Get Your Game On!

Aaron Newman September 15, 2021

I designed these life-size replicas of an MSI Aegis Ti5 desktop and an MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD monitor on commission for MSI’s marketing department. Combined, these models clock in at more than 10,600 bricks, and over 42 lbs (14 kg) of weight, making them the biggest LEGO models I have ever designed and assembled under the auspices of my LLC. I can say with confidence that this was the most difficult LEGO-built project I’ve ever undertaken… and, as such, it’s one of the most satisfying to have accomplished. Needless to say, it feels amazing to finally get to share these two models with the world!

Watch the video above for an exploration of these epic display pieces, and read on for even more in-depth info about their process and design choices.

Behind-the-Build: Masonic Eagle

Aaron Newman August 19, 2021

I designed this enormous logo sculpture on commission for the Scottish Rite Masons in Massachusetts. Prior to this model, I had no experience with Freemasonry beyond, say, National Treasure, and I’m still no expert. Rather, to me, this project was an exercise in LEGO-izing unfamiliar iconography; it represented a chance for me to tackle a model I never would’ve thought to build on my own. When life throws me a challenge, I like to take it!

In that it’s a large-scale creature, sculpted with studs-out techniques, standing atop a big box pedestal, this Masonic Eagle logo exists in a similar vein and style to my Salesforce character pieces. However, the model also posed its own set of challenges and put forward its own unique questions.

Watch the video above for an in-depth exploration of this display piece, and read on for even more info about its design choices.

The Picture of Suburban Bliss

Aaron Newman July 20, 2021

I designed this replica of a private residence on commission. Although the client only paid me for digital deliverables—i.e., design services and instructions, but no physical bricks—I couldn’t resist splurging a little on parts to recreate my finished product in real life, with a few modifications of my own to “spruce up” the build. Yes, that was a pun, because yes, the addition of a towering redwood tree in the backyard was one of my biggest add-ons!

This 360-degree home recreation also features fully realized, furnished interior spaces, making it perhaps the most in-depth structural recreation I have ever completed at this size. Keeping balance between external and internal was a fun puzzle to solve, and while I was battling for space much of the time, I’m pleased with and proud of the final result.

Read on to learn more about the design choices behind this build, and to check out all the rooms of the house!

Reach for the Stars: Building Astro

Aaron Newman July 12, 2021

I built this statue of Astro Nomical, a Salesforce character from their Trailhead software, for Salesforce’s TrailheadX 2021 (TDX21) virtual event. This piece was designed to scale with my Salesforce sculpture from last year’s event, TDX20, which was a statue of Codey the Bear. This year’s model, which is nearly 16” (40cm+) tall and consists of over 3,000 bricks, was a formidable undertaking mostly because of timing; just like last year’s piece, I had to complete my design and source the necessary bricks for it against an extremely tight deadline, which was a live-build of the final model for a virtual event.

My recreation of Astro intentionally emulates my LEGO Codey in terms of its design, composition, and techniques; as such, many aspects of the process were ones with which I’d already had experience. However, this project posed some new opportunities for growth, too. For example, Astro’s base includes a lighting element, the which I had to integrate with a LEGO-built infrastructure. The model also features custom decals, modified LEGO bricks, and a pretty dynamic pose.

I feel that LEGO-built Astro pays appropriate homage to my first TrailheadX live build model; in doing so, it reinforces a set style for my burgeoning Salesforce character series. But I also feel that this model advances my character-building format into new territory and breaks ground of its own, which makes me even prouder of the finished result!

Read on to learn more about the conception, construction, and design of this custom statue.

What's Up, Dog?

Aaron Newman January 27, 2021

I built these three miniature dog portraits on commission. I actually designed and photographed these models before I shared my larger-scale Cavalier King Charles Spaniel models but, as these mini-dogs were all intended as holiday gifts, I didn’t want to risk spoiling the surprise by sharing them any earlier!

Read on for a closer look at each of these dogs individually, as well as pictures of their real-life counterparts!

Two Models Working in "Harmony"

Aaron Newman December 20, 2020

I designed this 1:2-scale pair of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels on commission. They’re some of the first pet builds I’ve ever designed, and I feel quite proud with how they turned out.

Let me introduce you to two sweet dogs: Indigo (the “Tri-Color” Cavalier, with black, white, and brown coloration) and Harmony (the “Blenheim” Cavalier, with white and reddish coloration). Like most pet owners, my client loves and treasures his dogs. Out of respect for his adoration, I sought to recreate Harmony and Indigo as faithfully as possible, and to make the pair complement one another just like their real-life counterparts do.

However, I wasn’t always slated to build both Indigo and Harmony. Initially, my client approached me seeking just a 1:1 replica of Harmony, and I signed on to the project intending to produce a model in that size. So, why did I change scales?

Read on to find out why, and to learn more about the process and design decisions behind these models!

