Becoming an Adult Lego Master: A Journey of Creativity and Community

Core Concepts

The author explores the journey of embracing creativity and community as an Adult Fan of Lego (AFOL), highlighting the importance of inclusivity, imagination, and connection within the hobby.

Abstract

As an adult rediscovering the joy of Lego, the author delves into their personal journey of collecting sets, navigating acronyms in the AFOL community, exploring building techniques, and seeking representation. The content covers topics such as storage tips, purchasing strategies, sustainability efforts by Lego, and the diverse landscape within the AFOL community. Through interviews with fellow enthusiasts and insights into various aspects of adult Lego collecting, this piece provides a comprehensive guide for those looking to enhance their collection while fostering connections with like-minded individuals.

Stats

"Lego.com: Start at the source." "Bricklink is the world’s largest secondary market for Lego." "More than 10,000 resale vendors in 70 countries." "Rare Star Wars Ultimate Collector Series TIE Interceptor 7181 listed on Amazon for $3,200."

Quotes

"I don’t want to be this person though, so I decided it was time to embrace the more-inclusive and imaginative side of my hobby." "Many acronyms and phrases get tossed around in the AFOL community." "The online AFOL community is packed with heavy hitters like JangBricks."

Key Insights Distilled From

Lego Isn’t Just for Kids. Here’s How to Become an Adult Lego Master.

by at www.nytimes.com 02-21-2024

https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/adult-lego-masters/

Deeper Inquiries

How can companies like Lego continue to promote diversity and representation within their products?

Companies like Lego can promote diversity and representation within their products by actively seeking out feedback from diverse communities, including BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) and LGBTQ+ individuals. They can collaborate with diverse creators to ensure that a wide range of perspectives are represented in their sets. Additionally, they can work on expanding the range of skin tones available for minifigures and ensuring that characters from different backgrounds are included in various themes. Providing opportunities for customization and personalization, such as creating custom minifigs or allowing users to design their own creations, can also contribute to promoting diversity within the Lego community.

What are some potential drawbacks or criticisms of adult collectors investing heavily in Lego sets?

One potential drawback of adult collectors investing heavily in Lego sets is the financial cost associated with collecting rare or retired sets. Some critics may argue that spending significant amounts of money on plastic toys is frivolous or wasteful, especially when considering other pressing financial priorities. Another criticism could be related to environmental concerns, as producing and shipping large quantities of plastic toys contributes to carbon emissions and waste generation. Additionally, there may be societal perceptions around adults engaging in activities traditionally seen as children's play, which could lead to judgment or stigma.

How does virtual building software impact traditional hands-on building experiences?

Virtual building software offers several advantages over traditional hands-on building experiences by providing access to an infinite variety of digital bricks without physical storage limitations. It allows users to experiment with designs quickly and easily before committing resources to build them physically. However, virtual building lacks the tactile experience and sensory feedback that comes with physically assembling Lego bricks. Traditional hands-on building fosters fine motor skills development, spatial reasoning abilities, patience through manual construction processes while offering a tangible sense of accomplishment upon completion. Virtual building software complements but does not entirely replace the benefits derived from traditional hands-on building experiences.