LEGO interview – Blocks – the monthly LEGO magazine for fans

Creating LEGO Rocky and Ryland for Icons 11389 Project Hail Mary

Ryan — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 11:00:00 +0000

Project Hail Mary might be a sci-fi film set far away in the stars, but its true focus lies on its two main characters: Rocky and Ryland. Hear from LEGO Model Designer Nathan Heigert about the importance of capturing their relationship for 11389 Project Hail Mary.

Blending LEGO System and Technic in LEGO 11389 Project Hail Mary

Ryan — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 10:38:00 +0000

Usually, LEGO designers work primarily with LEGO bricks or LEGO Technic elements. But for 11389 Project Hail Mary, Model Designer Nathan Heigert had to figure out how to blend the two systems together to create the Hail Mary's moving parts, all while keeping the aesthetics of the ship intact.

LEGO 11389 Project Hail Mary – designing for an unreleased movie

Ryan — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 06:30:00 +0000

LEGO Icons sets are typically based on well-established films and franchises like Pirates of the Caribbean and Transformers, giving designers ample source material to draw from. But when Model Designer Nathan Heigert got to work on 11389 Project Hail Mary, the film was still months away, making for a trickier design process. He explains the challenges that presents and how he overcomes them to deliver an excellent LEGO model to fans.

Building a sphere in LEGO bricks for LEGO Editions 43019 Football

Ryan — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 09:05:00 +0000

Take a peak behind the scenes of the design process for LEGO Editions 43019 Football and learn how Model Designer Zio Chao captured the world's most famous piece of sporting equipment in a LEGO model, from shaping the exterior to hiding details inside.

Design secrets of LEGO Editions 43020 FIFA World Cup Official Trophy

Ryan — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0000

LEGO Model Designer Christophe Vietti shares his design process for creating 43020 FIFA World Cup Official Trophy, including the difficulties of building a 1:1 replica and setting the record for most gold elements in a LEGO set.

Creating cuteness for LEGO Ideas 21366 Floating Sea Otters

Ryan — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 14:33:32 +0000

LEGO Ideas 21366 Floating Sea Otters had an adorable foundation to work from thanks to Maximilian Lambrecht's original design. But Model Designer Chris McVeigh wanted to elevate the cuteness even further, adding in an otter pup and the ability for two otters to hold hands, just like in the wild.

LEGO Ideas fan designer talks 21366 Floating Sea Otters

Ryan — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 14:27:39 +0000

What goes into creating a winning LEGO Ideas design? Learn about the inspiration and initial challenges creating 21366 Floating Sea Otters with fan designer Maximilian Lambrecht, along with insights from Model Designer Chris McVeigh and Design Manager Jordan David Scott.

Achieving adorable realism in LEGO Ideas 21366 Floating Sea Otters

Ryan — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 14:19:00 +0000

LEGO Ideas requires a huge team effort to get an idea turned into an official set. Once Maximilian Lambrecht's 21366 Floating Sea Otters project was approved, LEGO Model Designer Chris McVeigh undertook the challenge of tweaking the design so it fit the LEGO Ideas style, aiming to find the perfect balance between realism and cuteness.

LEGO Art Designer Stijn Oom talks 31220 Claude Monet – Water Lilies

Graham — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 14:01:00 +0000

31220 Claude Monet – Bridge over a Pond of Water Lilies is the next set on the way from LEGO Art and Model Designer Stijn Oom tells Blocks about he crafted the new model. LEGO Art has grown over the……

LEGO Ideas 21366 Floating Sea Otters unveiled

Graham — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 14:00:00 +0000

LEGO Ideas has announced 21366 Floating Sea Otters, featuring a mother otter with a pup, designed by Senior Model Designer Chris McVeigh and inspired by Maximilian Lambrecht's creation. Priced at £99.99 / $119.99, it releases on March 1. The design includes posable features and a cute otter pup.