLink
Estudio BrickLink, sometimes referred to simply as "Studio" or "Stud.io", is the best choice for most intermediate to advanced developers. This free design tool is published and maintained by BrickLink, the largest secondary marketplace for LEGO parts (see below). It contains tens of thousands of LEGO pieces, all of which can be modified and placed in your virtual build space. It is available for Windows and Mac.
Studio mirrors professional design software with its multi-window interface, and its search tool is the best way to find the part you need. It is also possible to move the parts in the virtual world with almost infinite variety, twisting and turning them in space with warnings of what works and what doesn't. My favorite feature is the stability tool, which can tell you which parts of your LEGO model are most likely to fall apart under stress.
Studio includes a system for substituting parts that you use that are not available (e.g. if you colorize a part that LEGO does not make in that color option). Once you're ready to proceed, the program can help you create your own LEGO building instruction book, render the creation in 3D graphic animations, and purchase your parts list directly from the BrickLink shop.
Mecca Bricks
Mecca BricksIt's not the most powerful LEGO design software out there, but it's the only one available with a full web interface. That also makes it the only option if you're using ChromeOS or trying to design LEGO on a phone or tablet. The interface is compatible with most BrickLink Studio tools, but without the precise controls.
A particular highlight is an easy way to search the parts library or view and edit user-submitted models in the online repository, all without the need to install software on your local computer. The interface is impressively fast, even with complex or transparent parts.
LEGO Digital Designer
LEGO develops its own design software, although it was unfortunately discontinued in 2018. Still, the software is available as a free download and is a good way for beginners to get used to designing LEGO games in a virtual environment. The user interface in particular is much more kid-friendly.
LEGO Digital Designer should not be considered the complete and definitive LEGO design software: the brick selection is pretty meager compared to other community-made tools, and you can no longer buy bricks directly from LEGO. . Still, it can be helpful for children to plan before proceeding with a physical layout in a store.
Find LEGO parts
When you have your design ready, it's time to find your parts. You might be able to fill some of these with your current collection, but if you can't find the rest, it's time to search online.
Official LEGO chooses a brick
Packaged LEGO sets aren't the only way to buy LEGO bricks. LEGO sells them individually and direct to the public.via the Pick a Brick system. At the time of writing, there are approximately 1,500 LEGO bricks available direct from the manufacturer, piece by piece. You can select the parts you need, put them in your shopping cart and have them delivered within one to two weeks. It's recommended to search by colour, shape or the official LEGO part number (easily found in any of the tools above).
BrickLink
LEGO does not sell all of its parts directly to consumers; Many of them can only be purchased as part of a specific set. There's nothing wrong with that, it's just that many parts are in such low demand that they're not intended for retail sale. Enter third-party markets of whichBrickLinkit is the most robust.
BrickLink connects thousands of individual LEGO retailers, many of whom have huge, well-listed inventories, with end buyers. You can search the BrickLink website for the more esoteric parts you need, then check out and pay for multiple vendors at once so that all your parts get shipped to the same place.
Buying through BrickLink is expensive and time consuming compared to Pick A Brick as different vendors sell parts at different prices and you have to pay shipping costs for each vendor separately. But it's often the only way to find certain parts, and system tools make them easy to find.
loose collections
If you're trying to build a massive collection of your own LEGO pieces and don't care about specific pieces, then bulk lots are just what you need.LEGO sells its own bulk retail containers, in single-color and multi-color containers. But that's not the best value for money.
The way to build a huge LEGO collection as cheaply as possible is to buy loose pieces in bulk. Used LEGO sets are okay in this regard: LEGO parts are durable, and LEGO sets without a box, instructions, or even some parts are cheap to come by. But to really maximize value and minimize price per piece, shop for large batches of LEGO without organization.
You can find these lots underSecondary marketplaces like eBay, or locally at pawn shops, garage sales, and flea markets. Compared to buying sets or searching for parts on BrickLink, the value is 5-10 times higher. Some retail chains, like Half Price Books in the US, are also beginning to sell individual LEGO pieces. Good Hunting.
