Tag: Lego

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Popular Culture

How to Buy LEGO on a $100 Budget

There’s no doubt that collecting LEGO can be an expensive hobby. In fact, I’ve found that LEGO sets are a lot like tattoos: people rarely only have one! As a lifelong collector, navigating the waters of budgeting for this hobby is one of the most common questions I get asked. Let’s explore some creative ways to buy LEGO on a $100 budget:

1. Choose a focus
LEGO

By choosing a focus, this will help you fend off temptation to spend your budget on multiple themes. By choosing a focus, you can narrow your scope and buy a few sets to build a clone army, get most of The Avengers, or obtain most of the main characters from Harry Potter. Whatever focus you choose, this can help you from feeling overwhelmed with all of the options available for sets to buy when you walk down the LEGO aisle.

2. Six of One, Half-Dozen of Another
LEGO

One of the unique aspects of collecting LEGO is army building, particularly in the LEGO Star Wars theme.

For example, getting a clone trooper from the Star Wars Black Series of 6 inch figures would cost $22.99, but the LEGO Star Wars 501st Clone Trooper set costs $29.99 and comes with five clones, a walker, a speeder, and some battle droids to fight against. While neither line of toys is better than the other (though I may have a slight bias,) it’s evident that LEGO offers an easier route to army build than perhaps any other toy line available today.

3. Go Big, or Go Small
LEGO

In our hypothetical scenario of using a $100 budget, it can be easy to feel stuck with what you buy. $100 can get you some amazing Avengers or Harry Potter sets. It can also get you a bunch of great smaller City sets, or even a few medium-priced Star Wars sets. The options are endless, but one approach I always like to suggest is to think about your home’s display space. Do you have space to display a large build, or is displaying several smaller builds more feasible for you?

Either way, thinking about where your LEGO set(s) will live before making your trip to the store is a great way to help determine what the best option for you will be.

4. It’s Okay to NOT Be a Completist!
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In today’s social media-driven world, it’s easy to feel the pressure of keeping up with the Joneses. As a content creator, I feel pressure to buy the biggest and best of everything LEGO puts out. While LEGO can be satisfying (and addicting!) we as collectors have to realize that at the end of the day, we can’t have it all. It’s okay to not have certain pieces in your collection.

If you choose a focus, it can really help alleviate the manufactured pressure of the need to own everything. Buying the sets, minifigures, and pieces that make you happy should always be the goal. As long as you’re enjoying your hobby, you are unstoppable!

Do you have your own approach on how to buy LEGO on a $100 budget? DM me on IG any time with your tips, and as always, stay inspired and happy building! 

For more LEGO content:
Every LEGO Doctor Strange Set RANKED!
The 20 Best LEGO Star Wars Characters
LEGO in the Metaverse: What the Epic Games Collab Means for the Future
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Popular Culture

Every LEGO Doctor Strange Set RANKED!

LEGO Doctor Strange

With Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness on everyone’s mind, I thought it’d be fun to revisit the Master of the Mystic Arts’ best LEGO sets from over the years! While there aren’t a ton of sets to choose from, every one of them has been outstanding in their own ways, so let’s use the Time Stone and revisit some classics from over the years! Here are my Doctor Strange LEGO set rankings:

6. SDCC BrickHeadz
LEGO

While this set was fun (and remains expensive on the aftermarket!) this set unfortunately comes in last place on this list. BrickHeadz are always fun to build and display, but given the rarity of this set and it’s lack of playability, it’ll have to sit comfortably at the bottom of the list

5. Sanctum Sanctorum (Doctor Strange, 2017)
LEGO

This set was the sold set from Doctor Strange’s first movie, and while it was cool at the time, the subsequent sets featuring Strange and his crew have vastly improved on its debut set. Still, this set contained three exclusive minifigs, some fun Easter eggs, and a neat tentacle monster build that made this set unique among all other LEGO Marvel offers up to that point. 

4. Gargantos Showdown (Multiverse if Madnesss, 2022)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-XJsibJNYE
LEGO

Come to think of it, our latest Doctor Strange LEGO set has a lot in common with his first set: it’s the only set tied in with his second MCU film, it has three exclusive minifigs, and a tentacle monster to tie it off. I feel the minifigs in this set are better than the previously mentioned set, which put it slightly higher in this ranking.  

3. Spider-Man in the Sanctum Workshop (Spider-Man: No Way Home, 2021)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MI7guxqP3GU
LEGO

Doctor Strange sits in a unique corner of the MCU: the gap between his first film and its sequel has been five years. In that time, he’s appeared in Infinity War, Endgame, and most recently in Spider-Man: No Way Home. While the latter’s LEGO sets were intentionally spoiler-free, the sole set of the wave that was truly based on the film depicted a build of the Sanctum’s undercroft, complete with a cozy couch, four exclusive minifigs, and a fun location-based build that fans welcomed into their collections immediately.    

2. Sanctum Sanctorum Showdown (Infinity War, 2018)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRiKWQgEycw
LEGO

Prior to 2021’s Daily Bugle set, most LEGO Marvel fans would’ve said this was the best set ever released from the theme. With a line up of almost entirely exclusive minifigs, two fantastic building designs and an unbelievably detailed interior, it’s hard to believe this set was only $99.99! Today the set runs about $160-200, but even at that price I feel this set is still worth every penny. 

1. 2022 UCS Sanctum Sanctorum
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWqEIb9XGqM
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Though this set has not been revealed as of this writing, I can promise it’ll top the list of Doctor Strange LEGO sets. Rumor has it that this will be a Modular style LEGO building with similar detail to the LEGO Daily Bugle from 2021, which was many collectors’ favorite set of that year. If this set delivers anywhere near that level, it will be one of the best LEGO sets of 2022, let alone one of the best from the LEGO Marvel theme. 

For More LEGO content:
Top 10 LEGO Batman Sets
The 10 Best and Rarest LEGO Spider-Man Minifigures of All Time
Where to Buy LEGO
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Popular Culture

LEGO in the Metaverse: What the Epic Games Collab Means for the Future

Recent news broke of LEGO’s partnership with Epic Games (Fortnite) to create a joint Metaverse project aimed at kids. This has fans of Fortnite, LEGO, and the Metaverse in general talking from all angles, and as a LEGO content creator, I want to weigh in on the perspectives I’ve picked up through my LEGO community, @MiniSuperHeroesToday.

