We're back with another 10K Club Interview! Today we welcome PeterKeith and his exquisite MEDIEVAL WATCHTOWER. Fans of the Castle theme will be sure to love this one! Show some support for Peter in the comments!
ABOUT YOURSELF
- Who are you?
Peter G. Keith.
- Where are you from?
Czech Republic.
- How old are you?
39.
- What do you study or do for a living?
I’m a freelance programmer, designer and graphic editor.
- What hobbies do you have?
Except the LEGO hobby? Video games, running, cycling, swimming, travelling. My biggest hobby is military re-enactment. I’m a member of a military history club based in Pilsen.
- Do you have a personal LEGO portfolio website that you can share with us?
Sure, my Instagram account @peter.g.keith is my main account where I share my ideas, tutorials and more.
- 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?
That is a hard question because I’ve made a lot of MOCs last two years. Except for MEDIEVAL WATCHTOWER, all my bigger castle builds and expansions.
- How and when did your interest in LEGO products come about?
I had my first LEGO set when I was 6 years old. I can’t remember which one was first, but I had some Castle, Pirates, City, Space and Technic.
- 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’s a way to express my creativity, and find solutions during the build. It’s fun, relaxing and every time I learn something new.
- What is your favourite LEGO theme (current or past)? Why? And has any theme inspired your building style or preference in any particular way?
Castle, then City and Star Wars (as a big fan). I take inspiration everywhere. Our country has a long history; a lot of old castles and cities.
- What is your favourite official LEGO set ever? Why?
MEDIEVAL BLACKSMITH, because it brings me back to build more and present my work.
- What is your favourite LEGO element? Why?
1x2 with a masonry profile. Using these bricks adds structure to the build, not only a flat surface. I use it a lot for castle builds in various colours.
- Is there a LEGO designer (official LEGO designer or fan designer) who you are inspired by and look up to? Who and why?
No, but I have a lot of friends who are great at building and designing. Gonzalo Carro, Lukas Wiecek (finalist from Season 1 of LEGO Masters Poland), Marin (finalist from Season 2 of LEGO Masters France), Pantelis Manthos and many more.
- Is there one or more particular LEGO-related websites (not official LEGO websites) that you visit often and/or are inspired by?
Instagram is the first place for me, but I visit Pinterest, Rebrickable, Bricklink, and Tumblr.
ABOUT YOUR PROJECT
- Where did your interest in this particular model come from?
When I started my IG account in 2021, this was my first big MOC, and I made my first tutorial from it. And this was when I had 1k followers.
- 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?
I’ve tried different basements and tower sizes. I had the whole idea in my mind and made a few changes during design. And some when I built it physically.
- What special challenges did you face creating the model? What was the most difficult part to recreate?
The tower size and interiors; I didn’t want to make it too huge and tried to keep it simple. -
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?
The same thing I tell myself every time I do MOCs: do it, try and if it's not working, try it again. - 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 main build took less than a week. But small changes happened over the next few months.
- How did it feel when you reached the magic 10,000 votes and how long did it take?
It was great. The project got a 'Staff Pick' when it reached 1k supporters. The first 5k was also quick. The project started in November 2021 and reached 10k on 1st August. It took in total, just 8 months and 2 weeks.
- Approximately how many LEGO bricks did you use to create your model?
I didn’t count it, but more than 2000.
- What is your favourite building technique or part/section that you’ve incorporated into your Product Idea?
Wall banner with integrated fraction shield.
- If you built your model digitally, what software did you use to build and render your model?
I used Bricklink Stud.io. I made all my MOCs and tutorials with it.
- 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 for this build, but I used Adobe Photoshop mostly to prepare graphics for stickers or prints.
ABOUT LEGO IDEAS
- Do you have any useful advice about creating a successful LEGO Ideas project?
Take your time, and prepare the project, renders, postproduction images and story for your build.
- What (if any) methods did you use to advertise and attract support for your Product Idea?
Advertise in the community and ask your friends for help.
- What is your favourite LEGO Ideas Product Idea (besides your own of course)? Are there any Product Ideas you think have been overlooked?
There is so many Ideas projects which I supported. Mostly they were aligned with Castle, Pirates and City themes.
- What is it about the platform that attracts you? What tips would you give to anyone who is thinking about uploading an idea?
Clean design and an easy way to publish your ideas. Take your time and prepare the project, and don’t be about asking others for support.
- Do you have plans to submit any other Product Ideas in the future? If yes, can you give us a hint of what that might be?
Definitely YES for another project, but I have no information to give, for now. I’ve got some in my mind, and I haven't decided which one will go next.
