This week we welcome two-time 10K Club member Yvonne Strijbos (aka Ymarilego) of the Chemical Plant. Yvonne joins a very exclusive club of members who've achieved more than 1 product idea reaching the 10K milestone. Congrats!
Please help us congratulate Yvonne for her huge achievement of once again making it to the 10K mark with one of her product ideas, in the comments below.
About Yourself
- Where are you from?
Milsbeek in the Netherlands.
- How old are you?
I am 53 years old.
- What do you study or do for a living?
I am a geography teacher.
- What hobbies do you have?
At the moment, building with LEGO bricks is my main hobby. I also like reading, gaming and watching movies.
- How and when did your interest for LEGO come about?
I remember playing a lot with LEGO when I was a young child. During my teens I lost interest but that returned when my niece and nephew were old enough to play. A few years later when my own children were born, the interest continued. Though my children are in their dark ages now, I am still happily building.
- What is your favourite official LEGO set? Why?
There are so many very nice sets. I think the Millenium Falcon (75192) is among those I really like. The modular houses are great, Taj Mahal, Ninjago City, Ghostbusters HQ, The Old Fishing Store, Wall-E …. I could go on for a while there I guess. In general, big and very detailed sets are my favorites.
- What is your favourite LEGO element? Why?
Small elements. I like details so anything small to add a bit of texture, detail etc.
- Is there a LEGO designer (official LEGO designer or fan designer) who you are inspired by and look up to? Who and why?
Within LEGO Ideas, I think the one person who stands out for me is Paoko Sanchez (Bricky Brick). His speed, skills and level of detail is amazing.
I am also very impressed by Cesar Soares, Luke Watkins Hutchinson, Jaapxaap and Barthezzbrick. The latter I met several times and had the pleasure of seeing his MOC’s in real life. They are so full of detail and texture, simply minddazzling.
- Is there one or more particular LEGO related websites (not official LEGO websites) that you visit often and/or are inspired by?
I often visit Dutch LEGO related sites: LEGO Verzamelaars, LEGO bouwwerken en mocs, Dutch LEGO addiction, Bouwsteentjes. Loads of FB sites in addition to Flickr, Pinterest, Bricklink, Brickset, Brothers Brick, etc.
About Your Project
- Where did your interest in this particular model come from?
I wanted to build something that had not been done before so I looked through the LEGO catalogue and noticed that industrial objects are barely present.
When I was a child, we would drive past a huge chemical plant occasionally and I was always so impressed by its sheer size and complexity, I figured if I was impressed, children nowadays would be as well.
Furthermore, the base material of LEGO bricks is created by a chemical process so I thought it would be nice to create a place where that process could take place. There would not be any LEGO without chemistry.
- What special challenges did you face creating the model? What was the most difficult part to recreate?
Making the model as detailed, sturdy and intricate as possible without losing playability.
- How long did it take to complete the model? Did you finish it fairly quickly, or did it take a long time?
It took quite a few weeks to build. I watched tons of pictures first and made a list of what elements I thought looked cool and “techy” and then combined them in one model.
^ Yvonne poses among her various industry themed models.
- How did it feel when you reached the magic 10,000 votes and how long did it take?
I wanted to experience the 10.000 votes this time. I was on FB chatting with several people and doing the countdown to 10K every time someone voted. People were cheering and I was like WHOOOOHOOOO when it happened. It took about 7 -8 months.
- Approximately how many LEGO bricks did you use to create your model?
The model is made with a little over 2000 bricks.
About LEGO Ideas
- This is your second 10K project. What’s the secret formula to your success?
Good question, I try to build in a way that if I would walk in a store and see the model, I would want to buy it instantly. Something that has not been done before, loads of details, and as realistic as possible.
Clear and good pictures are the main element. This model is proof of that because I submitted the exact same model earlier, but with screenshots only. The model barely got 800 votes.It was my first project, had never heard of renders, barely used social media. I had to learn a lot and figure out how to improve. This version is exactly the same, but with a rendered picture. I guess that made the difference plus the occasional digital and real life promotion tour.
- What is it about the LEGO Ideas platform that attracts you and makes you want to keep posting new projects?
That dream I think. The chance and honor to see your model to be turned into a set. I also enjoy reading people’s comments.
- Are you already planning further projects?
Yes, I am working on several projects. Some for LEGO Ideas, some for LEGO events, some just for me.
- Which upcoming LEGO Ideas set are you looking most forward to?
I am very curious about the treehouse!
For the next review round, my favorite is The Pirate Bay.
By
hasanjensen