
LEGO sets are great fun and there's nothing wrong with following the instructions for the brick. But if you're ready to explore your own designs, the possibilities may seem overwhelming. It's time to do some research.
Fortunately, LEGO is a global phenomenon and there are countless resources to teach you the basics of design. If you're having trouble nailing a particular look or mechanism, check out the following YouTube channels for practical instructions.
Nail the Basics: LEGO Masters Brick Tips
I bet there are more than a few people who found this article after catching up with Fox & # 39; s LEGO Masters TV show. You can learn a lot about LEGO design and aesthetics by watching the show, but a lot of drama is added (not to mention a lot of commercials). If you just want the tips, head over to the show's YouTube channel for a series of beginner videos. These are clearly aimed at kids who first stand out in their own designs, but they're also pretty good for anyone looking to brush up on the basics.
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Designing from the Ground Up: Playwell Bricks
This is a smaller channel, but it has a few tutorials that are great for intermediate designers. The simple tips are presented with a simple narration and a lack of fluff, so those who want short answers to basic questions are well served. The channel also has excellent organization: start with the Basic Brick Tutorials playlist, then go to Intermediate Brick Tutorials and then (wait for it) Advanced Brick Tutorials. You can also check out the studio tutorials to learn how to design sets in software before spending the time (and money) on bringing them to life.
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View the major builds: BrickVault
BrickVault has over a thousand videos on its channel, most of which are from the "hey, isn't that neat!" variety. That's fine ̵
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Break It Down: JAYSTEPHER
This channel releases new videos every week and is one of the most consistent (and popular) LEGO channels on YouTube. Almost all of their playlists are somehow useful – the primary section Tutorials is huge, and there are sections for custom MOC designs and minute analysis of individual parts that are also available in store sets. JAYSTEPHER is the most analytical channel on this list, particularly suitable for those looking to expand both their LEGO collections and their toolboxes.
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Do the Locomotion: Lego Technic Mastery
LEGO & # 39; s Technic sets are among the most complex, even if they don't have as many pieces as some of the more elaborate ones. That's because Technic pieces make for more complex movements and structures. This channel is all about Technic and shows examples of advanced machines using LEGO designs. Each video is short, showing a demonstration of the feature in action and an overview of how to build and replicate it. If you want to add some advanced features or motorized behavior to your LEGO designs, book this channel without hesitation.
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Zen Building: LionBricks
This is a good all-round channel with a focus on tutorials and MOCs. The Tutorials playlist is a wonderfully sparse collection of smaller designs with great aesthetic details, including step-by-step instructions without disturbing narration. (It's actually pretty good to watch Zen if you want something in the background.) There are some more general videos too – the list of "Top 10 Building Ideas" is a good one if you're looking for some non-specific inspiration
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This list is by no means exhaustive, but you should be able to find something useful in all the channels above. If you want help with something specific, try a general search – there's so much LEGO content on YouTube that you could find almost anything you want to do.