Breaking the Mold: How to Start Building Your First LEGO MOC
LEGO sets are great, but there’s a special kind of magic in taking a pile of bricks and building something that exists only in your imagination. That’s where MOCs—My Own Creations—come in. Whether you're dreaming of a custom Star Wars starfighter or your own medieval village, this guide will help you dive into the creative world of MOCs.
1. What Is a LEGO MOC?
A MOC is any original LEGO build that doesn’t follow official instructions. It’s the ultimate expression of LEGO as an art form—designing, planning, and building something that’s entirely your own.
2. Start Small—And Build Confidence
Jumping straight into building a massive modular city might be tempting, but it’s best to start with something manageable:
A custom vehicle
A micro-scale building
A scene or diorama based on a favorite movie
Smaller projects help you learn basic techniques and let you iterate without needing a massive parts library.
3. Plan It Out (Or Don’t)
Some builders sketch or use LEGO CAD software like Studio or LEGO Digital Designer, while others just start stacking bricks. If you’re new to MOCs, try:
Drawing a rough sketch
Listing parts you think you’ll need
Looking at reference builds on Rebrickable or Flickr
4. Build Your Parts Library
Great MOCs start with the right parts. Here’s how to expand your stash:
Part out retired sets or cheap clearance ones
Use BrickLink or Pick-a-Brick to get exactly what you need
Organize by color, type, or function for quick building
5. Learn from the Masters
The LEGO community is packed with insanely talented MOC builders. Follow builders on:
Instagram (#legomoc, #afol)
YouTube (JANGBRiCKS, Beyond the Brick, RichBoyJhae)
Reddit r/lego
MOC-specific sites like Rebrickable or Eurobricks
Study how they use parts in unexpected ways—like using minifig accessories as greebling or hidden hinges.
6. Don’t Be Afraid to Rebuild
The first version of your MOC probably won’t be perfect. That’s part of the process. Embrace rebuilding—it’s how you learn and make each version better.
7. Share Your Work
You don’t need a 10,000-piece masterpiece to share your work. Post your builds to:
Instagram or TikTok
LEGO fan forums
Flickr or Rebrickable
Sharing helps you get feedback, ideas, and maybe even a bit of LEGO fame!
8. Bonus Tip: Keep It Fun
The best part about building MOCs is that there are no rules. Whether it’s an epic Star Wars alternate universe or a minifig-scale pizza parlor, your MOC should make you smile.
Final Bricks:
MOC building is more than just snapping bricks together—it’s storytelling, design, and problem-solving rolled into one awesome hobby. So open that bin of bricks, let your imagination loose, and build something only you could create.
BrickLifer: Build, Display, Repeat.
