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INTERVIEW: Oky Today we're interviewing Oky, a talented builder, reviewer, funny maker, and fellow blogger. EBSWF: Welcome Oky! How did your LEGO story begin? What are your favorite themes? Well, it all started when I was born… (Don’t worry, I won’t go into my whole life story. ) I have always had a desire to express my creativity and have been building with Lego as long as I can remember. The earliest recorded instance of me playing with Duplo is a home movie from when I was 2 years old. At some point I transitioned over to playing with System and never stopped. I never really had a “Dark Age”, although there was a brief period during my early teenage years when I had limited funds for my hobby and couldn’t buy new sets even though I wanted to. Being a teenager sucks. My favorite themes have always been licensed themes. It started with Star Wars, then Harry Potter, and now it’s Super Heroes. There’s just something about seeing my favorite franchises represented in the charming Lego style that I love. However, when it comes to buying sets and building new creations, I like to dabble in all themes to have some variety and take on new challenges. EBSWF: You've been a member of Eurobricks for a long time already. How did you get involved here? What has changed over the years? What do you like most here? I got introduced to Eurobricks the same way that most people get introduced to it: Google! I was looking for Lego news online and because I was living in Germany at the time, the first search results were sites like 1000steine.de and Imperium der Steine. From there, I followed a link to Eurobricks and immediately felt right at home. What I like so much is that the EB community is so friendly, helpful and massive, and it’s one of the places where Lego news hits first. I also love all the great creations, reviews, and contests. The contests are always fun to enter because it's a nice challenge going up against so many other talented builders and it gives me the motivation to put my best effort into a build. In a time where the internet is filled with hate and immaturity, it is comforting to know that there is still a place where you can have an intelligent conversation about your hobby with like-minded people all over the world. While the look of the forum has changed quite a bit over the years, the high quality of its content and members has remained the same. I did notice an increasing number of trolls and spam in recent years, but I think the moderators are doing a great job keeping the forums clean by dealing with these problems as soon as they arise. EBSWF: You're also a blogger for the Eurobricks Star Wars blog. How did that happen? A long time ago, in a PM inbox far, far away… the creator of the blog, KimT, approached me along with Brickdoctor and Clone O'Patra when he couldn’t run the blog by himself anymore. I was very honored of course and accepted. At the time, I was writing reviews of Star Wars: The Clone Wars episodes along with def and I carried that tradition over to the blog when def was unable to continue. This tradition still lives on today with our Star Wars Rebels Reviews. EBSWF: What's the best thing about blogging? Do you have a favorite moment or anecdote? I’d say the best thing about the blog are our readers. I know that sounds super corny, but it’s true. Being able to share our opinions and finds from around the web with other Lego Star Wars fans is what the blog is all about and what motivates me for blogging. The best moment was when we reached 1 million views. It is humbling to know that so many people are interested in reading these silly little posts that we do. EBSWF: Apart from long time active forum member and blogger, you're a Reviewers Academy teacher as well. What drives you to share your thoughts on sets? Like every Lego fan, I tend to have strong opinions about some sets and just feel the need to share that opinion with others to find out if anyone shares my opinion or not. Analyzing a set to see what makes it good or bad can be quite fun and allows me to let anyone who might be interested in the set know whether it’s worth buying or not. Also, as I have learned in the Reviewers Academy, writing a good review is an art form in and of itself and can be a fun challenge. Helping others master this art form by passing down my knowledge as a teacher is very rewarding. EBSWF: What's the favorite review you did? And what's your favorite review by another reviewer? Any tips for beginning reviewers? My favorite review that I have done is definitely that of 10246 Detective’s Office. Not only is it the largest set that I ever reviewed, but I also got the privilege to review the set before its release. The intro was a lot of fun to write and it allowed me to pay tribute to one of my favorite movie genres. It was a