While I was learning about NFTs and the Metaverse last year, my initial thought was: do I see the world becoming more digital or less digital as time rolls on? Of course, any person of cultural awareness will agree that the world is becoming more and more immersed in digital reliance. From fully downloadable video games, to streaming new movies from home, to VR adoption in the living room, there’s no doubt that digital experiences are gaining prominence (albeit slowly, in my opinion.) 

Epic Games has had insurmountable success with Fortnite, so I have all the faith in the world that they will deliver on the gaming aspect of this collaboration. As for LEGO, though…

Look, I’m a huge LEGO fan. I build a new set almost every day, and I’ve put out new content daily for over seven years. I like to think I have a pulse on the LEGO world, and with that, I do have my concerns for this venture. To shed light on those concerns, we need only to look back at LEGO’s last few ventures into the digitalization of their toys.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-g3anJNSgq4
Amazon

The most recent tentpole venture into the digital realm for LEGO was their VIDIYO theme. VIDIYO was a collaboration with Universal Music to create an app-based play experience that allowed kids to scan their VIDIYO sets, minifigures, and more into the official VIDIYO app to create music videos, similar to TikTok. The app was limited to what songs could be chosen (from the Universal catalog, of course) and due to keeping kids’ privacy safe, the social aspect within the app was heavily monitored and guarded so as to not give away any kids’ personal information. Of course, I am all for the privacy aspect, but without potential for a creator to grow like TikTok or YouTube offers through followers, or opportunities to rank up like in Fortnite, what longterm benefit does creating content on an app like VIDIYO offer? The sets did not sell well, so much so that the second wave of minifigures never even hit store shelves due to low interest from all LEGO collecting demographics.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WmVMdUTqWg
LEGO

Unfortunately, VIDIYO is not LEGO’s first lukewarm attempt to venture into digitalizing their toys. The now-retired Hidden Side theme encouraged young builders to use a phone app to unlock games and a literal “hidden side” to the monster/ghost-themed sets. I’d argue that this was a better venture into digitalization than VIDIYO was, but the Hidden Side sets were still popular independent of the app usage, where many people I know never even bothered to download the app yet owned every set that the theme offered. With VIDIYO, the sets were basically pointless without the app, and with Hidden Side, the sets were great without the app, so both cases show stories where LEGO would’ve been better off to not have the app at all and focus on the quality of what fans of all ages are after in the first place: the sets. 

LEGO

One positive venture that LEGO offered into the digital space was the LEGO Dimensions video game. This was a toys-to-life game, similar to Skylanders or Disney Infinity, that offered players the chance to import their real life minifigures into the game via Toy Tag discs. This game was phenomenal, and crossed so many amazing franchises like Back to the Future, Ghostbusters, The Wizard of Oz, and countless others into one streamlined game. Unfortunately, the game came out just a tad too late into the toys-to-life craze, and with a finite amount of new sets that could be released in conjunction with the game, it eventually fizzled out. I was a huge fan of this game, and to this day I feel that it was LEGO’s best entrance into the digital space to date. 

While my last few examples have shown some negative sides to LEGO’s digitization attempts, it’s hard to ignore their bright spots of success, too. The LEGO Star Wars games of the mid 2000s are still talked about today, and the recently-released Skywalker Saga game is on the top of everyone’s minds right now. There have been countless hit games from LEGO and Traveler’s Tales over the past two decades, and it’s also important to highlight the success of LEGO’s Minecraft competitor, LEGO Worlds. It’s true that LEGO can develop some phenomenal video game titles, and with their recent additions, it stands to reason that they’ve got plenty of gas in the tank to keep it going.

Where Does That Leave LEGO in the Metaverse?

Unfortunately, I think it’s too early to say for two reasons: the Metaverse is still early, and we have no idea what LEGO’s end product will be.

The Metaverse literally offers endless potential for what could be in the digital space. From VIP concert experiences to amazing VR games, the limit for what can be done remains to be seen. Still, the Metaverse as a concept is still in an early adoption phase. NFT art collections continue to grow in popularity and everyday integrations like AMC offering NFTs with their movie tickets show that Metaverse applications are making their way into our lives more and more as time rolls by, and those yet-to-be navigated waters leave so much potential for what can be done with Web3 and beyond.

Much like the Metaverse itself, the potential for what LEGO and Epic Games could be working on is almost impossible to guess at this point, but I do have my concerns about the appeal of a LEGO Metaverse project. In my community, LEGO fans are enthusiasts because of the physicality of building, owning, and displaying a physical product. In fact, when the rumors circulated about LEGOxEpic Games’ collaboration, I saw tons of excitement in the community for potential LEGO Fortnite sets. When the news broke that the collaboration was for a Metaverse project and not physical LEGO sets, the excitement petered out almost immediately. That’s not to say the end product won’t be good, but I offer that perspective to show that LEGO fans (generally) are fans for the sake of building a real set in the physical world, and shy away from anything that steps away from that (such as VIDIYO’s app reliance, Hidden Side’s app integration, or Dimensions’ attachment to the toys-to-life fad.) 

It remains hard to say what LEGO’s entry point into the Metaverse will be, especially knowing Epic Games is involved. Will the project be like LEGO Worlds, a Metaverse LEGO-Minecraft? Or, will it be like Fortnite, except with minifigures as the main characters? Time will tell, but we can rest easy knowing that LEGO owns one of the most valuable toy IPs in the world, and Epic Games knows how to make great content. Truth told, I’d like to see LEGO sit back and let Epic Games take the reins of this project. I love LEGO, and I believe that the vast majority of what the offer builders is good, positive, and continually getting better… but as we’ve explored, video games/digital entries that stray further and further from physical toys have not been LEGO’s strong suit, and I hope and trust that they acknowledge this.

As I said, time will tell what comes of the project, but I’d love to hear your thoughts! Hit me on any platform at @MiniSuperHeroesToday, and stay inspired! 

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Popular Culture

How to Create Daily Content for Your Brand

I recently celebrated seven years as a daily content creator. Yes, you read that correctly: I’ve created new content daily for seven years without ever missing a day. It’s been (and continues to be) an incredible journey, and I want to share some insights that I’ve learned along the way to help you in your creative pursuits.

Growing up, I had a few obsessions that helped foster my creativity. Among them, LEGO took the top spot. Since I was a boy, I have always loved the unlimited creativity offered through the world’s most popular toy, and through the evolution of social media, I’ve been able to cultivate a personal brand around my hobby. In 2015 I started an Instagram page (@MiniSuperHeroesToday) focused on posting lego content with one simple challenge: post one new piece of content every day and see how long I could go. That challenge remains unbroken to this day, and has expanded outward to YouTube and TikTok as well, where the MiniSuperHeroesToday community is now over 250,000 members strong. My growth in social media has led to me working with some of my favorite brands including K-Swiss, Ghostbusters, and even LEGO themselves.

