Have you ever wanted to make your own LEGO® creation (MOC build), but weren’t exactly sure where to start? At Bricks & Minifigs, we’re here to help you get started in the wonderful world of MOC building!
For novice, beginning builders, getting into MOC building can be exciting and a bit intimidating. We’ve compiled a list of beginner tips, so read on to learn how to get started.
Start with Small MOC Builds
No one is going to be LEGO Master on their first try! LEGO building is a hobby like any other, and that means that it’ll take some time and practice to figure out how to build what’s in your head in LEGO pieces. That’s why it can be a great idea to start small.
Pick something small for one of your first MOC builds. This is not meant to limit your creativity in any way. Keeping your project small helps you fine tune your process and make it easier to make any changes as you go.
Instead of building that giant battlefield or a replica of a famous painting, try something simpler. A LEGO mouse. A LEGO soccer ball. Or even your favorite house plant.
Smaller builds let you get in practice while still building something fun and memorable. You’ll learn how pieces fit together just right and how your imagination can be just as good as an instruction booklet!
Plan Ahead – How to Design a LEGO MOC
There’s nothing wrong with taking a plan-as-you-go approach, but sitting down and thinking through your MOC build does make it just a little easier. Try visualizing it in your head, writing down the steps, or sketching it out on paper.
If you’re a really visual person, try sketching your ideas out in a notebook or on a piece of paper. Seeing your idea in full will help you plan out just which pieces go where, even if you aren’t drawing the bricks themselves.
For those who are more digitally minded, digital tools like Studio by Bricklink are a great way to design your MOC. This software lets you model a build with actual LEGO pieces all before you pick up a real brick. And it’s free to use!
Organize Your LEGO Pieces to Help You Build a LEGO MOC
An organized space can be one of your greatest tools. Sorting your LEGO pieces by type, color, or size can make it so much easier for you to see what pieces are actually available for your design.
If you’ve ever dug around for several minutes for a missing piece during a build, you know this pain. So make it easier for yourself by knowing exactly where certain pieces or colors are.
Your organization doesn’t have to be anything fancy. A couple plastic bins can easily do the trick when you’re just starting out. Figure out how you want to sort them, organize them, and then look at what’s available.
From there, you can start to visualize what you can build with what you already have.
And if you know you’re already missing a few pieces you might need, head to your Bricks & Minifigs and find more pieces in our bulk tables!
Learn From Other MOC Builders
Everyone has their own different building styles and approaches, so use that to your advantage.
While trial and error is part of the LEGO MOC building fun, you don’t have to figure everything out alone. Connecting with the community is one of the best ways to level up your skills.
Try finding a local LUG (LEGO User Group) in your area. These groups of LEGO fans know almost everything there is to know. Some of them will definitely be able to help you get started with personal builds.
Bricks & Minifigs stores also function as community hubs for MOC builders. Our owners and managers are often experts themselves, always ready to trade building tips or help you troubleshoot a tricky design. Many locations even host AFOL Build Nights, offering a dedicated space to connect with local fans and learn more.
Or, if you want to keep things digital, there’s plenty of forums, social media groups and YouTube videos dedicated to all things LEGO. If you’ve got questions, chances are someone’s already uploaded a video about it.
Whichever route you choose, both are great options for sharing your work, getting feedback, and learning from other builders.
Keep a Positive Attitude and Have Fun Trying to Build LEGO MOCs
The most important rule when building with any LEGO products is to have fun!
Creativity and experimenting are great, and it’s so cool that you want to improve your LEGO building skills. The joy of building comes from your imagination and problem-solving, so don’t let a little perfectionism get in the way of that!
Start Your Next Build
Now that you’ve learned a little bit more about MOC building, it’s time to get started on your own project! What is it that you want to build?
Hopefully these tips will ignite your creativity and build your confidence to conquer your MOC projects! But as always, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to visit your local Bricks & Minifigs to pick up any pieces you need and to hear guidance from our excellent staff!