[Source: https://ideas.lego.com/]
In 2008, the LEGO and the Japanese company Cuusoo launched a website called “LEGO Ideas” to encourage players to use their imagination and create new sets. Fans can then post their creations on LEGO Ideas and receive votes from players around the world. Each year, several of the most popular works have a chance to become official sets and be sold on the market the following year.
1.What is MOC?
[Source: https://www.instagram.com/mocyourbricks/]
MOC is an abbreviation for My Own Creation, which means creating new models using LEGO® bricks solely based on the builder’s imagination, rather than relying on LEGO® official sets.
An MOCer is a creator of MOCs. Bricks are not just children’s toys; they can also be used as creative tools to produce any kind of imaginative work. MOCers are like painters, and bricks are their brushes. Sculptors have their own materials, such as clay or marble, and similarly, anything can inspire MOCers to create, such as movies, cartoons, games, and anything around them.
MOC is a high-level play method of building LEGO® bricks, where players design their own unique models without following predefined instructions, and they require a good understanding of parts and proficiency in building techniques. They break away from the original LEGO® instructions, and use the parts available in LEGO® sets to build their own creations.
[Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHSnx-smuUA]
There are two ways to create MOCs: purchasing design plans from foreign experts or redesigning on one’s own. Some players claim to play MOC but only obtain MOC design plans from other players and assemble parts according to the plans, which does not count as MOC, and it is no different from assembling official LEGO® sets. However, sometimes players may use their own familiar parts to replicate an existing MOC model.
For MOC players, LEGO® mainly provides parts and new design and building techniques, rather than more official LEGO® sets. Although most MOCs are not created by professional LEGO® designers (although some are created by registered LEGO® designers), many of them are on par with official works, or even surpass them.
[Source: https://www.letbricks.com/en/]
2.What is AFOL?
The activity known as “AFOL” stands for “Adults Fan of Lego,” which means that it is a festival for adult fans of Lego. It’s more like a big party where everyone can show and share their own original Lego creations, as well as appreciate other players’ works.
In June of 2022, Lego Official once released a short video on social media introducing four adult Lego enthusiasts who have careers in baking, break dancing, guitar-making, and ballet. But what’s more important is that they’re all Lego fans who never stopped playing with Lego bricks. At the beginning of the video, the Lego Group defined AFOL in two meanings, one is an acronym for Adult Fan of LEGO Bricks and the other is “A person who never stops playing”.
[Source: https://www.youtube.com/@LEGO]
Actually, AFOL is just a term referring to adult LEGO enthusiasts who still maintain a childlike spirit. In 2016, AFOLs in Malaysia organized a heartwarming activity that touched the hearts of many kids. Danish, an 11-year-old boy from Malaysia, loved LEGO and wanted to visit the local Legoland. Unfortunately, due to advanced osteosarcoma (bone cancer), his body was too weak to fulfill his wish. So, local AFOLs joined forces with Legoland officials, hoping to help Danish realize his dream. Then Legoland in Malaysia responded that they were willing to help Danish. Thus, a campaign called #LegoforDanish was launched. Since Danish couldn’t go to Legoland, they brought it to him! Various LEGO creations were sent to Danish by these kind people, encouraging him to fight against his illness and bringing joy and hope to little Danish in his pain.
These Lego enthusiasts gather as small groups all over the world, and they spare no time or money for their creativity. This has led to various Lego forums and clubs worldwide, sending a message to everyone that Lego is not just a toy.
3.Are MOC and LEGO Compatible?
“Lego” is a Danish toy company that produces plastic building block toys. “MOC” (My Own Creation) refers to Lego models designed and created by players themselves. They are usually modifications or combinations of Lego building blocks, or made according to their own designs.
As for whether the two are compatible, the answer is yes. Lego building blocks and MOCs can be compatible because they both use the same Lego building block system, which is the standard size and connection method of Lego building blocks. Therefore, players can combine Lego building blocks with MOC building blocks to make more complex models.
However, it should be noted that some MOCs may use some parts that Lego does not have or non-standard connection methods, which are not compatible with Lego building blocks. In addition, MOCs are usually produced by different designers and manufacturers, and their production standards may be different. Therefore, there may also be compatibility issues between different MOCs.