lot of work, but I am quite happy with the result. It’s impossible for me to pick a favorite from other Eurobricks reviews. They are all so good, especially those from my fellow Academy teachers, and everyone has their own style, humor, and approach to their reviews, making each of them unique. A tip for beginning reviewers? Join the Academy! It’s the best way to learn how to make quality reviews. And no, this is not a shameless plug at all! EBSWF: The thing you're most famous for are your hilarious, unparalleled single pane funnies. You are practically the reference in the genre. How did you begin making them? Where does the inspiration come from? When Clone O'Patra started the Single-pane Star Wars Funnies thread, I liked the idea and just thought it would be something fun to do, so I made one… then another one… and I kind of just kept going. Honestly, I’m surprised myself that I have been able to keep it up for so long. Coming up with ideas for funnies has become an everyday game for me. Most of the time, they will randomly come to me when I’m commuting or in the shower or just lost in thought. Other times, whenever I watch a movie, I constantly think to myself: “How can I make fun of this?” The Actor With Most Minifig Representations thread is also a great reference for making fun of an actor appearing in multiple different movies/shows. After so many funnies, it’s getting hard to keep coming up with good jokes, but I still get a good idea every once in a while. I have taken a little break from making them lately, but I’m ready to get back into it! EBSWF: We also see you MOCing quite a bit in a variety of genres, and notably Disney and Pixar oriented. You're also very active in discussion threads about their movies. Even your avatar is largely inspired by them. How do they appeal to you? If there is anything I love more than Star Wars, it’s Disney/Pixar movies. Their talent for storytelling and animation is outstanding and produces some of the best and most original movies out there. I grew up watching mostly Disney movies and shows and I love them to this day. Buzz Lightyear is my favorite animated character of all time which is why I modeled my avatar after him. It is my dream to work for Pixar someday, and since I am such a huge Disney fanboy, it is only natural that I like to build in that theme. Of course, I still like to build in Star Wars and other themes as well. My favorite thing to do is combining two themes I love, like my Star Warsminifigure mashups, or building one type of build in a variety of styles, like CubeDudes or my Superhero Racers. EBSWF: Are you currently working on any projects, or do you have something of which you've always dreamed doing? I recently moved into a new apartment and bought a coffee table that doubles as a display case, so I’m planning to make a large diorama to display inside of it. I am also planning to build some custom Brickheadz once they are released, and with the release of the Disney CMFs, I plan to make lots more Disney MOCs! Also, look out for some special reviews coming from me soon. One thing I have always dreamed of making is a feature-length brickfilm, but I don’t have nearly enough free time for such a large production. Maybe someday… EBSWF: What do people who aren't LEGO fans think of your hobby? My family has always been very supportive of my hobby. They even let me use a closet in their house to store my collection and I still get at least one Lego set from them for my birthday and Christmas. My friends also think that what I do is pretty cool as they are impressed with the sets and MOCs that I have on display. I think the rise of mainstream geek culture and the success of The Lego Movie has helped making it “cool” to be an Adult Fan of Lego, even if the villain of the movie is an AFOL. EBSWF: How has the LEGO hobby changed or impacted your life? Do you have any practical uses for LEGO? I think Lego has had quite an influence on who I am today. I am a digital artist creating videos, animation, and other creative material for marketing. My desire to create videos for a living began when I started making stop motion films with the Lego Studios camera. I enjoyed it so much that I decided to go to art school as an animation major and even used Lego as a medium for some of my school projects. Even to this day I still use Lego as an inspiration for my work and to plan out some of my projects. EBSWF: Other than LEGO, do you have any other hobbies or interests? As you can tell, I am very passionate about animation. I love watching cartoons and going to comic/cartoon centered conventions. I like watching movies in general and go to the theater at least once a week. I also enjoy playing videogames every once in a while (mostly action-adventure, racing, and puzzle games) and eating junk food. You know, typical nerd stuff. EBSWF: You're