I’m very proud of my accomplishments, but my purpose behind what I do is not to prove how great my brand is, rather to spread positivity through a hobby I and so many others love. This journey has brought me to a place where I can share insight to help other folks wanting to do the same in their lives, and I want to share a few insights that have been on my mind at the time of this milestone anniversary. I hope these help you focus in on what you want and encourage you to go for it! 

1. Getting started is more important than how you get started
minisuperheroestoday

How many people do you know in your life that are doing EXACTLY what you want to be doing? Whether it’s the job they have, business they own, their relationship status, or the car they drive, chances are that you don’t know too many people who have a 1:1 version of the life you want to live, and for good reason: IT’S HARD! 

Most people will do more to avoid pain than they will to gain pleasure, which is why you see so few people living the lives they truly want to live. Many of life’s best offerings come on the other side of taking risks, thinking outside the box, and doing things that nobody else is doing. Whether it’s asking for a raise, starting a new business, or creating a TikTok around your hobby, taking that first step is so crucial, and so few do it. This isn’t meant to be mean or negative, rather, I hope it inspires you to think/act differently than everyone else and see where it takes you. I love centering my philosophy around quotes, and one of my favorites has always been: “to be different, you must BE different.”  

2. Understanding the value of your time and attention is paramount to success
Getty Images

There’s an old quote I love that says “the best time to plant a tree was yesterday; the second best time is today.” Time is the only thing you cannot obtain more of, so what we focus our time and energy on has a direct effect on our creative outcomes. It’s important to think about where you’re putting your attention, because sometimes putting another hour into your business/side hustle is more important than binging Netflix. That’s not to say that leisure time is a bad thing, but being mindful of where you’re investing your time can help you reframe on what’s really important and to direct attention toward that when necessary.

3. The only person standing in your way is yourself
Getty Images

So often, we rationalize reasons to not take action. “I’m too tired,” “I’ll do it tomorrow,” and “I’m not good enough” are among the most common I’ve heard, but the point remains that you must participate in your own rescue and help yourself get along in your journey. Sometimes, you need to be your own biggest supporter instead of your own personal roadblock! 

A lot of my writing here at ONE37pm centers around the LEGO collecting hobby, and while I love sharing that side of my passion, another passion of mine is self improvement. I hope you walk away from this article feeling inspired and ready to take on the world! If you’ve read this far, feel free to DM me on Instagram with any questions you may have- I always love to help other creatives get their journeys started, and I wish you the best of luck with your path ahead! 

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Style What To Buy

Top 10 LEGO Batman Sets

LEGO Batman debuted in 2006 and ran for two years, giving us some amazing sets and an undeniably nostalgic video game to accompany it. The theme mysteriously disappeared at the end of 2008, only to return again with a SDCC/NYCC exclusive Dark Knight Batman minifigure released in 2011 announcing a full wave of LEGO DC Super Heroes Sets to be released in 2012. Since then, the last ten years have given us some awesome LEGO DC and Batman sets, so I thought it’d be fun to celebrate the big anniversary with a Top 10 list of the best LEGO Batman sets ever released! 

Before we dive in, here are some ground rules. For the sake of the article, any LEGO set that contained at least one Batman minifigure and/or Batman branding will be eligible for this list. While there have been some awesome DC and Justice League sets over the years, if the set didn’t include Batman, then it won’t count here.

With that being said, let’s get into it!

10. The Batmobile: Two-Face’s Escape
Amazon

Released as a part of the very first Batman wave in 2006, this set was an instant classic. The Batmobile, to me, is the definitive minifig-scale LEGO Batmobile: it’s just reminiscent enough of existing batmobile models to feel familiar, yet unique enough that it stands out as its own model. Add in the iconic LEGO Batman minifigure and the classic black-and-white Two-Face minifig, and this set is an undeniably awesome mark in LEGO Batman history!

9. The Dynamic Duo: Funhouse Escape
Amazon

When I got back into LEGO back in 2012, this was my favorite set from the LEGO DC Super Heroes inaugural wave. In a lot of ways, I still think this set was the best value for your money that LEGO DC has ever offered, but let’s explore why. For $39.99, this was your first chance to get Batman, Robin, Harley Quinn, the Joker, and the Riddler all in one place. Throw in the awesome Bat-cycle and the Joker’s Funhouse build, and this set was worth every penny. Surprisingly, it hasn’t gone up much in value over the years, so this is a set I’d highly recommend for someone just starting out with their LEGO DC/Batman collection. 

8. Jokerland
Amazon

Released in 2015, Jokerland was a ground breaking set. It was the debut of the comic-style Beast Boy and Starfire, which was a great way for collectors to round out their Teen Titans collection. Add in Batman and his Rogues Gallery of Joker, Penguin, Harley Quinn, and Poison Ivy and this set was destined to be a blast! Personally, I loved the individually and play value in this set: Harley had her motorcycle ride, Penguin had his Duck Ferris Wheel, Poison Ivy had her drop ride, and Joker had his live of terror that gave each villain their own setting to fight off the heroes in. I love how this set felt like several settings packed into one theme park, and that’s a big reason why this will always be a Top 10 set for me.

7. The Batcave: The Penguin and Mr. Freeze’s Break-In
Amazon

If you were a kid in 2006 (or even now,) this was a set you probably begged your parents to buy. Who didn’t want the first ever LEGO Batcave?! Especially when you consider the inclusion of Batman, Robin, Mr. Freeze, Alfred, and The Penguin with his Penguin Minions, it’s amazing how much value you got for $89.99 back in the day (good luck finding one complete for under $300 these days!)

6. Arkham Asylum Breakout
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ja4BNMR2pE
Amazon

Released in 2013, this is my favorite Arkham Asylum set of the three released to date. The gothic feel of Arkham really comes to life in this set, and the inclusion of the Dr. Harleen Quinzel minifigure is a nice touch. There was a great Arkham Asylum released in the LEGO Batman Movie wave, however, that version includes villain minifigures that are all in their orange jumpsuits. While that is thematically correct, I like getting villains in their actual costumes, so this one wins out for me on that basis. The build itself is the cherry on top, and it solidifies this set’s spot on the Top 10 list! 

