Welcome back, everyone! Today we have another addition to the 10K Club. Meet Mehdi, a.k.a. dimexart, and his amazing VINTAGE RADIO project. Let us tune in to see this brilliant blend of innovation and creativity that is sure to resonate with you. Share 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 Azerbaijan. I was born in Baku.
- How old are you?
I'm 33, but maybe by the time this interview is posted, I’ll be 34 :)
- What do you study or do for a living?
3D Modelling/Rendering and Graphic Design are the main parts of my work life.
- What hobbies do you have?
As I said the first time, my main hobby is still LEGO. Nothing about that can be changed because LEGO is one of the most powerful opportunities for me to be myself.
- Do you have a personal LEGO portfolio website that you can share with us?
I still don't have any website, but I have a social media page on Instagram where I share all my work. https://www.instagram.com/dimexart/
- 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?
Recently, I started my new series of micro builds in the architectural stream. The main point is that all MOCs are on the same plate size 8x8. The micro builds are the hardest I think, because this is really hard to combine the right pieces to create the maximum similar copy of any building.
- How and when did your interest in LEGO products come about?
My first LEGO experience started in 1997. I was 8. I started to improvise some builds out of several LEGO sets not mine. I found it really interesting. And so, that is how all this has been started. Now I am 33 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 a lot! 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?
I love Architecture and Speed Champions most of all.
- What is your favourite official LEGO set ever? Why?
The only one 10300 - my favorite movie, my favorite LEGO set ever!
- What is your favourite LEGO element? Why?
Part number 4081, for its flexibility and all flat plates. I think they are amazing and I use them in my MOCs all the time.
- 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 all the work I see is beautifully designed. But also I really love works from Yuan aka @lego_nuts, Joss Woodyard aka @jayfa_mocs, and Ralf Langer aka @ranghaal for their incredible creativity. I think these guys are one of the coolest builders!
- Is there one or more particular LEGO-related websites (not official LEGO websites) that you visit often and/or are inspired by?
Not sites, but a lot of social media pages related to the LEGO themes.
ABOUT YOUR PROJECT
- Where did your interest in this particular model come from?
As I told you at my first interview, I love vintage stuff most of all. My grandpa had a radio like this one, and this was WOW for me. So beautifully designed, with amazing shapes and buttons, knobs... That was the main inspiration for me. I wanted to create something new, something different, the bricks that can make sounds. Imagine this set on your table, shelf, or mantel, and it plays your favorite music turning your day into some kind of magic. I think this will be great.
- 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 about a month to create the main shapes and all the functionality and only just one minute to create this idea in my mind without any research.
- What special challenges did you face creating the model? What was the most difficult part to recreate?
I would really like to make the working knobs with the moving red pointer behind the glass and I think I dealt with it.
- 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?
The time I spent on promoting took much longer than creating the process. But after being Staff Picked, this project started to gather the votes much faster than usual. So my big regards to the Lego Ideas team for noticing this work, I highly appreciate this.
- How did it feel when you reached the magic 10,000 votes and how long did it take?
That was my second 10K project, so I felt great like the first time.
- Approximately how many LEGO bricks did you use to create your model?
Approximately 1190 pieces.
- What is your favourite building technique or part/section that you’ve incorporated into your Product Idea?
The front speaker grill. I imagined this in my mind and decided to do this immediately.
- If you built your model digitally, what software did you use to build and render your model?
I used Mecabricks and Blender for the rendering engine.
- If you used custom stickers or prints for your design, how did you create them or where did you get them?
I made stickers digitally in Adobe Illustrator and then integrated them onto the 3d model.
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!
- What (if any) methods did you use to advertise and attract support to your Product Idea?
I just shared my radio on my pages on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, and Reddit. I was really happy with every repost people made. It means a lot to 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 Home Alone. Not to forget the overlooked sets, I think this time Chip'n'Dale from Alex was a really great-looking idea.
- What is it about the platform that attracts you? What tips would you give to anyone who is thinking about uploading an idea?
As I said before, this platform is amazing. This is a big chance for everyone to become a part of 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 a lot of ideas. Without any spoilers, so stay tuned :)
By
Hani2