many things: active member, blogger, reviewer, photographer, MOCcer... Where do you put yourself in the AFOL spectrum, and how do you see yourself evolving? That’s an interesting question. I guess I am a little bit of everything. I just do whatever I feel like doing when I have the time for it. The important thing for me is to express myself, be it by sharing my opinion through a blog post, review, or forum discussion, or expressing my creativity through a photograph or MOC, and entertaining others while doing it. One way I could see myself evolving is by combining some of my talents in the future. Maybe someday I will combine my neck for video creation, Lego reviewing, and making jokes to start a YouTube channel for comedic Lego reviews. Meditate on this, I will.
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INTERVIEW: markus1984 Today we're interviewing Markus, a talented builder from Austria and the winner of FBTB's recent Steam Wars contest. EBSWB: So, how did you first get introduced to LEGO, and why is the Star Wars theme your primary interest? Lego and Star Wars have been very dear to me even since my childhood! My love for Star Wars persists to this day. Lego has always been THE toy for me! It is and has always been the best and most creative toy in my opinion, where one's imagination really gets stimulated and one can let his creativity run free in any theme you want. Naturally, I recreated all kinds of Star Wars vehicles during that time (since official Star Wars sets didn't exist yet back then) in order to be able to play out the battles from the movies using Lego. Thanks to my nephew, I returned to the Lego hobby four years ago (after about 16 years of Dark Ages) and after seeing all the Lego Star Wars sets that you can get these days, I couldn't help but start collecting the UCS models, which then lead to MOCing. EBSWB: We know that you are also a member over at Imperium der Steine. How did you discover EB, and what made you decide to join? You guys know everything, don't you. Yes, in the German-speaking community, IDS is the best forum when it comes to Lego Star Wars MOC's, info, etc. (and other themes). Eurobricks was the second site after Flickr where I registered. I came upon it through various MOC searches on the web which kept taking me to EB, so as a beginner, I had no choice but to join the forum. EBSWB: You have built many detailed MOCs and some of them were even featured in the Lego Star Wars Visual Dictionary! How did you get this honor and how did it make you feel? Definitely one of the greatest honors that I have received to date! I still remember buying the first issue and wondering how one manages to get his MOC into a book like that. When I received the message from DK in December, my first response was if this was a joke! But the nice lady soon confirmed the legitimacy of the matter. I then simply sent her the files. Of course, I had to ask why they chose me since there is an incredible amount of great MOC's out there, some of which were surely better than mine. The answer that Lego had seen my MOC's and wanted to have them in the book was, of course, totally awesome!! The fact that there is now an official Lego book that is available for purchase worldwide and depicts my own work makes me speechless, but also very proud. EBSWB: Where do you get the inspiration and parts for your MOCs? Do you plan them in advance? Inspiration, phew. From everywhere actually! Various forums, movies, real-life, imagination, and of course also from other users. With Star Wars, I usually try to recreate certain scenes from the movies (EP IV-VI only! ) in ways that have never been seen before. Which is a big challenge since all the major scenes have already been done in many different variations over the years, so it is my goal to build them in a way that hasn't been seen numerous times before. 75% of my parts have been bought through Bricklink, some of them from the Lego Shops in Legoland, and a small percentage from my childhood and from all the sets that I treat myself to every now and then. I usually don't plan my MOC's. When I want to build something, I just start building or watch a specific scene over and over until I've registrated and memorized every detail. Whenever I run out of parts, I just order new ones. EBSWB: Are there any particular MOCs that you are currently working on or that you would love to build someday? Last month I was actually just busy disassembling and sorting all the MOC's that I took to the Star Wars Days exhibit at Legoland. Otherwise I just build small stuff for SoNE and other contests at the moment. Well, the dream MOC's that I've always wanted to build are definitely a large Hoth diorama and the Emperor's Arrival. But it's going to take a while until I have gathered all the necessary white parts and minifigures. To top Hoth is going to be