Science on the High Seas

Aaron Newman November 16, 2020

I designed this replica of a real-life research vessel on commission. While I’ve done a few seafaring builds before, I’d never built a full-size modern boat prior to this project. I love to tackle new subjects, since they throw all kinds of unexpected puzzles my way; as such, I relished this project as a great opportunity to grow as a builder. In the end, I finished with a larger, cooler, and more beautiful model than I ever expected to produce.

Clocking in at over 2,000 bricks, this minifigure-scale recreation measures over than 20" (50cm) long and weighs over 4 lbs (nearly 2 kg). The boat also features 3 levels of carefully crafted interior details that emulate those of the actual vessel, which are accessible in the LEGO modular building style, via removable roofs and sub-layers.

Read on to find out what’s inside this vessel, and to learn more about the choices I made and challenges I faced during its design process!

Behind-the-Build: Lost Boys Hideout

Aaron Newman October 13, 2020

It was an absolute blast to design my interpretation of the Lost Boys’ hideout from the 1953 Disney animated movie Peter Pan. At 18” (45cm) tall—and over 1700 bricks—it’s quite a big creation, and took me more than a month to design and refine. Best of all, I opted to build and present this model as a “LEGO set,” complete with stable building techniques, play features, and a full assortment of minifigures. It just felt more appropriate to the subject material to channel some of my inner child, who loves nothing more than an exciting new LEGO kit. Like Peter Pan, I’m never growing up!

Watch the video above for an in-depth tour and exploration of the Lost Boys’ hideout, including demonstration of its play features, or read on to see detailed images and learn more about the design choices that went into this playset.

'Tis the Season... of Spooky!

Aaron Newman September 30, 2020

I designed these famous Halloween characters in collaboration with Build Better Bricks (B3). Every year, B3’s head designer Tyler and I decide on two new monsters to build for the holiday; he does one, and I do one. During our inaugural Halloween season, I built the savage Werewolf on the left. For this year, I built a wicked Red Devil. Both figurines are highly articulated and detailed, and are designed as amalgamations of my favorite versions of these iconic monsters.

Read on to learn more about the design choices that went into each of these models, and to find out how I found my way to their striking photo presentation!

Myths of Ancient Greece

Aaron Newman August 6, 2020

After my successful series of minifigure collections from historical antiquity—check out my takes on Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, and Ancient Persia—my thirst for building in the realm of ancient Greece was far from slaked! I’ve been an aficionado of Greek Mythology since I was a kid, and have actually had the dream of designing Greek myths in LEGO for a long time (evidenced, in part, by my old Minotaur and Chimera builds). In fact, I have been peripherally collecting elements that could be useful for this exact project for many years.

The time finally came to put some of these bricks to use. I’ve designed a total of fifteen characters, split up into two sets of seven and one solo. I hope you enjoy looking at them as much as I enjoyed building them!

Read on to see the set.

From Trailhead to Summit: Building Codey

Aaron Newman July 2, 2020

I built this statue of Codey, a Salesforce character from their Trailhead learning platform, for Salesforce’s TrailheadX 2020 (TDX20) virtual event. At 2’ (60cm) tall and built from nearly 4,000 bricks, Codey is pretty huge!

Incredibly, the window of time between this statue’s conception and its final presentation was only a month. I had less than two weeks during that period to complete the design work for the whole model, since midway through the project’s month-long timeline—as if things couldn’t get any crazier!—I moved cross-country. During this project, I worked with some really cool people, old friends and new; with their help, I accomplished Codey even against an extremely tight deadline. I’m so proud to finally get to share the fruits of this crazy, fun, and growthful whirlwind of a project!

Read on to learn more about the conception, construction, assembly, and design of this custom statue.

We Are Cleared for Takeoff

Aaron Newman June 21, 2020

I designed this replica of a Tupolev 204-300 (Tu-204-300) on commission. It was my first time building a replica airplane, but I hope it won’t be my last; I had loads of fun working on this plane!

The stimulating puzzle of this project was capturing the craft as accurately as possible… not just by eye, but by math. Read on to learn more about the design choices behind this aircraft model.

"Here's the Story... of a Lovely Lady..."

Aaron Newman May 20, 2020

I designed this famous house from The Brady Bunch (1969-74) on commission. Before beginning work, I hadn’t even listened to the show’s catchy theme! However, I very quickly came to realize that merely speaking the first few lyrics of that song will send many people into paroxysms of nostalgia. The Brady Bunch is a landmark show beloved by millions, and the Bradys’ iconic house now a tourist attraction that is the second-most photographed house in the United States. It was a real treat for me to replicate and recreate a truly meaningful piece of American pop culture.

I love tackling the challenges unique to replicating architecture in brick form, and this home posed more than just those delicious run-of-the-mill puzzles. You see, I was set to model a house that technically never had, and never will, exist. My model of the Bradys’ house—the combination of an amalgam of sources—required a good deal of compromise, research, and imagination to reach its finished form. Read on to learn more about the design choices behind this project!

"Wraiths with Wings!"