5. Classic TV Series Batcave
Amazon

The Adam West Batman series has had a multitude of toys made over the years (especially in the last decade or so,) and this has to be one of the most comprehensive offerings from the series. This set includes it all: every main recurring villain from the series, Batman, Robin, Alfred, and even Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson! You can send Bruce and Dick down the Batpoles to change them into their alter ego as the Caped Crusader and Boy Wonder! The set depicts part of Wayne Manor up top, and the entirety of the futuristic Batcave from the beloved series. As if all of that wasn’t enough, the set also comes with a Bat-Cycle, Batcopter, and the first version of the iconic 1966 Batmobile. Ka-Pow! 

4. 2021 UCS Tumbler
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MlqtZf6S2c&ab_channel=MiniSuperHeroesToday
Amazon

The Dark Knight is a fan favorite among Batman movies. From the realistic take on the Caped Crusader and his Rogues Gallery to the awesome gadgets, there’s no doubt that Christopher Nolan’s trilogy will remain a classic for all time. Many years ago, LEGO released a “UCS style” Tumbler with an exclusive Batman and Joker minifigure, and in 2021, they did a remastered version of that very set. It’s a nearly-identical version of the first one with some minor upgrades, as well as two new and exclusive minifigures. This one is a must-have for LEGO Batman fans!

3. 1989 Batwing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQ7l9P-KHbo&ab_channel=MiniSuperHeroesToday
Amazon

After the success of 2019’s 1989 Batmobile, LEGO followed up with a matching 1989 Batwing. This came with three minifigs from the Michael Keaton film, as well as a hidden, built-in feature to hang the Batwing on your wall if you so choose!

2. Tumbler: Scarecrow Showdown
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80yqIjbPx7E&ab_channel=MiniSuperHeroesToday
Amazon

While large-scale sets are amazing for display value, I will always have a soft spot for minifigure-scale playlets. While this may be a vehicle and not a “playset” per say, I still think this set delivers on every level. Two great minifigs and a great build experience make this set worth every penny. 

1. 1989 Batmobile
https://youtu.be/x8KUAPmWz6s
Amazon

When this set was revealed, Batman fans around the world rejoiced. Not only was this an instant fan-favorite set, but it also introduced Michael Keaton’s Batman franchise into the world of LEGO. Containing three minifigures, a display stand, and tons of play features, it’s hard to imagine another set taking the #1 spot.
Let me know what you thought of this list, and as always, be sure to reach out to me on IG with any thoughts or questions! – @MiniSuperHeroesToday

Categories
Style What To Buy

Top 10 Experiences Every LEGO Collector Should Have At Least Once

Whether you just bought your first LEGO set or you’ve just finished building your 100th, there is no doubt that you’ll want to expand your LEGO experience beyond just clicking bricks together. There’s a whole world of community out there (both online and in-person) and today, we’ll be discussing the top ten things you should try as a LEGO collector now that you’re into the hobby! 

10. Buy a Set That Challenges You!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhZMOjXqX2U
minisuperheroestoday

Earlier I mentioned that you may be building your first set or your 100th set as of reading this piece. Regardless of where you’re at in your LEGO building journey, I encourage everyone to buy a set that challenges them! Building smaller sets can be easy (for some, that is! My mom has trouble even building polybags- bless her soul!) so often times a bigger set can provide a unique change of pace and challenge. For me, Technic sets are a challenge, because I mainly build (and prefer) brick-based sets. That said, the Grave Digger Technic sets was one of my favorite sets of 2021, so trying something new can open new experiences up that you hadn’t ever considered before! 

9. Choose a Collection Focus
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ro1X6x-9zk
minisuperheroestoday

One of the most common things you’ll hear LEGO fans complain about is how expensive of a hobby it can be. Believe me, I understand and agree! That said, a secret I’ve found for helping to manage costs is to choose a focus and stay in my lane. Of course, I’d love to have EVERYTHING that the LEGO store sells, but there’s only so much space in my house and so much money to go around, so my funds stay focused on Marvel and DC, with Star Wars coming in next. 

8. Build Something Custom
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4wiNzlVU5A
minisuperheroestoday

Custom LEGO builds (often called MOCs, short for My Own Creation) are one of the top appeals for many LEGO fans. Of course, collectors like me prefer to build sets right out of the boxes, but the beauty of LEGO is that you can build anything you can imagine! Take my friend Patrick, for example, who used his love of the original LEGO Batman Video Game to inspire his 60,000+ piece build of Arkham Asylum! All this time later, that build still impresses me, and it inspires me to want to build something equally awesome someday. 

7. Watch a LEGO Movie or TV Show
LEGO

LEGO entertainment has it’s own unique brand of tongue-in-cheek humor that helps it stand out from any other media. Movies like The LEGO Movie and The LEGO Batman Movie take a fun spin on other films of their genre, and LEGO TV programs like Star Wars: Droid Tales make humorous cracks that no other Star Wars media has taken before. Whether you need a good laugh or want something to watch with someone you love, LEGO shows and movies are a must for fans of any age or building level! 

6. Share a Building Experience
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRr9pyCGcow
minisuperheroestoday

I know this might sound cheesy, but building a LEGO set with a friend can be a great experience! I’ve done it many times, and in this case, I even built one with my good pal Brandon Davis of Comicbook.com! As of the writing of this article, the best sets I can recommend for shared builds are any of the LEGO Art mosaics, or sets like the Jurassic Park T. rex, which is conveniently split into two sections (the dinosaur and the gate.) Of course, one person can sort while the other builds, but I find it’s more fun to both be working on two elements of the same project. 

5. Visit Atlanta Brick Co.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxO2Xlsj_RA
minisuperheroestoday

You may think that me telling you to plan a trip to the outskirts of Atlanta sounds crazy, but as soon as you walk through the doors at Atlanta Brick Co., you’ll thank me. This store has been around for years and has earned it’s place as the Mecca of LEGO collecting. This store (which also sells online) offers just about every LEGO product you can imagine: new sets, retired sets, rare minifigures and more! I promise, it’s well worth your time to visit (and make sure you take plenty of cash!)

4. Buy a “Haul”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFNNTNmR0eU
minisuperheroestoday

Once you’ve gotten adept at sorting your pieces, it’s time to hunt for a “haul.” A haul in the collector community is when you buy multiples of something, get a bunch of new toys in one swoop, or buy out a collection. Of course, different budgets will allow for varying levels of hauls, but there’s nothing quite like dropping $100 on a box of loose LEGO from Facebook Marketplace and digging for gold to try and see if there’s anything rare or valuable in the bottom of the box! 

