Read the story behind this remarkable LEGO build, inspired by the love of Japanese culture, art, and history… Learn more about THE ART OF JAPAN and HisBrickMaterials in this 10K Club Interview and be sure to congratulate them in the comments down below!
ABOUT YOURSELF
- What is your first name + last name?
Maximilian Lambrecht.
- Where are you from?
I’m from a small town in Germany, but I currently live in Berlin.
- What do you study or do for a living?
I work as a Visual Effects Artist in the film/TV industry.
- What hobbies do you have?
I love music. I’ve been playing the piano for 20 years now and started learning the guitar a few years back. Also, I’m a big fan of board games, books and (who would have guessed) LEGO bricks.
- Do you have a personal LEGO portfolio website that you can share with us?
I can only share my LEGO Ideas profile for now.
- 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’ve recently created a LEGO otter that I’m fairly proud of. It took several attempts just to get the face right, which I think is the most difficult section no matter what medium you use - so I’m particularly proud of that part.
- How and when did your interest in LEGO products come about?
I can’t remember exactly when my interest in the LEGO hobby started, I just know that I can’t remember my childhood without it!
- What does the LEGO hobby mean to you? How does it fit into your life? E.g. build, display, meetups, play the games or 'just' watch the cartoons.
Even though I really enjoy my job, it’s all just digital. So, what I love about the LEGO hobby is that it gives me the opportunity to work and create physically. It’s also the perfect way for me and my spouse to escape everyday life, listen to records together, and talk about how many more rooms we’d need for all the sets we’d like to build.
- What is your favorite LEGO theme (current or past)? Why? And has any theme inspired your building style or preference in any particular way?
It all started with LEGO Harry Potter. My brother and I used to make stop-motion films to recreate scenes from the movies. They turned out terrible, but we had the most fun. Today, I’d say it’s the Ninjago City sets that I’m really in awe of. They’re just so vibrant and lively, and the attention to detail is immensely inspiring.
- What is your favorite official LEGO set ever? Why?
That’s a tough one... but I have to say The Lord of the Rings: Rivendell. The essence and feel of the scenery are so well captured. It’s a simply astonishing set.
- What is your favorite LEGO element? Why?
My favorite element is Plate 2x3, Rock. It can add so much detail and it’s incredibly versatile. You will find it in all of my MOCs.
- Is there a LEGO designer (official LEGO designer or fan designer) who you are inspired by and look up to? Who and why?
Donny Chen. I’m simply stunned by his creativity and workmanship. Not only did he showcase the beautiful Golden Dragon earlier this year, but he’s also the mastermind behind the Grand Piano.
- Is there one or more particular LEGO websites (not official LEGO websites) that you visit often and/or are inspired by?
I’m regularly visiting BrickLink, mostly for the MOCs but also for their Designer Program.
ABOUT YOUR PROJECT
- Where did your interest in this particular model come from?
Growing up, my mum would continuously listen to Japanese music and tell us about the time she spent abroad - and so, when I showed interest in East-Asian culture and learning Nihongo, she didn’t hesitate to call the Japanese consulate. A few days later, this enormous package arrived at our doorstep, full of brochures, fliers and information of all sorts and sizes. That profound connection continued throughout university, with extracurricular lessons in screen and woodblock printing introducing me to a whole new art form. It was only a few years after my mum passed away that I had the chance to visit the one country that has remarkably shaped - and it felt like coming home. The Art of Japan is an homage to Japanese culture, a combination of nostalgia and passion, but ultimately a tribute to my mother.
- How long did the process of making the project take and what did you have to research? What kind of prep, research and design phases did you go through to produce your creation?
The stages of creating The Art of Japan were pretty similar to a film pipeline: from turning an idea into a concept to creating a layout, finalizing the models and rendering the lighting scene. Eventually, finding a way of balancing stability and stylization turned out to be the most time consuming, as the research phase was part of my life already.
- What special challenges or frustrations did you face creating the model? What was the most difficult part to recreate?
The most difficult part of my build was definitely connecting the background part to the frame. Having the red tile evenly implemented into the white brick wall meant that those studs would have to face upwards, whereas the frame was front facing. But to ensure a solid build, both parts would have to be connected, so I came up with the solution of using a Technic Axle with a flat stop.
- If you could talk to yourself before you started on this project, what would you tell him/her? What do you know now that you wish you knew then?
I’d probably start with the lottery numbers! But mostly, I’d say that it’s going to be worth it. There will be challenges and long nights, but eventually the kindness and support of the Ideas community will compensate for all the frustrations. Going through the submission process is going to be marvelous.
- 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 creation process took approximately three weeks - so it was neither quick nor excessively long. Compared to the few days of kick-start-promotion it does seem a bit lengthy, though!
- How did it feel when you reached the magic 10,000 votes and how long did it take? Absolutely astonishing! The Art of Japan achieved support in merely 50 days, which made this experience highly intense. I’ve received so many kind words and love during the process, that every support felt beyond the simple click of a button. I'm immensely grateful.
- Approximately how many LEGO bricks did you use to create your model?
About 850 pieces.
- What is your favorite building technique or part/section that you’ve incorporated into your Product Idea?
I had the most fun incorporating the small details into my build. Especially the use of authentic Japanese elements - the fans, tassels, animals and plants make the set come alive. And who knows, there might even be an easter egg hidden in the pagoda…
- If you built your model digitally, what software did you use to build and render your model?
I used BrickLink Studio 2.0 for both building and rendering.
- If you used custom stickers or prints for your design, how did you create them or where did you get them?
I didn’t use any stickers or prints for my design.
ABOUT LEGO IDEAS
- Do you have any useful advice about creating a successful LEGO Ideas Product Idea?
Be passionate. You can only come so far with a Product Idea that you think people might vote for - but, if you’re enthusiastic about a specific topic, you’ll have a much greater experience, and people will be excited to support your product.
- What (if any) methods did you use to advertise and attract support to your Product Idea?
I’m not a social media person, but I do believe it’s beneficial to advertise your Product Idea online. Facebook and Reddit were definitely the most rewarding websites, and I’d recommend posting your Product Idea not only on the LEGO site, but also on topic-related groups/channels.
- What is your favorite LEGO Ideas Product Idea (besides your own of course)? Are there any Product Ideas you think have been overlooked?
Dungeons & Dragons: Red Dragon’s Tale is just phenomenal. Both the Product Idea and the final product are exceptional. As for overlooked Product Ideas, there’s a Pawnee City Hall build by InspectorEnergeticSardine (great name!), which is really fun. It has a bunch of mini dioramas from the series, and I think it deserves a bit more attention.
- What is it about the platform that attracts you? What tips would you give to anyone who is thinking about uploading an idea?
LEGO Ideas is such a wonderful platform for fans to celebrate their passion, exchange knowledge and be inspired. The chance to get your build produced by LEGO is just the cherry on top. So, for everyone thinking about uploading an idea, I’d say - don’t hesitate! You’ll be surprised by how special the process is going to be.
- 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?
I guess you have to wait and find out…
