Have you ever wondered how LEGO sets are designed? How they go from an idea to a product on store shelves for you to enjoy? Here at Blocks, the LEGO magazine for fans, we sit down with the amazing designers who come up with the sets we love and get the inside scoop on how they are created.
We feature exclusive designer interviews, exploring the behind-the-scenes processes that go into creating models across the range of LEGO themes, from massive sets like 21322 Pirates of Barracuda Bay to how a whole new theme like VIDIYO is born.
Now, print subscribers get full access to a digital archive of Blocks, containing every single issue of the LEGO magazine published – so you can access everything, including these designer interviews. If you haven’t yet subscribed to the magazine, set up a print subscription today to get full access.
Then, check out these five LEGO designer interviews, which are also available as print back issues that you can buy from our online store.
21322 Pirates of Barracuda Bay (Blocks magazine Issue 67)
Combining an iconic pirate ship that can be transformed into a shipwreck is no easy feat, as explained by designer Milan Madge, who built numerous concept models for 21322 Pirates of Barracuda Bay. From keeping it in the retro style by only using system bricks, along with using the iconic red-and-white sails, nostalgia was at the heart of this project. Graphic designer Austin Carlson also reveals how he updated classic Pirates characters like Captain Redbeard for modern takes on the minifigures.
A decade of NINJAGO (Blocks magazine Issue 75)
NINJAGO is undoubtedly one of the most successful modern LEGO themes. The theme that was supposed to end but returned due to popular demand is now celebrating its 10th anniversary. We decided to celebrate this amazing achievement with a massive 14 page in-depth interview with the set designers and executive producers for the animated show. It’s everything you could possibly want to know about NINJAGO and more!
Super Mario (Blocks magazine Issue 71)
How can a classic video game be combined with LEGO bricks? That was the challenge posed to Johnathan Bennink and his design team who worked to bring Super Mario to life. Working closely with Nintendo they figured out how to incorporate the technology that allows physical and digital play to be combined. Then it was all about designing interactive levels that have stories and determining just how many abilities Mario can have.
VIDIYO (Blocks magazine Issue 78)
The latest LEGO theme to dance its way onto shelves is something very different. LEGO VIDIYO mixes bricks and music, an idea that was going to be shelved until Design Director Morgan Walker had a lightbulb moment. Learn how the crazy cast of characters was inspired by music genres from across the ages, about the product testing that was behind the new portable Beat Boxes and how the accompanying app was designed.
21326 Winnie the Pooh (Blocks magazine Issue 79)
This recent interview is with fan designer Ben Alders, who came up with the Ideas 21326 Winnie the Pooh set, and the LEGO team that transformed it into an official model. Inspired by the classic stories of the 100 Acre Wood by A. A. Milne, Ben wanted to create a model that his children could play with. It’s not all just about designing the model though, as the element and graphic designers reveal how each character became an exclusive minifigure.
So, if you want to know more about some of your favourite LEGO sets, are planning to apply for a job in the LEGO design team or are just interested in the creative process, our interviews are always fascinating, will enrich your time building the models and will provide you with some facts to impress your friends.