In conclusion, Lego and MOC can be compatible, but it needs to be considered in specific situations. If you want to use both of them together, it is recommended to first classify Lego building blocks and MOCs, and evaluate the MOCs to determine whether they are compatible with Lego building blocks.
4.Where to Buy LEGO® Bricks and MOCs?
It is easy and convenient to buy LEGO bricks from many channels, such as the official LEGO website, LEGO brand stores, toy stores, department stores, and e-commerce platforms.
Non-LEGO blocks are mostly purchased online. For example, for MOCs in the technology category, it may not be easy for ordinary people to come into contact with them. But what if you want to play with MOCs? That’s where the website Rebrickable.com comes in.
You can download MOC designs directly from the website or learn related knowledge. This is a paradise and gathering place for MOC players worldwide, where the latest MOC works and designs are published, and you can also purchase them here. Checking this site every day has become a daily hobby for MOCers.
5.What are the Applications for MOC Design?
There are many applications for MOC design, and here are several.
- LEGO Digital Designer: This is LEGO’s official design software. You can freely combine and design LEGO block models on your computer, and perform functions such as 3D preview and parts list output.
- Studio: This is a free block design software produced by BrickLink. It can perform MOC design, parts list generation, 3D preview, and other functionsas follows.
[Source: https://www.bricklink.com/v3/studio/download.page]
Model Design Precision: Studio’s modeling function is extremely precise, allowing users to easily fine-tune and edit the model to achieve more delicate effects. This means that designers can create highly accurate models without the need for tedious manual measurement and calculation.
Visualization Function: Studio has a powerful rendering engine that can present the modeled model in a realistic way. Users can adjust parameters such as lighting, material, and texture to achieve more realistic effects, and use preset environments and scenes to simulate the model’s usage scenarios.It is necessary to note that different design software has different interfaces, functions, and operating methods, and you should choose the appropriate design software according to your needs and preferences. At the same time, for some advanced MOC designs, you need to master certain design skills and experience to create complex and exquisite works.
Model Design Precision: Studio’s modeling function is extremely precise, allowing users to easily fine-tune and edit the model to achieve more delicate effects. This means that designers can create highly accurate models without the need for tedious manual measurement and calculation.Visualization Function: Studio has a powerful rendering engine that can present the modeled model in a realistic way. Users can adjust parameters such as lighting, material, and texture to achieve more realistic effects, and use preset environments and scenes to simulate the model’s usage scenarios.
Visualization Function: Studio has a powerful rendering engine that can present the modeled model in a realistic way. Users can adjust parameters such as lighting, material, and texture to achieve more realistic effects, and use preset environments and scenes to simulate the model’s usage scenarios.
: The MOC customization service offered by Godbricks website can create personalized building block models that meet individual needs and design concepts. The experienced and skilled design team can transform creative designs from hobbyists into specific building block models, providing personalized customization services. The quality of the building block parts is guaranteed, and every customized building block set has a high-quality appearance and structure. This allows building block enthusiasts to enjoy more personalized and superior building block model design and production services.
- BrickLink: BrickLink is the world’s largest Lego trading platform. It not only offers various Lego bricks and parts for purchase, but also allows you to find sellers who offer custom MOC services through its marketplace.
- Etsy: Etsy is the world’s largest marketplace for handmade crafts and custom goods. On Etsy, you can find many Lego enthusiasts who can make personalized Lego models for you.
- Fiverr: Fiverr is an online marketplace that offers a wide range of services, including Lego model design and production. On Fiverr, you can find many experienced Lego designers who can make the Lego models you need.
- Facebook and Instagram: On Facebook and Instagram, there are many communities and individuals who focus on Lego model design and production. You can contact professional Lego designers or enthusiasts through these communities and individuals to seek custom MOC services.
You can choose the method that suits you based on your needs. When choosing a service provider, be sure to check their reviews and work to ensure that you get high-quality service and products.
To Sum Up：
LEGO is a very popular toy known for its unique and interchangeable brick design and wide range of toy series.
MOC refers to a personally designed model created using LEGO bricks and parts. These models may be based on existing LEGO toy series or completely original designs, many of them are on par with official works, or even surpass them.
Overall, both LEGO and MOC have their unique charms and provide players with opportunities for rich toys and creative design. Neither is better, and the choice depends on personal preferences and needs.
Comments
]
google.com
google.com
https://www.google.com/