Congratulations to Michael Natus aka MCHLN and his first 10K Club creation Gamestop Classic Shop! The GameStop community spirit inspired him to create something that brings back childhood memories and as a reminder of these times in the future.
ABOUT YOURSELF
- Who are you?
Michael Natus
- Where are you from?
Berlin, Germany
- How old are you?
41
- What do you study or do for a living?
I just founded my own text agency, operating in Marketing and PR.
- What hobbies do you have?
I collect sneakers for half my life, since I am having kids, LEGO bricks came on top – again. I try to get back on a skateboard from time to time as well.
- 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?
Of course, the GameStop Shop idea can't be topped. Other stuff I've built includes a looping roller-coaster, but there is not a great pic of it...kids tend to deconstruct things fast haha.
- How and when did your interest in LEGO come about?
As a kid, I loved LEGO, one of my favourite toys of all time was the Monorail set my brother and I shared. We still have most of the parts!
- What is LEGO for you? What does it mean for you? How does it fit in your life? E.g. build, display, meetups, play the games or 'just' watch the cartoons.
LEGO has always been the epitome of creativity and freedom in toys to me. It's probably the only toy, that's also NOT a toy, and it grows with you as you get older. In your first years, it's colorful and highly benefits tactile (sensoric?) developments. Later on, you'll get caught in stories, in adventures – LEGO is with you. Then you're getting interested in mechanics or RC or robotics along LEGO Technic etc. – and when you're grown up, it helps both calming nerves and fulfilling collector's wishes.
- What is your favourite LEGO theme (current or past)? Why? And has any theme inspired your building style or preference in any particular way?
In recent years I really like the supercar series by LEGO Technic and the space sets, such as the Saturn V or the Moonlander.
- What is your favourite official LEGO set? Why?
1. Monorail set, bearing the most childhood memories
2. Simpsons house, which kind of brought me back to LEGO
- What is your favourite LEGO element? Why?
It's actually a rather common piece: classic tiles. I just love how you can smooth out a surface, hiding the studs and creating a very sleek appearance.
- Is there a LEGO designer (official LEGO designer or fan designer) who you are inspired by and look up to? Who and why?
I am not really familiar with designers' names, to be honest. I think the recent LandRover was exceptionally clever designed.
- Is there one or more particular LEGO-related websites (not official LEGO websites) that you visit often and/or are inspired by?
I am a frequent visitor of Bricklink and of LEGO-based subforums on Reddit.
ABOUT YOUR PROJECT
- Where did your interest in this particular model come from?
I've been following the GameStop saga since late last year, as I really like the company (mainly for their competitiveness on a global market). And it's been a fun ride, as many would confirm that have got to know each other in all the communities that emerged since then. These communities inspired me to create something memorable, something that eternalizes their spirit. I just went with it, without thinking it could really happen, and built something, that brings back memories – of childhood and also of these times right now in many years in the future.
- How long was the process of making the project did, 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?
In hindsight, I might've taken some more time, but I was so excited about the idea, and also I just started my own business...so time is rare. I was looking through pictures of GameStop stores and tried to define what they have in common, and then recreated that...plus some details that are based on community-driven running gags, such as the ape.
- What special challenges did you face creating the model? What was the most difficult part to recreate?
As it's not a highly complicated model, I did not struggle too much with the design. It was a bit more difficult to adapt to rules, that's why the walls look a little white in the shop, and no video-game posters show up.
- 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?
Man, just go ahead. The universe seems to have plans with this.
- 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?
Now that's a fun question to answer: it took me 3 days all in all to finalize the model and adapt it to rules. And it took 3 days after that as well to reach the 10.000. I am very well aware this is fast, thanks a lot to Social Media.
- How did it feel when you reached the magic 10,000 votes and how long did it take?
I was speechless since the evening before...because that's when Ryan Cohen (Chairman GameStop) tweeted my idea and things started to get faster. As I said, it only took three days and it has blown me away.
- Approximately how many LEGO bricks did you use to create your model?
Just under 700.
- What is your favourite building technique or part/section that you’ve incorporated into your Product Idea?
Smoothing out the parking deck and the floor with tiles... is just so satisfying.
- If you built your model digitally, what software did you use to build and render your model?
I used Studio 2.0 for building and rendering, plus Adobe Photoshop for adding logos.
- If you used custom stickers or prints for your design, how did you create them or where did you get them?
All done digitally...so far ;-)
ABOUT LEGO IDEAS
- Do you have any useful advice about creating a successful LEGO Ideas project?
Well, my idea is certainly a very specific case, I don't know if you can learn a lesson from it...maybe: listen to the Zeitgeist?
- What (if any) methods did you use to advertise and attract support to your Product Idea?
I posted on Social Media and on Reddit!
- What is your favourite LEGO Ideas Product Idea (besides your own of course)? Are there any Product Ideas you think have been overlooked?
I really love the Knight Rider idea which is upon LEGO Ideas right now. Also a huge childhood memory for me! I think there have been some great ideas that have been rejected – but I don't want to put salt in any wounds haha
- What is it about the platform that attracts you? What tips would you give to anyone who is thinking about uploading an idea?
It's the accessibility and the community approach that unites kids and grown-ups. The only really good tip I could give is probably: don't overthink it, it is maybe not so much about amazing building technics but more about the impact of the idea itself.
- 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?
I definitely will, though I doubt I can top what has happened with this one. I'm thinking about creating a modern business building, such as a bank, and would love to play with lighting so it can be lit at night.
By
Kamila9