Like My Milk Truck? 5 Quick Ways to Find Inspiration

Inspiration and Milk Trucks.

It was sheer luck that I found my latest build. Searching for a LEGO sticker set, I happened across this Milk Truck. As soon as I saw it, I knew I had to render it. As Ive mentioned before, I’m a sucker for old LEGO sets, although I like modern ones too. Lucky or otherwise, there is a method to my madness. Join me for a few minutes and learn the fives ways I discover new models to render.

645-2 Milk Truck with Trailer — Fixed by Steven Reid, on Flickr

Did they really deliver milk in cans?

Even when released in 1971, I doubt too many people were getting milk delivered this way. A reviewer on Brickset.com even commented on it. “What a cute luggage cart,” said my wife when I shared it with her. Yes, even I recognize the subject could be better. Heck, it doesn‘t fit well with other themes of that era.

“What a cute luggage cart,” said my wife when I shared it with her.

All that doesn‘t matter though. When I saw it, it spoke to me. Okay, not literally, of course. But all that quirkiness just resonated. For me, there was sense of charm, but also practicality. The model had the right bricks that I could render. Other factors, such as instructions, weighed into my decision. Added up, once I found the model it was exactly what I needed.

But finding one isn‘t always easy. Although Luck played a part, there are a number of things I‘m always doing that lend themselves to discovering these models. There are five things I do on a regular basis, and have been for many years. And you can too.

Five steps to LEGO inspiration.

1. Digging through old instructions.

If you‘re like me, you kept all those old instructions squirreled away. Many of my early renders, like model 373 and 497, I built from my own collection. I bet you can find any number of sets, small or large, to choose from. Find your favorite and start building!

2. Search for LEGO images.

Pick your favorite search engine and do an image search. Don‘t be shy, go do a few searches. LEGO is a good start. Scroll through the list and see what works for you. Find something interesting, refine the search. Here are some examples: LEGO City, LEGO Creations, LEGO Star Wars, or even LEGO Zombies.

3. Follow your favorite sites.

I‘m still a big RSS user, Feedly and Flipboard being my current methods of getting my LEGO fill. I follow Brickset for news, often finding inspiration in their articles. The Brothers Brick just makes me cry with all the awesome MOCs they feature. You can even follow mine, although I don‘t have a LEGO specific feed yet.

4. Check out social media.

Flickr is my favorite and LEGO photography is quite popular. I recommend joining a group—LEGO is good start, or following one of the many good artists out there. Twitter and Google+ are good options as well. Pinterest is great for obvious reasons. I‘ve even begun using it to capture ideas. Although last on my list, Facebook is still a decent option.

5. Create your own.

I‘m sure as a master builder, you‘re already doing this step. Some of the first models I shared were personal creations, so why not yours? It doesn‘t matter if they‘re perfect, just get them out there. Heck, check out the first Milk Truck render:

645-2 Milk Truck with Trailer by Steven Reid, on Flickr

See the difference? The point is, the fun is in the building. It might surprise you how many people like seeing what others create—good or bad. Heck, my broken version currently has more likes than the fixed one. Wow!

Even if you just want to build existing models, you can still do original things with them. Add a unique background or imaginative surroundings. Try creative positioning or set a mood—humorous is popular, but somber works too. Did I mention Zombies already?

Okay, now what?

Go create something! What‘s stopping you? If you‘re worried about doing it wrong, don‘t be. Just get out there and build a set, take a photo, or render a virtual model. Whatever it is, make sure you share it. I‘d love to see your work, so message me @SafePit.