LEGO Shadow Art
Grab a lamp, close the blinds,
these builds will blow your minds!
Week 3 Overview
This week’s challenge is meant to be much more approachable and teach kids one of the most important skills in MOC-building - thinking creatively about shapes to fit your design.
A lot of MOC-building comes down to thinking through what parts are available, what parts you need, and finding the way to attach them. LEGO shadow art will take a lot of trial and error, but it’ll also teach your builder that there is no one, correct piece for your build, but a myriad of ways to build a wing, a cockpit, a tower, a plant… anything. This is also a great collaborative opportunity for the whole family. Think of it as a puzzle that everybody can contribute pieces to.
How to show off your dark side
LEGO pieces will cast different shadows depending on where they are placed and from what angle, so don’t be afraid to play around with your placement. Creating multiple layers of pieces helps to create depth and allows you to adjust the size and the way that your shadow will project. If your shadow is coming out too big, try moving it back further; or if you’d like your shadow to be a little more bold, try moving it slightly more into the foreground.
There are also no incorrect ways to attach your pieces this week! Play around with SNOT (Studs Not on Top) bricks or clips to attach pieces to the sides and front of your build, or use hinges and jumpers in order to uniquely angle your pieces.
One extra way to add a little pop of color to your build is using different colored translucent bricks.
This week’s challenge is all about trial and error and the fun that goes along with it; so try out some new and creative placements, think outside of the box, and most importantly- have fun!
Tips and Tricks to help you shine
As shadows can be unpredictable, a great place to start is by setting up your light fixture where you’re planning on projecting your LEGO art work. As different angles and different amounts of light may distort the way your shadow projects, it’s important to find a spot where obstructions and other light sources can be blocked. A bright, direct light works best, but any household lamp will work in a pinch!
Once your setup is complete, you are now ready to start your shadowy masterpiece! Some silhouette artists find that sketching their creation and placing it on the wall helps them better visualize where they want their pieces to go. Think of it as a guideline that you don’t have to be afraid of coloring outside of. Or, feel free to freehand your creation and let your imagination shine!
*The Bulk Brick boxes won't have everything you're likely going to need to complete the build. But if you get stumped, post your WIP (Work In Progress) on the FB group and we'll help you work through it. Or, just post your WIPs because we love seeing how builds come together and suggesting new techniques :)
We won’t keep you in the dark- Learn more about this week’s Bulk Brick Boxes and Prizes!
This week’s Bulk Brick Boxes will be fairly random parts + one 16x32 baseplate to start your build. You’ll also need a lamp and a blank wall to project a shadow. Because long bars, axles, and supports are hard to come by, try using long, 2-stud-wide plates to hold up your pieces. See examples in the RBBL Builders Facebook Group.
Per usual, Boxes will $15 and available on Wednesday from 11-7. You can reserve a box by replying to our post in the Facebook Group, emailing Build@RogueBrick.com, or calling the store at 817-720-3330 (we’ll be open Monday and Tuesday 10-2). You do not have to purchase a Box to participate in the challenge. All builders that post their builds on the Facebook Group or with #roguebrickbuilders, will get a free Day Pass for their hard work whenever we reopen the buildspace.
RULES: All ages welcome to enter a build. The RBBL Team will collectively pick their favorite build based on presentation, story (whether written or implicit with the build), and creative use of parts. Photography is very important since we can't see it in person, yet. Try to use bright, direct light in a dark room and keep your camera steady.
Submit as many entries as you want, but one day pass per builder. We'll keep a list of day pass winners and give them out with your next purchase or whenever we see you next.
Our favorite build will receive $50 in-store credit to use however they wish! Deadline is Tuesday April 21 at 11:59pm.