Aaron Newman May 13, 2020

I designed this replica of a Fell Beast from Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings film trilogy (2001-2003) in collaboration with Build Better Bricks (B3). Despite their limited screen time during the Lord of the Rings (LOTR) films, the Ringwraiths’ dragon steeds known as Fell Beasts are some of the most striking creatures from Jackson’s take on the Tolkien universe. I was excited to revisit this subject; the last time I made a Fell Beast was actually back in 2012, when my building skills were nowhere near as practiced as they are now.

Read on to learn more about the design choices that culminated in my finished Fell Beast model—and stick around to the end of this post to see my 2012 version, too!

Beneath the Surface Once Again

Aaron Newman April 30, 2020

A diver descends… A boat bobs in the waves… Schools of fish circle in unison... and a pair of crabs quarrel on the sandy seafloor.

All these dynamic elements come to life on my newest build, “The Shipwreck.” This kinetic vignette, which shows a scuba diver encountering and documenting a centuries-old wreck lodged into a coral reef, features a treasure trove of mechanical functionality, all contained within a rocky base and masked with vibrant detail. Let’s take a “deep dive” into this scene’s backstory, design choices, and functionality!

North Shore, Chattanooga

Aaron Newman April 22, 2020

I built this replica of a private residence on commission. This house, nicknamed “North Shore Chattanooga” by its owner, is a gorgeous piece of architecture that was a blast to replicate in bricks!

I am extremely proud of this little model, which I think packs in a great deal of accuracy and detail despite its small size. Learn more about the design choices I made on my replica of North Shore Chattanooga by reading on.

Exploring New Terrain

Aaron Newman April 17, 2020

I created this replica of a 2015 Ford Explorer as a custom gift for somebody. It was one of my first times building a car, and the first time I’ve ever tried to replicate a real-life vehicle! Read on to learn more of the challenges and choices I faced in this project.

"I'll Be Back!"

Aaron Newman April 10, 2020

I designed this version of the eponymous character from James Cameron’s landmark movie The Terminator (1984) in collaboration with Build Better Bricks (B3). When B3 initially approached me about recreating the famous cyborg in bricks, I’d actually never seen any of the Terminator franchise films… and, embarrassed as I am to admit it, I still haven’t seen the original movie all the way through!

Read more to learn about all the design choices I made on this model.

However, I didn’t have to watch more than a few clips of the original T-800 Terminator to refresh myself on just how iconic of a design I was dealing with. Of course, I already knew Arnold Schwarzenegger’s accented catchphrase from the movie, “I’ll be back,” and would’ve recognized the Terminator’s distinctive metallic endoskeleton anywhere. But there’s something beyond just fame that sets this character apart and captures the imagination. Its menace, its strength, its doggedness, its humanoid teeth… The Terminator is just intimidating, no question about that!

Behind-The-Build: Good vs. Evil

Aaron Newman March 27, 2020

In Episode 8 of LEGO Masters, “Good vs. Evil” (3/26/2020), each team picked two minifigures from LEGO’s Collectible Minifigure Series 19, and turn them into either a team of superheroes or a squad of supervillains! The characters we picked would serve as the inspiration behind a secret hideout build. On top of this individual assignment, each “hero” team got partnered with a “villain” team and both teams were asked to collaborate on an epic battle scene together!

As such, to fit the parameters of the challenge, our build for this week actually comprised of four distinct models: a superhero headquarters disguised inside a Tech Center building; two individual vehicles (one for each of our heroes), and a joint battle scene between our pair of superheroes and fellow team Tyler and Amy’s pair of supervillains.

Despite presenting polished models that were up to our usual standards—a nice change after our Storybook build, which had turned out a bit messy—Christian and my competition also brought forth some amazing work this challenge. Unfortunately, this ultimately meant that “Good vs. Evil” turned out to be our final episode of LEGO Masters. In this highly competitive week, Christian and I placed in the bottom two and were, subsequently, chosen by the Brickmasters to be eliminated.

Read on for my special dissection of our models’ process, design choices, and more!

Behind-The-Build: Storybook Challenge

Aaron Newman March 20, 2020

In Episode 7 of LEGO Masters, “Storybook” (3/18/2020), all the teams were presented with an identical, Mad Lib-style story, the blanks of which had been filled in creatively by a group of kids. For the challenge, each team had to present their own recreation of this zany tale involving a “book chicken,” a “horse that can do gymnastics,” a “Taker-Waker,” and more.

For our model, Christian and I chose to build the interior of the Taker-Waker’s house, which the storybook specified as being messy and full of stolen toys. This setting choice, however, turned out to be a bad one. Our decision to build an enclosed structure literally boxed us in, and guided us towards manifesting a more realistic interpretation of the “Land of Koo Koo Magic” than other teams. Unfortunately, this stylistic direction left the Brickmasters cold. On top of this, since we took the story at face value, we intentionally built a cluttered house… but ended up with an unintentionally messy-looking build.

Ultimately, our entry for the storybook challenge landed us in the bottom two teams for the first time. Although Christian and I weren’t eliminated, this was still my least favorite build of the season. Read on for my special dissection of this model’s process, design choices, and more.