Please welcome Samuel aka SAMUEL HO to 10k Club! He presents his VIOLIN - the queen of musical instruments. This realistic-looking stringed musical instrument with a long-standing history became a LEGO product idea by “accident”!
ABOUT YOURSELF
- Who are you?
Samuel Ho (CKHO)
- Where are you from?
I’m from Macau which is in China.
- How old are you?
I'm 47 years old.
- What do you study or do for a living?
I work for the government as a civil Engineer.
- What hobbies do you have?
I love playing video games, board games, and LEGO with my kids.
- Do you have a personal LEGO portfolio website that you can share with us?
You can see my latest build and other past creations from the following links:
Personal blog: http://ckholegoworld.blogspot.com/
Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/hck/
- Have you created any LEGO MOCs (my own creations) that you’re particularly proud of? What is it, why are you proud it and do you have a photo of it?
It has to be my Macau Historical building series that I’m proud of. I have spent nearly five years recreating these 18 buildings on a 32x32 plate. The historical collection includes the famous Ruins of St. Paul’s, A-Ma Temple, The Guia Fortress, and many more. The buildings were on display at a theme exhibition in 2020 to promote the historical architecture of Macau to the citizens.
- How and when did your interest for LEGO products come about?
After a lengthy break from LEGO bricks from my childhood, I returned to LEGO seven years ago when my daughter started kindergarten. At first, I bought some Creator sets to build with her which lead to building the LEGO Technic #42009 (mobile crane MKII) and Ideas set #21303(Wall-E) which totally blew me away!
- What is LEGO for you? What does it mean for you? How does it fit in your life? E.g. build, display, meetups, play the games.. or 'just' watch the cartoons.
LEGO is a bridge that connects me with my kids. It’s a kind of language that we can share our thoughts with each other through building with bricks.
- What is your favourite LEGO theme (current or past)? Why? And has any theme inspired your building style or preference in any particular way?
LEGO Architecture is my favourite theme. If you take a closer look at my Macau Historical building series, you will find that I have used the techniques from this theme. I am so grateful to have learned these skills.
- What is your favourite official LEGO set? Why?
Without a doubt, it has to be the Grand Piano (21323). The streamlined appearance and the authentic hammer action are the key features to make it my favourite LEGO set especially when it’s combined with the LEGO Powered Up app… what a masterpiece it is!
- What is your favourite LEGO element? Why?
My favourite LEGO element is the 1x2 plate with one knob. This element solves many building problems when creating architectural projects such as windows, doors, and main structures.
- Is there one or more particular LEGO related websites (not official LEGO websites) that you visit often and/or are inspired by?
I often browse LEGO related Facebook pages such as TBB, The brick box, Candidbricks, LEGO moc worldwide…etc. They offer so many building techniques that are shared on Facebook by ‘MOC’ers!
ABOUT YOUR PROJECT
- Where did your interest in this particular model come from?
This brick-built violin was created by “accident”! It was a specially constructed gift to my musically talented daughter. When this violin was published on my blog and FB pages, it received a lot of feedback from AFOLs all over the world and it encouraged me to submit this violin to LEGO Ideas.
- How long was the process of making the project did, and what did you have to research as well. What kind of prep, research and design phases did you go through to produce your creation?
It usually takes me 4 to 6 weeks to start and finish a new project which goes through a process of four phases.
The first phase – Data research
The second phase – Digital design
Third phase – Brick collection and procurement
Fourth phase – Model build-up and fine toning
- What special challenges or frustrations did you face creating the model? What was the most difficult part to recreate?
The biggest challenge after creating the digital model was the brick collection and procurement phase. I found that many elements were no longer in production or difficult to obtain. At that moment, I needed to redesign my work according to the availability of the elements or swapping out and using alternative bricks.
- How long did it take to complete the model? Did you finish it fairly quickly, or did it take a long time? And how did the build time compare to the time you spent promoting your Product Idea to reach 10,000 supporters?
The violin project took three weeks to build. I then published it on my personal blog and Facebook fans page in January 2021. A week later, I submitted it to LEGO Ideas and received 10,000 votes from supporters in three months.
- How did it feel when you reached the magic 10,000 votes and how long did it take?
I never thought my violin would reach 10,000 votes. My eyes were glued to the screen every time when the votes reached the thousandth mark. When it reached 10,000 votes, I couldn’t believe it.
Wow! It’s just like a dream and my dream came true at that moment! It’s not only my own achievement but an unforgettable memory that belongs to me and my family.
- Approximately how many LEGO bricks did you use to create your model?
There were approximately 2000 LEGO elements used to create my violin.
- What is your favourite building technique or part/section that you’ve incorporated into your Product Idea?
My favourite building technique is solving the curved surface of the violin in order to make it look realistic. SNOT techniques were also used for the windows and door designs.
- If you built your model digitally, what software did you use to build and render your model?
The two computer programmes, Stud.io and LDD were used for the initial design process.
ABOUT LEGO IDEAS
- Do you have any useful advice about creating a successful LEGO Ideas project?
My suggestion is: Don’t think too much, just believe in your ideas that you love and go ahead. Keep your passion and creativity is the key.
- What (if any) methods did you use to advertise and attract support to your Product Idea?
I shared my violin on my personal blog and Facebook pages. The progress of the votes was posted on Facebook each time when a thousandth mark was reached. I am also so grateful for social media groups, Brothers brick, Candidbricks, LEGO Build of the week, plus a few others for featuring my violin.
- What is your favourite LEGO Ideas Product Idea (besides your own of course)? Are there any Product Ideas you think have been overlooked?
My favourite LEGO Ideas product is the Grand Piano and I think that the Volkswagen Golf MK1 GTI and the Toyota Landcruiser 40 series should be created in LEGO form.
- What is it about the platform that attracts you? What tips would you give to anyone who is thinking about uploading an idea?
As an AFOL myself, using this platform is the ultimate dream to have something I created myself and made into an official LEGO set. Submitting your creations to LEGO ideas is the best way to make your dream come true. The best tip I can offer to potential future LEGO designers is to carefully read the LEGO Ideas guidelines to avoid any missed opportunities.
- Do you have plans to submit any other Product Ideas in the future? If yes, can you give us a hint what that might be?
As I have already mentioned, this brick-built violin was a gift for my musically talented daughter. My son who is a young musician has asked me about his coming birthday gift!
PS. Stay tuned!
By
Kamila9