Category Archives: People

LEGO fandom is a worldwide phenomenon, a vast community. Whether you consider yourself an AFOL (Adult Fan of LEGO), ALE (Adult LEGO Enthusiast), some other crazy acronym, a parent of a young builder, or even just a casual fan who appreciates all the amazing models LEGO builders create, there’s more to LEGO than just the models themselves. Here at The Brothers Brick, we bring you the stories behind the models, with interviews, builder profiles, and more.

Hispabrick 12 is now available [News]

The latest issue of Hispabrick Magazine makes a neat dozen. And it’s an excellent read covering many aspects of the LEGO hobby.

The 12th issue of HispaBrick Magazine is available now

In this issue you will have the opportunity to learn more about Mike Doyle and his abandoned houses, trains created by Anthony Sava, the robots of Simon Burfield and the game Super Robo Rally by Steve Hassenplug. You will learn about efficiencient LEGO Technic structures by Oton Ribic and everything related to 9V motors by Philo.

We interviewed the Croatian creator Matija Grguric and present our new section “Pillars of the community” with an interview of the people behind Eurobricks.

You will see a little of the history of the Town / City and Train themes, a celebration of the third anniversary of Panzerbricks, and our participation in different events. There is also the introduction to Robotics with LEGO MINDSTORMS (IX), our comic Desmontados, various reviews, and an exclusive presentation of two new 2012 City sets!

All this and more in HBM012

The Brothers Brick is funded by our readers and the community. Articles may include affiliate links, and when you purchase products from those links, TBB may earn a commission that helps support the site.

Video game designer Hideo Kojima uses LEGO to build levels

Metal Gear Solid designer Hideo Kojima recently gave a talk at USC in which he revealed that he and his development team have used LEGO to design game levels.

Relating a story about taking his son to work one day during a time when his wife felt he was spending too much time at work, his son says that Dad “plays with Legos all day.”

I can imagine little scenes like this one by David McNeely scattered around Kojima’s design studio…

Steve Jobs (1955-2011)

A few hours ago, the world learned that it had lost one of its most brilliant stars. Apple co-founder and former CEO Steve Jobs died after a lengthy illness.

Nearly every post I’ve written on this blog, every line of code, and every photo I’ve taken has made its way through the MacBook sitting here on my lap. But more importantly, Jobs inspired a generation of creative professionals to do amazing things with their imaginations. And no matter what kind of computer or mobile device you’re reading this from, I know that’s something all of you out there can relate to.

Put your hands together for the newest member of the family! [News]

We would like to announce the newest member of our blogging team. Chris Malloy has agreed to join The Brothers Brick and we are very excited to see his favorite creations and to hear his opinions.

Chris is a prominent builder, well-versed in multiple themes, and has been a member of the LEGO fan community for many years. He has a very good eye for a well-built creation and has been an innovator in the photography of Lego builds. And to top all that, he is a great guy. He is well-respected on numerous fan sites and is an excellent friend. I am truly excited to have him on the team.

Please join us in welcoming our newest Brother!

‘The Brothers Brick’ and ‘From Bricks to Bothans’ to host joint session at BrickCon

The Brothers Brick and From Bricks to Bothans will be co-hosting a panel and Question/Answer time regarding Lego Blogging.

Andrew (TBB) and Ace (FBTB) are on the official panel, but other staff from both sites will be there as well.

This will take place at 2 o’clock, Sunday afternoon, in the Orcas room (aka Classroom A). This will only be open to attendees, not people who come in during public hours.

Also be aware that things will probably be a little quieter around here through the weekend. I know most of us always mean to post in the evenings but fan conventions are tiring affairs. I seldom feel like opening the laptop when I get back to the hotel.

Lastly, if you are attending BrickCon and see one of us walking about, feel free to introduce yourself. We love to meet our readers. See you at the Con!

Mark Kelso faces down the Eye of Chaos

We don’t normally feature works-in-progress here on TBB, but Mark Kelso has been working on his next massive SHIP, and this photo captures the inevitable frustration of designing and building a large-scale LEGO model that we have to share. It’s also nice to see the LEGO workspace of one of our favorite builders.