Local tools and groups
If you're in a hurry or just want to connect with other LEGO lovers in your area, you have a few options.
there the Lego store
LEGO has grown so big that most major metropolitan areas have at least one official LEGO Store. These stores sell LEGO sets, limited specials, souvenirs, and one-offs that are color-coded on the Pick & Build piece wall. LEGO Stores also have access to some exclusive items, and regular retail stores are more likely to stock larger or rarer sets.
The LEGO Store is usually located in shopping malls or other special commercial areas in major cities.
Independent LEGO stores
LEGO Stores can't be everywhere, and where they aren't, enterprising independent business owners are taking over. Independent LEGO Stores sell authentic LEGO bricks and sets, and buy and sell used sets, but are not officially affiliated with LEGO. who is closest to meRogue Brick in Fort Worth, Texas.(By the way, these stores never actually have the trademarked term "LEGO" in their names.) You can find them by searching for LEGO Stores or Toy Stores in your favorite mapping app.
Independent shops often have large numbers of loose bricks for sale, and some even have dedicated play areas where you and/or your kids can just sit and build with your vast collection, and then pay for the bricks that Use them when you're ready. to do it. leave. Independent shops also act as hubs for the local LEGO community, often hosting custom set showcases, contests and sometimes even adults-only nights where adult LEGO fans are encouraged to come in unprompted as children may be distracting.
student groups and LEGO fans
If you're looking for a local group to share your creations or get tips with, check out the social media hubs in your area. Meetup.com and Facebook group pages are popular options. Meeting regularly with other LEGO fans can be a great way to meet people and share experiences. These groups are often referred to as the Local LEGO User Group (LUG).
If you go to college or university, there's a good chance your school already has a LEGO users group. If you're having trouble finding one, check out the official oneLEGO Ambassador Network, a LEGO website providing a directory of LEGO focused assemblies.
FAQs
Is there a way to design your own LEGO set? ›
We recommend downloading BrickLink Studio if you're looking for a program that'll let you design, build and create digitally. Was this information helpful? Send us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
What do I need to be a LEGO designer? ›Most LEGO® Model Designers go to college and study 3D Arts. Some also have backgrounds in industrial design, architecture, carpentry, theatre design and even sculpting. If you're interested in becoming a designer, the best thing to do is play with LEGO® bricks as much as possible.
What software do you use to create LEGO models? ›LEGO Digital Designer is a freeware computer program that lets you build models with virtual LEGO bricks. Digital Designer uses an approach similar to computer-aided design (CAD) programs, meaning you can build whatever you can imagine, right on your computer.
Is there a LEGO design app? ›LEGO Builder is a digital LEGO instructions app that will help you and your family build sets better and with more ease than ever before. Find out more below!
What can I use instead of LEGO Digital Designer? ›Billund, Denmark – January 12th, 2022: Today, the LEGO Group announces that BrickLink Studio will replace LEGO Digital Designer as the official virtual LEGO building software going forward. The LEGO Digital Designer (LDD) website will close on January 31st, after which time LDD will no longer be available for download.
Do Lego ideas creators get paid? ›Lego Ideas (formerly known as Lego Cuusoo) is a website run by Chaordix and The Lego Group, which allows users to submit ideas for Lego products to be turned into potential sets available commercially, with the original designer receiving 1% of the royalties.
What is the highest paying LEGO job? ›At Lego Group, the highest paid job is a Director of Sales at $234,260 annually and the lowest is a Receptionist at $37,288 annually. Average Lego Group salaries by department include: Marketing at $108,943, Operations at $102,068, Communications at $100,517, and Business Development at $157,879.
How much money do LEGO set designers make? ›Lego Group's Senior Designer compensation is $25,344 more than the US average for a Senior Designer. Senior Designer salaries at Lego Group can range from $58,000 - $293,455. The Design Department at Lego Group earns $6,962 more on average than the Marketing Department. Last updated 16 days ago.
Who is the youngest Lego designer? ›LEGO® craftsman Jumpei, based in Japan, is the youngest LEGO Certified Professional. He became a professional LEGO builder when he was a student at the University of Tokyo. He has produced commissions for companies, TV, and publications.
Is Lego CAD free? ›LeoCAD is open-source, so anyone can contribute with fixes and features, and it is always going to remain free.