3. Build a Large Set
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hx27YuoMV1c
minisuperheroestoday

If you’ve been building small cars and planes, eventually you’re going to feel the urge to build something BIG! Star Wars is a great place to start with big models, but the modular buildings and even large models like the Titanic can be great ways to kill lots of time and build something you’ll be proud to show off for years to come. When you feel ready to up your game, cash in and go for a big set to level up! 

2. Attend a “New Set Release Day” at a LEGO Store
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWmNQTxsclQ
minisuperheroestoday

Around the first of almost every month LEGO releases new sets. Sometimes these sets are exclusive to stores like Target or Walmart, but there’s always one extra place where you can find almost anything LEGO offers: the LEGO Store! Most LEGO stores are located in shopping malls, so be sure to check if there’s one near you. On days when new sets are being released, dozens of people will line up outside the store to be the first to buy a new model. In cases like Star Wars UCS models or larger sets, sometimes not being in the first 20-50 people in line means you’ll need to wait for the set to be restocked, which can sometimes take weeks! Being in line with other dedicated fans is a great way to meet other LEGO enthusiasts, and I highly recommend the experience 

1. Attend a LEGO Fan Convention
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRsWAaDXHlg
minisuperheroestoday

The number one thing that I would recommend for you to experience as a LEGO fan is to attend a fan convention. Fan conventions can include everything from incredible custom builds to vendor marketplaces where you can buy the rarest of the rare. I can only speak for the United States, but it seems like every month there’s at least one LEGO convention somewhere in the country, so chances are that there’ll be one near you before long! This is a great place to meet other LEGO fans in the community, your favorite LEGO YouTubers, or to make your new best friends. 

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Culture Movies/TV

Top 10 LEGO Batman Villains

Batman and Spider-Man are two of the most iconic superheroes of all time, and with that mantle, they both have the best lineups of villains amongst their superhero peers.

While Spider-Man’s villains are almost all enhanced beings or mutated humans, Batman’s Rogues Gallery has the unique distinction of having intellectually-superior villains like the Joker and the Riddler. DC has done such an incredible job over the years of pairing “the world’s greatest detective” against nefarious mirrors of himself, so today, let’s honor that legacy by checking out the best top 10 LEGO minifigures based off of Batman villains!  

Note: while there have been tons of great LEGO DC villain minifigures made over the years, this list will focus solely on characters who are generally considered to be Batman villains (sorry Bizzaro and Reverse Flash!)

10. Killer Croc (2016)
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Killer Croc is one of Batman’s strongest villains, and I’ve always loved his hulking design from his various incarnations over the years. LEGO did a fantastic job brining this look to life back in 2016, and this figure certainly deserves a spot on this list. I’d imagine most kids (and maybe even some adults) had fun mashing this Killer Croc bigfig against their LEGO Batman minifigs in some epic battles over the years.

9. Jack Nicholson’s Joker (2019)
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This figure was exclusive to the 2019 1989 Batmobile, and ever since, it’s been highly sought after. Of course, Nicholson’s Joker reigns supreme among on-screen Joker adaptations, so it’s no surprise that his LEGO Minifigure debut is also a fan favorite. 

8. The Riddler (2006)
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There have been several versions of the LEGO Riddler over the years, but there’s something so charming about his debut appearance that still captivates collectors to this day. Maybe it’s the rarity of having the original, or perhaps it’s nostalgia from the LEGO Batman Video Game in 2008, but either way he’s been solidified as a collector favorite over the years. 

7. Tropical Joker (The LEGO Batman Movie)
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Loosely adapted from “The Killing Joke,” this is a minifigure that I still cannot believe exists. Of course, this is a version of the Joker that briefly appeared in the LEGO Batman Movie, but knowing the dark story behind The Killing Joke comic story, it’s shocking LEGO would ever give a nod to a look like this (not that I’m complaining!) 

6. Condiment King (The LEGO Batman Movie)
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While Condiment King ranks pretty low on the list of fearsome Batman villains, he does rank pretty high on my list of villain minifigs – I mean, look at this guy! 

5. Deathstroke
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Much more fearsome than Condiment King, the Deathstroke minifig is among my favorites from all of LEGO DC. The dual molded legs (which means the legs have two colors, in this case, orange on bottom and dark blue on top) compliment the aethsetic of this figure from head to toe. What a great figure! 

4. Bane (The LEGO Batman Movie)
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Like the Riddler earlier on this list, Bane has had many different iterations in LEGO form. That said, all but one have been traditional minifigures, while this “big fig” from The LEGO Batman Movie looms large over his villainous contemporaries. To me, Bane should always be bigger than Batman, so this version checks every box in my book! 

3. Heath Ledger Joker (2015)
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Heath Ledger’s Joker has only ever been made twice in LEGO form: once in 2021 with his jacketless look, and once in 2015 with his classic purple outfit. Both figures are great, but when I think of the Joker, I immediately think of the purple suit, which is why this one comes out on top. 

2. 2006 Two-Face
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Echoing what we explored with the Riddler and Bane, Two-Face has had many LEGO minifigs over the years. 2012 offered an orange-and-purple look, while 2019 gave us his “All-Star Batman” red suit look. The LEGO Batman Movie gave us a LEGO interpretation of Billy Dee Williams as Two-Face which rocked, but there’s something so classic about the original 2006 version that will always rank high for me. Do you agree? 

1. 2006-2008 Joker
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When you think of Batman, the first villain you tend to think of is the Joker. He’s the perfect foil to Batman; chaotic good meets chaotic evil, and while there have been countless LEGO Joker figures over the years, it’s hard to beat the original! With his spiky, vampire-like hair, his horrifying grin, and his array of weapons and vehicles, this version of the Joker not only triumphs all other LEGO Jokers, but all other LEGO Batman villains in general.

As always, let me know what you think if this list! I always love hearing from you over on IG, so hit me up any time I can bring value to you in your collecting journey! 

Categories
Culture Movies/TV

Top 10 LEGO Batman Minifigures

LEGO and Batman: name two more classic icons of boyhood. One inspires us to be creative and use our minds to accomplish anything we can imagine, and the other inspires us to see the best in people and to use our minds to solve any problem that comes our way. It’s hard to think of a more perfect pairing, so today, let’s check out the ten coolest LEGO Batman minifigures to date:

10. Armored Batman (Batman vs Superman)
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Although fans are divided on Batman v Superman as a film, the three LEGO sets from it were all phenomenal. The cheapest set, 76044 Clash of the Heroes, was an awesome way to get both Superman and Batman for only $10, and the Armored Batman suit here remains awesome to this day! 