Mark says, “After the first wing section slipped off the SHIP and crashed to the ground for a second time, I realized another solution was going to be necessarry.”

Don’t worry — Mark didn’t actually smash his next masterpiece, so we’ll look forward to featuring the finished model here when it’s done.

Hispabrick 11 is now available [News]

HispaBrick Magazine recently released their eleventh issue and I was quite impressed with it. They have definitely been improving with age.

This issue is packed with goodies and it’s all free! There is a literal plethora of articles including, among other things, the Arvo brothers‘ Mini Moog, Firas Abu-Jaber’s vehicles, a history of classic Space, 5 set reviews and interviews with Barney Main (AKA SlyOwl), Jamie Berard and Tormod Askildsen.

Traveller’s Tales wants you! TT Games hiring for Model Builder [News]

TT Games, the company behind LEGO’s line of successful video games, is wanting to hire a Model Builder to work on the in-game models. They are looking for a talented builder and thought that one of our readers might fit the bill.

It’s worth noting that Carl Greatrix was also hired by TT Games after he saw their ad here on The Brothers Brick, so another TT Games Model Builder could be one of you reading this right now.

Here’s the job description:

LEGO Model Builder/Artist

We are seeking a talented individual to join the LEGO Models team, who will be required to design models for a range of purposes for various members of the team in our dynamic and exciting working environment.

The ideal candidate will have:
* An overview of all LEGO themes and building styles.
* An ability to design and build accurate/fun/working LEGO models.
* Strong 3D modelling skills in Autodesk Maya.
* Experience of the TtGames LEGO console games.

In return we offer a competitive salary with paid overtime and bonus
scheme.

To apply, please send your CV and Covering Letter to cmcnair@t-tales.com

Yoda rendering is courtesy of TT Games

Comunidade 0937 interviews Mark Stafford, LEGO Designer

A couple years ago, we ran a series of three interviews with LEGO Designer Mark Stafford, covering his journey from LEGO fan to set designer, as well as what it’s like to work as a designer and the distinction between being a fan and being a designer.

The online community has been a bit overdue for an update, so I was very pleased to receive a link to this interview by the Portuguese-language Comunidade 0937. They’ve asked a lot of great questions, and Mark has included several prototype design photos in his answers.

Most of the “spacers” of 0937 are advocates of a more peaceful approach to the theme than space-based conflict…. We also think there is a market for products placed in a more exploratory theme. Is there any chance of the LEGO one day to embark on a theme such as this?

First I want to point out that LEGO space has rarely been peaceful, talking to the original designers of the classic space sets during its concept phase they envisioned it as a competitive ‘space race’ between astronauts in white and cosmonauts in red. Those probes and radar dishes looked a bit like weapons because they knew exactly how most kids would play with them!

That said, I understand your point, and of course LEGO City has just released a space port line with vehicles inspired by today’s peaceful space explorers and their space agencies.

Read the full interview with Mark Stafford on Comunidade 0937 website.

Alien Conquest 7066 Earth Defense HQ includes Vic Viper tribute to nnenn

It was just brought to my attention that 7066 Earth Defense HQ contains a tribute to nnenn. The decal on the Vic Viper ship is the brilliant idea of Mark Stafford who designed the set. This by itself is enough cause for me to own a copy of the set.

Photo by polywen

Pillaging the mind of a builder: Gerard Joosten

Gerard Joosten (aka Elephant Knight) just posted his latest in a line of large, detailed sailing ships. Christened The Lynx, it is a beautiful example of a minifig scale Clipper Schooner.

Gerard agreed to sit down with me and answer some questions about the ship and how he builds.

TBB: Thanks for taking the time to talk with me, Gerard. Tell our readers a little bit about yourself. How long have you been into Lego and what themes do you build in?