virtually impossible as there are already about four impressive works based on this epic battle, but that's not so important to me since it's one of my absolute favorite battles from Star Wars and I simply HAVE to build it. EBSWB: Why did you join SoNE, and why the Empire? I wanted to join SoNE from the beginning, but somehow didn't have the time or motivation at the time. The main problem was that the stories were written in English, and while I can read and write reasonably well, writing a complex story in English seemed a bit too difficult, especially since all the translators start spitting out nonsense after more than two sentences. But eventually I got into SoNE thanks to Disco86. We had communicated a lot through IDS and collaborated on various projects such as the B-Tron reunion. He said he wanted a change from Castle and was going to build Star Wars now by participating in SoNE at EB. After a lengthy conversation in the chat, we decided to sign up and make a sort of cooperative project out of it, and I have to say that it's a lot of fun coming up with the story and taking turns. Well, even though the Rebels are the good guys and it's always good to see them win in the end, the Empire is just the Empire. Great vehicles, sinister, dark, and the Stormtroopers are definitely the most brilliant combat unit in the history of films. Therefore, it was clear for which side I was going to build. EBSWB: What's the most difficult thing you've ever tried to build? There are quite a few things. My first MOC was a recreation of Anio's Super Star Destroyer. I found it while browsing the web and was fascinated by that ship and its size. The problem was that back then I had no clue about "modern" Lego and the techniques that were possible with it. Because of this, it was one of the most difficult builds for me. There was also the Death Star Diorama and the Carbon Freeze Chamber. In both cases I was faced with the callenge of building a large round opening, and especially with the Freeze Chamber I racked my brain about how to make it as authentic as possible. EBSWB: Being such a talented builder, are there any builders that you look up to? Thank you very much! Phew, that's a tough question to answer. Very, very many. I'd have to make a list of all the builders that fascinate me. Basically, every build and its builder are admirable! Everyone works with the same bricks, but everyone uses their own style and techniques, so when you're looking at the newly posted MOC's, all you can say is WOW. EBSWB: How much time do you spend on LEGO, and what do other people who aren't LEGO fans think of your hobby? It depends: often I just need to take a break for a few days, but it's usually about two hours a day. At first it seemed quite odd and I tried to keep it as secret as possible, but after my first exhibit and various feedback from forums it got exponentially better and now I fully admit to it. Even though people still give me a weary smile from time to time, I know that I have a hobby that most people wish they had. I don't think there are many that can say that they have a hobby that they wholeheartedly love to do and I am very proud to have found something so fulfilling and also relaxing. EBSWB: How has the LEGO hobby changed or impacted your life? Do you have any practical uses for LEGO? Well, in a way it has changed my whole attitude towards life. It gives me a passion that I can fully indulge in and that is a lot of fun. I believe this is something that's extremely important to have in our modern stress- and pressure-filled everyday life. EBSWB: Other than LEGO, do you have any other hobbies? Haha, yes, a lot of them actually. I am often asked if I even have a girlfriend or a job since it seems like I spend my whole day building, but yeah, I even got married in the meantime. I have been doing external work for a long time and aside from building with Lego, I also like to watch and play soccer. In summer, I also like to play beach volleyball, in addition to the usual workout routine (walk, go to the gym, etc.). Furthermore, films and music are a big passion of mine and hitting it off with friends mustn't be neglected either. I often ask myself how it all works out. I would like to thank you very much! This has been a lot of fun and it was an honor to be able to give this interview. *All answers translated from German by Oky