9. Rockstar Batman (The LEGO BATMAN Movie)
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Although Batman never joined KISS in real life, we can always pretend thanks to this awesome minifigure from the LEGO Batman Movie’s collectable minifigure series! For those that don’t know, the CMF is a line of blind bag figures offered by LEGO that usually ranges from 12-20 exclusive characters from movies, shows, or other LEGO themes. The LEGO Batman Movie had the unique distinction of getting two CMF series, both of which offered some awesome alternate Batman suits as well as some obscure heroes and villains from the movie.

8. Justice League Suit
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Zach Snyder’s Justice League breathed new life into the theatrical release of the film, and with that, it showed us more of what Ben Affleck could do as the Caped Crusader. There’s something so  bold about Affleck’s modernized Batman suit, and I think it translates so well into LEGO form. 

7. Knightmare Batman (Batman v Superman/Justice League)
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Of all the figures on the list, this is one that I am truly amazed by its existence, especially taking its history into account. LEGO began to offer minifigure accessory packs several years ago, consisting of 3-4 minifigures and some extra bricks for a smaller side build.

In 2018 (two years after Batman v Superman’s release) LEGO offered the LEGO Store exclusive “Nightmare Batman Accessory Set,” which to this day surprises me for two reasons: first, it came out nearly two years after the movie itself did, and second, LEGO rarely offers products that are so blatantly based off of brutal scenes. That’s probably why we’ll never get an “Anakin Visits the Younglings” set.

6. 2007 Batman
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I’m a sucker for the bluy/gray color combo on Batman. I think it makes him stand out while almost gives him a serious look standing alongside his colorful counterparts like Superman, The Flash, or Wonder Woman. This Batman minifig from 2007’s “The Batcopter: The Chase for Scarecrow” is such a great depiction of that classic color scheme, and will always rank pretty high for me. (Note: the cape in this photo is not the original. I had a lot of adventures with this figure as a kid!)

5. Adam West “Classic TV” Batman
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“Holy LEGO, Batman!” Adam West’s Batman as been made three times as a LEGO minifigure: once in a SDCC exclusive set (which wasn’t very accurate,) once in 2016’s Batman Classic TV Series Batcave, and in 2021’s Classic TV Batmobile. Of those three, the 2016 version reigns supreme with his dual-molded legs, awesome print quality, and charming smile that brings the camp of the original series to life in LEGO form. 

4. 1989 Batman
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Every time I pick up this figure, I immediately have Danny Elfman’s iconic Batman theme ring in my head. This Batman minifigure was first offered in 2019 with the release of the “UCS Style” 1989 Batmobile. It reigns unique for the use of its large, rubbery Batman cowl/cape, which is one large piece that contains the cowl, the cape, and of course, the iconic Batman logo on the chest.

3. The Dark Knight Batman (2021)
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If there’s one thing fans love as much as Heath Ledger’s Joker, it’s Christian Bale’s Batman. 2021 gave us a minifigure-scale Tumbler, but we also got a second edition of the “UCS Style” Tumbler which included a new Heath Ledger Joker minifigure paired with this incredible Dark Knight Batman minifigure complete with leg printing, which as you can see from this list, is a rarity among LEGO Batman variants. 

2. Arkham Suit
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I genuinely believe most people forget that this figure exists. Anyone who loves Batman has surely heard of his immaculate portrayal in the Arkham series of video games, yet most overlooked his LEGO debut from 2018. The figure came with the App-Controlled Batmoblie, which was a LEGO-built Arkham-style Batmobile you could control with the LEGO Powered Up app. The set, unfortunately, did not catch on with fans and therefore it often gets forgotten in the running of Batman sets from over the years, despite including an awesome minifigure. 
(Fun fact: before I partnered with LEGO by joining the LEGO Ambassador Network, LEGO offered me this set to create some promotional content with. You can check that out here.

1. 2006 Batman
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Simplicity is key, and that is a principle that certainly applies to LEGO Batman. There’s something so minimalistic yet striking about the original LEGO Batman minifigure that hasn’t been recaptured by a Batman minifig since. Whether you grew up with this figure like I did, saw him in a ForrestFire101 video or got into the game a little later and missed out on it altogether, there’s no doubt that the original is sometimes the best. 

Thanks for checking out today’s article! As always, hit me up on IG at @MiniSuperHeroesToday and let me know which LEGO Batman minifigures are your favorites! 

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Categories
Culture News

The 15 Best LEGO Architecture Sets

Since the theme’s inception in 2008, LEGO Architecture has brought some of the world’s most recognizable landmarks to life year after year. While the builds have gotten more complex over time (thank goodness they did, the very first ones were way too minimalist), there is a certain charm that comes with these scaled-down models of real-world locations.

The Architecture series is aimed at more mature, adult collectors. They do not include LEGO mini-figures and they are built to a scaled-down size, often using as few pieces as possible to build the monuments, buildings, and skylines that represent our global community. 

While the Architecture theme may not be for everyone, those that love it—like myself—tend to be pretty dedicated fans. From its earlier inceptions to the “skyline series” that debuted in 2016, the LEGO Architecture theme has endured and put out some incredible sets. Today we’ll be taking a look at the Best 15 LEGO Architecture sets released so far! 

1.) Statue of Liberty (21042)
2018 – Present / 1,685 pieces
https://amzn.to/3xEQirq
LEGO Group

Bigger doesn’t always mean better, but it sure does in the case of ol’ Lady Liberty! This set is an amazing display piece and it utilizes some really unique sculpting and building techniques. This set is not one I’d recommend to new builders, but it is definitely one of the best displayable LEGO sets available today.

buy on amazon, $96
https://amzn.to/3xEQirq
2.) Empire State Building (21046)
2019 – Present / 1,767 pieces
https://amzn.to/2VHSLDv
LEGO

Much like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building is a behemoth of a set that will take several hours for you to build but will make for a great conversation piece when it’s complete. This set will tower over your other LEGO sets, and while the build may be very repetitive, it is one that will be hard to forget. 

buy on amazon, $103.99
https://amzn.to/2VHSLDv
3.) Fallingwater (21005)
2009 – 2015 / 881 pieces
https://amzn.to/3rbS1SU
LEGO

While this set isn’t #1 on this “best of” list, it is my personal favorite for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s an amazing build; from the small details in the greenery to the unique shape of the building, Fallingwater displays beautifully and commands attention.