Does Lego digital designer still exist? ›
The LEGO® Group cited quality issues as the main reason. LDD continued until 2016 as a simple building program, at which point it stopped receiving funds for updates. A final update arrived in 2019, and the program existed in limbo since. Now, on January 31, 2022, LDD will no longer be available for download.
Is Studio by BrickLink free? ›Studio is completely free to use and runs on both Windows and Mac. Although a BrickLink account is not necessary to run Studio, registered users will have the added bonus of being able to build with friends in real-time.
What software do LEGO master builders use? ›After all, practice makes perfect. If you'd rather not start building right away, you could try a 3D design software. Master Model Builders use software similar to LEGO® Digital Designer (LDD) to create their first designs. If you want to try out LDD, you can download it for free.
Can you just 3D print Legos? ›FFF 3D print is suitable for producing classic LEGO-style and LEGO Duplo-style blocks. Traditional LEGO bricks are a bit more difficult to replicate, but it can be done – our experiments done using Original Prusa i3 MK3S printers confirm that.
Can you design your own LEGO set and buy it? ›We will handle everything from the design process, packaging to shipping. We can create custom sets with 100% LEGO bricks or use LEGO compatible bricks. We can also add custom printing to the bricks or decals for even more customization. Every order is custom and price depends on design and quantity.
How does a LEGO idea get approved? ›The process behind LEGO Ideas is simple:
Once you get 10,000 supporters, your set qualifies for a review by the LEGO Review Board. If successful, your idea becomes a real LEGO set that any fan can purchase around the world. You even get a royalty on sales, and recognition as the set's creator!
Go to ideas.LEGO.com and let your imagination run wild! Send us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Are LEGO Ideas a good investment? ›Lego® sets can clearly be described as a very profitable asset class. The returns can more than keep up with other forms of investment and even surpass them! The target group for sets that have increased in value is large and has been growing continuously for years.
How much does a Lego designer make a week? ›How much does a LEGO Designer make? As of Jan 30, 2023, the average annual pay for a LEGO Designer in the United States is $53,887 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $25.91 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,036/week or $4,490/month.
How long does it take to become a Lego designer? ›Take four years of course work in each and take advanced classes when possible. If there is a science or robotics club, join it. During high school you can also consider taking some classes in science, math, engineering, or software design courses at a local college.
Is there a job to build LEGO sets? ›
There are hundreds of jobs with LEGO® besides being a Master Builder and working at the LEGO® company is a great way to climb through the ranks. You can start as a gluer, a model builder, product design, transportation logistics, engineering, game design and more. LEGO® is always hiring enthusiastic, passionate people.
What is a professional LEGO builder called? ›A LEGO Certified Professional is an AFOL officially recognized by the LEGO Group as a professional LEGO builder.
Can you sell LEGO designs? ›Another way to make money from Legos without selling them is the Lego ideas 2023 site. If you are a Lego enthusiast who loves building Legos, then Lego-ideas is for you. You can come up with new designs and ideas for new Lego sets and get paid for them.
Why are LEGO kits 18+? ›Related themes
18+ is a set designation first used in 2020 as a replacement for the Expert line. Sets with the 18+ designation are more advanced than standard LEGO sets and are intended for adult builders.
We have LEGO® sets perfect for children and adults in all age groups.
Is it cheaper to print your own Legos? ›Joshua Pearce, an associate professor of materials science and engineering at Michigan Tech, says that making toys at home with a 3-D printer can be up to 90 percent cheaper than buying them at the store.
Is it OK for adults to build Legos? ›If you've been out of the Lego loop for the last few decades—growing up will do that—you might be surprised to learn that Lego makes sets specifically for adults, because even with age, the act of creating with small pieces still delights.
Can I make a LEGO that looks like me? ›Ever wanted to see yourself represented as a LEGO® minifigure? Well, now you can! Whether you see yourself as a brave pizza eating knight, a boombox carrying firefighter, or even a chilled out surfer, you can choose from a range of looks and accessories to customize your look!
Can I teach myself CAD? ›Yes you can learn AutoCAD with the student version from Autodesk and check out InfiniteSkills.com for videos, tutorials, and books on how to teach yourself AutoCAD.