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INTERVIEW: Bob De Quatre Today we’re interviewing Bob De Quatre, our very own Sci-Fi Moderator and a talented builder from France. EBSWF: So, Bob, how did you get into the LEGO hobby? What is it that attracts you in Space and Star Wars in particular? I guess I get into Lego hobby like most of us here, by being a child playing with Lego... My collection back then was already mostly space themed, with Blacktron and M-tron sets. I'm also a 7th art lover, again mostly Sci-Fi. I've been a Star Wars fan since I was a kid. I was 9 or 10 when I first saw RotJ on my uncle's TV, he watching the movie while I was playing with... Legos. I have a photographic memory, and some scenes like the Sarlac pit were carved in my mind. I guess that not long after that I started watching the movies and dived deep in a galaxy far, far away.... EBSWF: In a couple of years, you went from regular member to Sci-Fi moderator. How did you get involved in the AFOL community in the first place? My first contact with Star Trek the AFOL community was in 2012. As an adult I've seen the UCS Star Destroyer, and I always wanted one, but I was still in dark age. In early 2012 I finally decided to build one, but I found pictures of an Executor and decided to go for it. I looked for pictures, instructions, and that's when I discovered Eurobricks. I joined after a few months of lurking... EBSWF: What are the up- and downsides of being a moderator, apart from being stuck in the wrong forum of course? I was surprised when Bonaparte asked me to become a regulator here. I wasn't sure to have what it takes (and I'm still not sure). There are lots of downsides being a moderator. Like I'll never have the chance to win a contest . Joke aside, being a moderator takes time and isn't as easy as some might think. There are some difficult situations, for exemple when members don't follow the rules and then don't understand when you tell them kindly... then you have to them in a less kindly way, and that's a part of the job I don't like. I don't think Sci-Fi is "the wrong forum", there are lots of interesting and various themes in Sci-Fi. Making an original MOC really feels starwarish isn't that simple. EBSWF: Being involved in SoNE from the very beginning, and now running AG (Andromeda's Gates) on the Sci-Fi forum, what do you like so much about setting up these community projects? I think I simply like community projects. When I look at all those MOCs done for SoNE, and AG now, I can't help but think that most of them wouldn't have been built if we didn't started those building games. We've seen players progressing, acquiring techniques and building better. I don't build much, but I'm happy to bring opportunities for EB members to build more and participate in something here on EB. EBSWF: Apart from being a very active community member, you're also an extremely talented creator of both Star Wars and other ships, often with crazy techniques. How do you go about this? What's your big secret? You'll make me blush ... Well My big secret is... Oh wait, someone rings at the door. EBSWF: Space pirates, space ninjas... not only are your creations amazing, the mere concepts are flabbergasting. Where do you keep getting the inspiration for these crazy mashups? My inspiration is: Why not? If it's possible, and if it's fun, just let's do it. I don't think there is a recipe for having inspiration. It just comes, or not... EBSWF: Your first creations were mostly digital, but later you moved to physical bricks. How did this transition go and what are the main differences? Well in fact all my big projects are all made in LDD first, with the exception of my latest entry for AG (the Cockroach). Now I use LDD to test things, to assemble bricks when I got an idea, that allows me to get back at them later when needed. So I haven't been through a complete transition, I just have more bricks and so tend to build more with bricks. EBSWF: Are you currently working on any projects, or do you have a creation you've dreamed of doing for a long time? I just finished a project (B-wing MOD) and have nothing to work on at the moment. I guess I'll always dream to build more iconic Star Wars ships, we'll see if some of those dreams come true one day. EBSWF: What do people who aren't LEGO fans think of your hobby? They tend to understand, now that I have builds to show. I'm not into minifigures, I build spaceships, so people understand when I explain that for me Lego bricks are a medium to express my creativity. I could paint, I could carve rocks, but no, I sculpt with Lego bricks. And that people understand. EBSWF: How has the LEGO hobby changed or impacted your life? Do you have any practical uses for LEGO? First the Lego hobby is costly, so it had a direct impact on my life. I've bought an appartment 2 years ago, and one of my two chambers have turned to a Lego room.To make AG runs smoothly I almost don't work anymore on Monday, well I go to work, but I spend the whole day on EB... Honestly, I think I spend too much time on that hobby... EBSWF: Other than LEGO, do you have any other hobbies? I try to do sport, it's important. I'm also a volunteer at my local movie theater, so I spent lots of time there to receive the public and to watch movies (thanks for the episode VII spoilers by the way...).