I grew up about an hour from where Fallingwater is located in Mill Run, PA. I always wanted this set, but it came out in my “dark age”—a term LEGO collectors use to refer to a time when they’re not actively buying sets. I missed the opportunity to get it when it was on store shelves, but about two years ago I bought a collection on Facebook Marketplace and found this sitting in the bottom of a bin full of loose bricks. That is still one of the happiest moments of my life as a LEGO collector! 

buy on amazon, $600
https://amzn.to/3rbS1SU
4.) Arc de Triomphe (21036)
2017 – 2018 (short life!) / 386 pieces
https://amzn.to/3hDemW0
LEGO

Of all the LEGO Architecture sets, this one had the shortest window of availability. It is a masterful model of the iconic Arc in Paris, France, and is among my favorites ever released. It captures all of the essences of the real Arc without sacrificing anything—besides size!

buy on amazon, $109.95
https://amzn.to/3hDemW0
5.) The White House (21054)
2020 – Present / 1,483 pieces
https://amzn.to/3kkeY4S
LEGO

There are two LEGO White Houses, both in the Architecture line, but this one reigns supreme. It comes with a 1×2 tile with the American flag printed on it, and if you’re strapped for display space, you can remove the East and West wings to take up less space. Talk about a great feature! 

buy on amazon, $106.99
https://amzn.to/3kkeY4S
6.) Trevi Fountain (21020)
2014 – 2016 / 731 pieces
https://amzn.to/36yonxl
LEGO

This set depicts the iconic Trevi Fountain found in Rome, Italy, and it spares no details. From the horses in the water to the detailing of the pillars and windows, this set utilizes a blue and white color scheme that makes it stand out from every other set in the line. 

buy on amazon, $254.99
https://amzn.to/36yonxl
7.) The Eiffel Tower (21019)
2014 – 2018 / 321 pieces
https://amzn.to/2Vzf0eC
LEGO

Perhaps the most iconic of the LEGO Architecture structures, the Eiffel Tower had one of the longest availability windows of any set in the theme. The set utilizes a lot of interesting features to achieve its “tower” shape. The top section is not very sturdy, but the design of the set and display value more than make up for it. 

buy on amazon, $104.48
https://amzn.to/2Vzf0eC
8.) United States Capitol Building (21030)
2016 – 2019 / 1,032 pieces
https://amzn.to/2UeoLi1
LEGO

This set is among the largest Architecture sets in terms of width, and it utilized a very unique blend of colors to bring the iconic American structure to life in LEGO form. I sometimes wonder how well these American government-centered buildings sell outside of the US. It’s hard for me to picture a collector in Germany wanting a set like this, but hey, you never know! 

buy on amazon, $269.99
https://amzn.to/2UeoLi1
9.) The Louvre (21024)
2015 – 2017 / 695 pieces
https://amzn.to/2U4MAsO
LEGO

The Louvre is absolutely beautiful in person, and its LEGO counterpart lives up to the real thing. Utilizing a wide array of flat tiles, this set has a certain smoothness to it that very few LEGO sets achieve. This is definitely a must-have! 

buy on amazon, $209.98
https://amzn.to/2U4MAsO
10.) Big Ben (21013)
2012 – 2016 / 346 pieces
https://amzn.to/2U9VLrO
LEGO

Of all the LEGO Architecture sets, I think Big Ben was the best value for your dollar compared to the likeness of what it set out to represent. It’s a small build but packs the punch of Big Ben’s iconic towering presence. I got this one used, but man am I glad I did! It always brings a smile to people’s faces when I give them the tour of my LEGO collection. 

buy on amazon, $149.98
https://amzn.to/2U9VLrO
11.) Buckingham Palace (21029)
2016 – 2018 / 780 pieces
https://amzn.to/3i543cq
LEGO

Although I’ve never been to Buckingham Palace, having the LEGO set is the next best thing. This set is unique to all others due to its inclusion of the London Bus out front. Very few LEGO Architecture sets feel “lived in” and real in the way that this one does, and I will always love this set for that reason. 

buy on amazon, $144.97
https://amzn.to/3i543cq
12.) Sydney Opera House (21012)
2012 – 2014 / 270 pieces
https://amzn.to/3igdTse
LEGO

The Sydney Opera House is one of the most iconic Architecture structures in the modern world, and its LEGO counterpart captures all of its beauty in scaled-down fashion. I think if LEGO remade this one, they could build it a little more sleekly, but this set still gets across its likeness and displays beautifully.

buy on amazon, $258.94
https://amzn.to/3igdTse
13.) Leaning Tower of Pisa (21015)
2013 – 2015 / 345 pieces
https://amzn.to/3rbsedp
LEGO

Very few LEGO sets are built with an intentional lean, so when they set out to do one, they had better do it right. The LEGO Leaning Tower of Pisa absolutely delivers, and the clever build of the set’s base allows the tower to truly lean just like its real-world inspiration. 

buy on amazon, $241.26
https://amzn.to/3rbsedp
14.) New York City Skyline (21028)
2016 – Present / 598 pieces
https://amzn.to/3yUxVPu
LEGO

LEGO created the skyline sub-theme for Architecture in 2016 and a lot of fans love it because it lets you display many (smaller) locations from a city instead of just one large structure for a similar price. While some of the other skyline sets have great builds and features, the New York City skyline reigns supreme, from its large Empire State Building to its miniaturized Statue of Liberty. 

buy on amazon, $56.25
https://amzn.to/3yUxVPu
15.) Paris Skyline (21044)
2019 – Present / 649 pieces
https://amzn.to/3ki9XcR
LEGO

Another selection from LEGO’s skyline Architecture sub-theme, the Paris skyline offers all of the subtleties of Paris in one condensed row. The Eiffel Tower reigns over the set (as it should) with the Tour Montparnasse not far behind it. This set utilized several interesting structural builds that allowed it to have a unique feel when compared to any of the other LEGO Architecture skyline offerings

buy on amazon, $40
https://amzn.to/3ki9XcR
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Entrepreneurs Grind

Four Things I Wished I Knew Before Starting MiniSuperHeroesToday

In a recent study done by The Sun, it was discovered that 1 in 3 kids want to be a YouTuber, and 1 in 5 kids want to be a Blogger/Vlogger. I am both of these things, but I never planned to be. I absolutely love what I do for a living, which includes building LEGO, then turning around and creating content around what I build for YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and of course articles like this. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that my LEGO hobby would someday become a career, but that’s the reality I’ve worked to build and I am truly grateful. It has been a lot of hard work, but I truly believe anyone can do this within their interests given the dedication and determination. 

