The latest 10K Club Interview is pretty classy! Meet Mehdi, a.k.a. dimexart, and his amazing Rolls-Royce Phantom 1 "Phantom of Love" project. Inspired by their love for the manufacturer, with a keen eye for the level of detail that went into these cars! Show your support, and find out more below.
ABOUT YOURSELF
- Who are you?
My name is Mehdi Rustamov, a.k.a. dimexart. But friends just call me Mexx.
- Where are you from?
I'm from Baku, Azerbaijan.
- How old are you?
I'm 35.
- What do you study or do for a living?
3D Modelling/Rendering and the Graphic Design are the main parts of my work life.
- What hobbies do you have?
As I said in all previous interviews, my main hobby is LEGO. Because LEGO is one of the most powerful opportunities for me to be myself. Also, I like playing Nintendo games with my daughter and collecting old game posters.
- Do you have a personal LEGO portfolio website that you can share with us?
I always share all my works on my Instagram and YouTube.
- Have you created any LEGO MOCs (my own creations) that you’re particularly proud of? What is it, why are you proud of it and do you have a photo of it?
I have created many MOCs over the past years. I think that Antique Cash Register, Vintage Radio, Vintage Toaster and Rolls Royce Phantom are the best MOCs I’m proud of.
- How and when did your interest in LEGO products come about?
My first LEGO experiences started in 1997 when I was 8. At that time, I started to improvise and rebuild several LEGO sets. I found it really interesting. So, that is how all this started. Now I am 35 and LEGO is the best way for me to express myself.
- What is the LEGO hobby to you? What does it mean to you? How does it fit in your life? E.g. build, display, meetups, play the games or 'just' watch the cartoons.
It means so much to me! It’s the way to show my creativity. It became my lifestyle.
- What is your favourite LEGO theme (current or past)? Why? And has any theme inspired your building style or preference in any particular way?
As I always say, my favorite Lego theme is Architecture. But, currently Ninjago has become one of my favorites.
- What is your favourite official LEGO set ever? Why?
The only one Back To The Future Time Machine (10300) - my favorite movie, my favorite LEGO set ever!
- What is your favourite LEGO element? Why?
All flat plates. I think they are amazing and I love to use them everytime to reach the smoothest shapes.
- Is there a LEGO designer (official LEGO designer or fan designer) who you are inspired by and look up to? Who and why?
I think all official LEGO designers are great, because every work I see is beautifully designed. But I really love Mike Psiaki’s works. Recently I finished Ghostbusters ECTO-1 set and so excited to have it in my collection.
- Is there one or more particular LEGO-related websites (not official LEGO websites) that you visit often and/or are inspired by?
Not websites but a lot of social media platforms related to the LEGO themes.
ABOUT YOUR PROJECT
- Where did your interest in this particular model come from?
This Rolls Royce struck me with its beauty and individuality. An incredible combination of color scheme and English rigor. Rolls has always been the embodiment of the icon, the ideal among cars, both then and now. The idea to create this car did not come at once. I saw this car on the Internet and just fell in love with it. As a connoisseur of retro and antique objects, I just could not pass by. And at some point, I came up with an idea to build it with Lego, since I’ve clearly seen all the details that I can use to realize this idea. The interior of this car is trimmed with high-quality materials in the Rococo style and its price is over 500,000 british pounds. In exactly two years, in 2026 it will be 100 years old.
- How long was the process of making the project, 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 took several weeks to create the shapes. I was researching for the good reference images and that was very hard to find. But finally I have found some site with the retro cars database that helped me so much.
- What special challenges did you face creating the model? What was the most difficult part to recreate?
The most difficult part was to make the arches over the wheels. I spent a lot of time thinking about how I could smoothly convey them. And also, I was looking for a part from which I could make the Spirit of Ecstasy for a long time. But still I settled on the Lego micro figure. And definitely this was an interior. According to the reference photos, that was not such an easy task to do. But this is always so interesting and fascinating to replicate complex shapes with LEGO pieces.
- If you could talk to yourself before you started on this project, what would you tell them? What do you know now that you wish you knew then?
Never give up, go forward!
- 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?
As always this was not so easy. It took really so much effort every time when I was trying to share and reach maximum of views.
- How did it feel when you reached the magic 10,000 votes and how long did it take?
That was my forth 10K project, so I felt so great like at the first time.
- Approximately how many LEGO bricks did you use to create your model?
Approximately 2000-2100 pieces.
- What is your favourite building technique or part/section that you’ve incorporated into your Product Idea?
I think that was the rims and tires. I have tried to make them maximum similar with the original ones.
- If you built your model digitally, what software did you use to build and render your model?
I have used Bricklink Studio 2.0 for the built process and for the rendering.
ABOUT LEGO IDEAS
- Do you have any useful advice about creating a successful LEGO Ideas project?
Don't be afraid to improvise and be sure about your project! Just believe in yourself!
- What (if any) methods did you use to advertise and attract support to your Product Idea?
I just shared my Rolls on my pages on Instagram, Facebook and Youtube. And I was really happy to every repost people made. It really means a lot for me!
- What is your favourite LEGO Ideas Product Idea (besides your own of course)? Are there any Product Ideas you think have been overlooked?
My favorite LEGO Ideas product is forever the Home Alone. And what about the overlooked sets, I think this time Chip'n'Dale from Alex was really great looking idea and also Bikini Bottom sets, but there were actually several versions of them, but anyway, all of them were very beautiful looking and overlooked.
- What is it about the platform that attracts you? What tips would you give to anyone who is thinking about uploading an idea?
This platform is amazing. This is a big chance for everyone to become a part of the LEGO's great family and community.
- 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?
Of course I have, But no hints!