If you are fairly new to LEGO culture, you might have heard the term “MOC” (pronounced like “mock”) being used in conversation and not know what that is or what it stands for. We’ll explain what a LEGO MOC is, examples of MOCs people have created, and how you can get started making your own.
What is a LEGO MOC?
A lot of casual LEGO fans or builders are not up to speed on all the lingo specific to AFOLs, or Adult Fans of LEGO. These “super fans” have their own way of speaking, tossing around specific LEGO colors, like medium azure, and are equipped with their own acronyms and phrases. And if there’s one you should know, it’s MOC.
MOC is an acronym that stands for My Own Creation. My Own Creations are LEGO sets and builds that have been designed from someone’s own imagination, rather than from templated instructions provided by The LEGO Group, as found in a boxed LEGO set.
Who is a LEGO MOC Maker?
As a kid did you combine LEGO pieces to create your own star fighter? Or create custom LEGO flowers? Or as an adult, expand upon a LEGO set from your favorite movie?
Congratulations! You are a MOC builder!
Anyone who’s built their own design out of LEGO bricks is a MOC builder.
A MOC builder or MOC maker is anyone using LEGO pieces in new, and original ways, to create something that didn’t come with official LEGO instructions.
Many MOC builders are found in the AFOL community, who create some seriously epic builds. At Bricks & Minifigs® we provide bulk loose LEGO pieces for many MOC creators, including LEGO Masters.
LEGO actually encourages original builds, and even lets the public vote on whether or not their original MOC ideas should be an official LEGO set someday!
How to Build a LEGO MOC
If you want to uplevel your own creations, it can be very helpful to use the free software Stud.io or Bricklink Studio. They are very intuitive, easy-to-use platforms for beginners, with nice drag-and-drop features. You can even work with others on the same build, too. Plus, at the end, you can have it create and print instructions for you to make it in-real life.
It often takes some trial and error to build a great MOC. Beginning with simple builds, simple challenges, is a great way to start. Start with pieces you already have on hand.
My Own Creation MOC Examples
My Own Creation builds are one of the joys of building with LEGO bricks, whether as an adult, teenager, or child. MOC builds are all about taking your imagination and creativity and letting it run wild.
Want to build a scale replica of your favorite scene from Lord of the Rings®? Go ahead!
How about the perfect floral arrangement for your living room? All you need are bricks!
But sometimes, MOCs don’t have to be just from your own imagination. There are plenty of fans out there with their own creations and instructions that they’re willing to share.
Here at Bricks & Minifigs, we want to help your creativity flourish, so we have created a few of our own MOCs available for all to enjoy and get building with.
MOC Examples
LEGO Chocolate Box MOC
A box of chocolates is a classic gift for almost any occasion, but this LEGO version will never run out. Plus, it offers the added satisfaction of a “buildable” treat that stays perfectly intact and sugar-free long after the holiday ends. Get instructions for the LEGO chocolate box MOC here.
LEGO Brewery and Bar MOC
This cozy LEGO build brings a classy look to your kitchen or a fun location for your favorite minifigs to relax. It’s the perfect way to add a bit of style to your shelf, serving as a sophisticated lounge where your characters can kick back after a long day of building. Get your LEGO Brewery MOC instructions here.
Free Tortoise LEGO MOC
Now that you’ve seen some of the awesome MOCs that Bricks & Minifigs has come up with, here’s an exclusive MOC you can only download with this blog post!
What better way to celebrate the MOC making process than to share one of our own builds with you? Build your own LEGO tortoise as a tiny companion for your desk or a toy for your kids!
Reuse, Rebuild, Reimagine®
Bricks & Minifigs is all about the full life-cycle of LEGO pieces. We may sell used sets, but our slogan – Reuse, Rebuild, Reimagine – describes everything else that we do.
We help you Reuse by turning your past collections into cash or trade, giving pre-loved pieces a second life.
We’re driven to Rebuild, whether you’re restoring a vintage masterpiece or strengthening our local community of enthusiasts.
Most importantly, we empower you to Reimagine what’s possible.
It’s not just about where these bricks have been, but the new stories you’ll tell with them.
There is no “wrong” way to build. Whether you follow the official instructions to the letter, carve a path off the designated walkway with a freestyle creation, or collaborate on a fan-made MOC, we are here to support your journey.
So, just know that there’s no wrong way to build. Keep and only use your official LEGO instructions. Carve a path off the instruction-lined walkways and try your hand at a completely freestyle creation. Or find other LEGO fans’ instructions and use those.
However you choose to build, Bricks & Minifigs is here for your next LEGO adventure! Come on into our stores and see just what awaits.