<div class =”code”><blockquote class=”instagram-media” data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink=”https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CNIFOwqD1o4\/?utm_source=ig_embed\u0026amp;utm_campaign=loading” data-instgrm-version=”13″ style=”background:#FFF;border:0;border-radius:3px;margin: 1px;max-width:540px;min-width:326px;padding:0;width:99.375%”><div style=”padding:16px”> <a href=”https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CNIFOwqD1o4\/?utm_source=ig_embed\u0026amp;utm_campaign=loading” style=”background:#FFFFFF;line-height:0;padding:0 0;text-align:center;text-decoration:none;width:100%” target=”_blank”> <div style=”flex-direction: row;align-items: center”> <div style=”background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 50%;flex-grow: 0;height: 40px;margin-right: 14px;width: 40px”><\/div> <div style=”flex-direction: column;flex-grow: 1;justify-content: center”> <div style=”background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;margin-bottom: 6px;width: 100px”><\/div> <div style=”background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;width: 60px”><\/div><\/div><\/div><div style=”padding: 19% 0″><\/div> <div style=”height:50px;margin:0 auto 12px;width:50px”><\/div><div style=”padding-top: 8px”> <div style=”color:#3897f0;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-weight:550;line-height:18px”> View this post on Instagram<\/div><\/div><div style=”padding: 12.5% 0″><\/div> <div style=”flex-direction: row;margin-bottom: 14px;align-items: center”><div> <div style=”background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 50%;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px”><\/div> <div style=”background-color: #F4F4F4;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px;flex-grow: 0;margin-right: 14px;margin-left: 2px”><\/div> <div style=”background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 50%;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px”><\/div><\/div><div style=”margin-left: 8px”> <div style=”background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 50%;flex-grow: 0;height: 20px;width: 20px”><\/div> <div style=”width: 0;height: 0;border-top: 2px solid transparent;border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4;border-bottom: 2px solid transparent”><\/div><\/div><div style=”margin-left: auto”> <div style=”width: 0px;border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4;border-right: 8px solid transparent”><\/div> <div style=”background-color: #F4F4F4;flex-grow: 0;height: 12px;width: 16px”><\/div> <div style=”width: 0;height: 0;border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4;border-left: 8px solid transparent”><\/div><\/div><\/div> <div style=”flex-direction: column;flex-grow: 1;justify-content: center;margin-bottom: 24px”> <div style=”background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;margin-bottom: 6px;width: 224px”><\/div> <div style=”background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;width: 144px”><\/div><\/div><\/a><p style=”color:#c9c8cd;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;line-height:17px;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:8px;overflow:hidden;padding:8px 0 7px;text-align:center”><a href=”https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CNIFOwqD1o4\/?utm_source=ig_embed\u0026amp;utm_campaign=loading” style=”color:#c9c8cd;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;line-height:17px;text-decoration:none” target=”_blank”>A post shared by MiniSuperHeroesToday: LEGO Fan (@minisuperheroestoday)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote></div>

With that being said, it’s not often that content creators pull back the veil and really talk about what it’s like. In March 2021, I celebrated my six-year anniversary of creating daily content online without ever missing a day. Yes, you read that right: WITHOUT EVER MISSING A DAY. Creating daily content with a perfect record is an achievement I am proud of, and I have learned a lot about myself, my followers, my hobby, and what it is to be an influencer.

Today, I want to share the four things I wished I knew before starting my influencer journey in hopes that it inspires you. Whether you’re working on building a new page or breathing life into an existing one, I hope these influencer insights help you gain a better picture of what life is like, un-photoshopped and unedited:

1.) Nobody takes you seriously… until they do.

I started my influencer journey in 2015 while studying my Freshman year at Belmont University. I was going through a tough time personally, and I had a random idea while looking at the toys I’d had on my desk: I challenged myself to post a daily LEGO photo on Instagram and see how long I could go for. That challenge remains ongoing to this day and has taken me further than I’d ever imagined. I went from a 19-year-old with six LEGO figures on his desk to a 25 year old with over 3,000 minifigures, a literal LEGO room in my house and a partnership with LEGO themselves through the coveted LEGO Ambassador Network.

My wildest dreams have (and continue) to come true every day. I had people I thought were friends laugh at my account when I started it, and for a long time, I ran my account anonymously. These days, more people think it’s cool than not when they learn about my alter ego, but things were not always that way when I had less than 200 followers and nobody took my dream seriously. 

Lesson Learned: The first few chapters of becoming an influencer are the hardest, but that’s why most people aren’t influencers. Stay true to yourself, don’t focus on the numbers and be consistent. Eventually, you’ll end up exactly where you want to be, right when you’re meant to be there.

2.) Finding a healthy balance of how often to post is important.

I wish I wouldn’t have made myself a “daily content creator,” because there are times I’ve felt uninspired to make a new post. At the same time, my daily commitment is what kept me going all these years. Just like the gym, once you skip a day it becomes a slippery slope to start skipping more often. Stay committed, stay focused, but don’t burn yourself out! 

After more than half of a decade, it seems silly for me to skip a day at this point. I know my following would forgive me if I missed a day, and the world certainly would not end, but at this point I might as well keep my perfect streak going!

Lesson Learned: Don’t overcommit to a schedule you can’t handle, but DO commit to a plan that holds you accountable!

3.) Finding a niche is crucial, but don’t stress it too much.

My original niche was “white background photography,” since that was the only way I could photograph my minifigs at my humble dorm room desk my freshman year. The white background quickly became “my thing,” and even to this day, when I deviate from it I do see a decrease in my engagement. Sometimes I wished I was more of a “general photography” page, but at the same time, I am glad my images have a certain consistency and brand to them. Catch-22! 

Lesson Learned: Give people something to expect and recognize when they engage with your content. Let them know it’s your post before they even see your name attached.

4.) Getting started is more important than how you get started.

My first IG photos were taken on an iPhone 4s while I knew nothing about lighting, composition or any other photography basics. Still, I was able to attract an audience through storytelling, posting content at the right place at the right time and offering consistency. The fact that my first 100 photos look awful by today’s standards doesn’t matter in the long run; it helped me build a solid fan base all those years ago that has transitioned into my audience today, eclipsing 150,000+ followers across all platforms.

Lesson Learned: Your first several dozen pieces of content will probably be subpar, but that’s what will set you apart. Everyone dreams, but very few people do! 

I wouldn’t trade my influencer journey for anything. Although I’ve been at it for over half a decade, I truly feel like I’m just getting started and the best is yet to come! I wish you all the success in the world in whatever path lies ahead for you as a content creator, and if you ever have questions, DM me on IG and tell me you read this article.

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