Is FreeCAD totally free? ›FreeCAD is free. This open-source software is available for free for Linux, macOS and Windows. It is possible to extend the features of the software by using the Python programming language.
Does FreeCAD cost money? ›
FreeCAD Pricing
This program is free; you can download a version for your operating system from the vendor's website. FreeCAD is an open-source 3D modeling software that enables you to create detailed technical drawings, as well as efficient CAM processes.
NASA and the LEGO Group announced the "NASA's Missions: Imagine and Build" competition to spur students of all ages to use the toy bricks to build models of future airplanes and spacecraft.
Does LEGO approve of BrickLink? ›The LEGO Group has acquired BrickLink because we want to deepen and broaden our relationship and service to the AFOL community. It is therefore our intention to work on improving the platform for users and sellers, and add new services based on input and understanding of the needs of the community.
Why was LEGO VIDIYO Cancelled? ›While the nicely designed minifigures, unique elements, and printed tiles were appreciated, the app was buggy, the pricing excessive, and the theme provided little in terms of traditional building experience. Below is the latest official statement made by LEGO about their recent decision to retire the theme.
Is it worth selling LEGO on BrickLink? ›Selling on BrickLink: Our conclusion
The Lego® marketplace BrickLink is a very good alternative to eBay, for example. The fees are about half as low, and the potential group of buyers is at least as large. Before you start selling Lego on BrickLink, you should register a business.
BL BAT: We buy primarily from retail stores, LEGO Shop at Home, the LEGO Store in Downtown Disney, eBay, BrickLink and individuals looking to sell their collections. Where is everything stored and how are things organized?
What CAD program does LEGO use? ›For most of their models, LEGO designers use their own LEGO Digital Designer (LDD) software, which performs many similar functions as the software that's commonly used in architectural CAD programs.
Do LEGO Master Builders get paid? ›Typically a Lego Master Builder makes between $16-19 per hour plus benefits. That's a $35,000-40,000 annual salary. Many of Lego's executives have come up through the ranks as a Master Builder.
How many hours do LEGO designers work? ›Work schedule is on 4-7hr shifts, 10-24 hrs a week depending on the season.
Is a Lego designer a job? ›Who we're looking for. People in the LEGO Design team are as diverse as our audiences and play experiences. We're a world-class, multidisciplinary team full of passionate, talented people from design and non-design backgrounds.
How much does it cost to make your own LEGO figure? ›
Want to create your own minifigures? Then you've come to the right place! Create three minifigures for $9.99.
Can I 3D print my own LEGO? ›FFF 3D print is suitable for producing classic LEGO-style and LEGO Duplo-style blocks. Traditional LEGO bricks are a bit more difficult to replicate, but it can be done – our experiments done using Original Prusa i3 MK3S printers confirm that.
Can I pitch an idea to LEGO? ›Go to ideas.LEGO.com and let your imagination run wild! Send us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Are Lego ideas a good investment? ›Lego® sets can clearly be described as a very profitable asset class. The returns can more than keep up with other forms of investment and even surpass them! The target group for sets that have increased in value is large and has been growing continuously for years.
Can you sell your own LEGO creations? ›How fantastic that you want to sell our LEGO® sets in your store! Just get in touch with us and we can give you the phone numbers and email addresses you'll need to contact our retailer service team.
What objects Cannot be 3D printed? ›However, materials that burn rather than melt at high temperatures cannot be processed safely by sintering or melting, but can be used when extruded through a nozzle for 3D printing. Wood, cloth and paper cannot be 3D printed using these processes.
Are LEGO designs copyrighted? ›The LEGO Group owns the copyrights to its building instructions, publications and to the photographs used in our catalogs and on our packages. Copying, scanning and distributing these materials on the Internet would be an infringement of our copyrights.
What 3D software does LEGO use? ›LeoCAD - Virtual LEGO CAD Software.
Why are some LEGO Ideas not approved? ›Many projects are not approved because some element of it did not follow our Project Guidelines and House Rules. The two most common reasons we reject project submissions are: The project doesn't meet our basic quality standards expected of all projects.