GJ: I have been into Lego since just before my fourth birthday, when I got 1464 Pirate Lookout. I have never been into a dark age, and my older brother said I’m the biggest AFOL in my family of 7 kids. I mostly build in Pirates and Space, with Castle a bit behind those. Though I dabble in almost anything, except for Steampunk.

TBB: You have two older brothers who are adult Lego fans. Do you feel that their influence and your early exposure to the online Lego fan community has had an impact on your builds?

GJ: They certainly had an influence. Dan built a ship in 2008, a bit before the pirates line came out, that really opened up my love for Pirates. Dan has also pushed me into doing more realistic stuff.

TBB: So why no Steampunk?

GJ: I am just not a fan of steampunk. I think the idea of spaceships and mechs powered by steam to be silly.

TBB: Fair enough. You said you’ve been into Lego since you were four. So how many years have you been into Lego now?

GJ: 15 years and it doesn’t look like I am going to slow down at all.

TBB: So is Pirate your favourite theme?

GJ: Pirates and Space are always competing for first, but I think Pirates has a bit of an edge, simply because I build better sailing ships then spaceships.

TBB: You are becoming well-known for your large, detailed ships. How is this one different from your previous builds?

GJ: Well, this is my second time using reference material, and my first time basing it on a real ship. Also, this is the first time I have built a ship in minifig scale, and used proper cloth (As opposed to paper) for the sails.

TBB: Did using reference material make this build more difficult?

GJ: Somewhat. Using reference material meant I couldn’t be as loose as I normally would be. The hull especially took a lot longer since I had to match it up with something.

TBB: Is this your biggest ship so far?

GJ: It isn’t my longest, but I think it might be the tallest. The HMS Brunswick was 124 studs long, but a bit heftier. But the Lynx is wider and that has to count for something. I would have to say this isn’t quite my biggest, but it is close.

TBB: What was the most difficult part of this build?

GJ: I dunno. I think making the sails, since my scissors sucked. Can’t really say if any part of the actual build was harder then the rest.

TBB: What part of this ship turned out exactly how you envisioned it?

GJ: The angle of the masts. I got the idea how to do it, and it worked perfectly.

TBB: They do look really good. One thing that stands out on your ships is the custom sails and rigging. What do you use to make them? How much string went into the rigging on the Lynx?

GJ: In this case, I used cloth that I bought at Walmart. I usually use paper, but since the sails on this were larger then your regular sheet of paper, and since I wanted to raise the bar for myself a bit higher, I went with cloth. As for how much string, I don’t know at this point. By the time I dismantle this, I’ll know.

TBB: Are you going to start using cloth on all of your future ships?

GJ: I already converted one of my old ships to cloth sails, so I think it looks like it could happen, though paper is cheaper, and I am a bit of a mizer.

TBB: Where do you get inspiration for your ships?

GJ: Generally I just feel like building a ship, and I build one. In the Lynx’s case, Caylin challenged me to build a minifig scale tall ship, so that’s what I did.

TBB: As far as I can tell, your rigging is very accurate. How important is historical accuracy to you?

GJ: It is important whenever I feel like being historically accurate, which is happening more and more often these days. And since this ship was based on an actual ship, it was pretty obvious that I would have to make the rigging accurate.

TBB: Is there anything you want to mention that I haven’t asked about?

GJ: Whenever I build a sailing ship, I like to compare it to my first sailing ship I got, 6250 Cross Bone Clipper. In this case, there isn’t even a comparison.

TBB: I have to agree! Thanks for taking the time with us.

GJ: No problem!

Colour blindness and LEGO

Firstly, please excuse the lack of a nice LEGO model. This post is really for the approximately 6% of our readers who are colour blind (CVD to be technical) so if you’re not one of them, you can stop reading. If you are please indulge my curiosity and read on.

Both Peter Morris and I are from that lucky 7% of the male population with CVD. This causes both of us some consternation when dealing with LEGO. I’m curious to see what problems others with CVD have and what they do to deal with it.

So if you do have problems with CVD please comment on this flickr post. If you’re not a flickr member please comment here. Just share the hassles and solutions you’ve found. I’m certainly hoping to learn something from it all.