Learning new tools, for fun
I created BrickHeadz-inspired LEGO® versions of Denmark’s Radio characters Børste and Rut as a small side project. The goal was not to pursue model design, but to explore an idea end to end and get comfortable with new tools along the way.
The project started during a long period of sick leave when my oldest was two. We watched the show together during the day, and in the evenings I worked through ideas in my head and tested them later in BrickLink Studio. It became a simple, creative outlet that helped keep me sane and curious during a demanding time.
Seeing the idea take shape was rewarding in itself, and the response made it even more fun. Friends and strangers shared it, people at DR passed it around internally, and eventually the creator, Tine Kej, discovered and reshared it with genuine excitement. After enough people asked for physical versions, I even submitted the project to LEGO® Ideas. Not with any real expectation, but simply because it felt like a natural and playful next step.
It was never meant to be more than that. Just something creative, personal, and enjoyable to bring into the world.
Evolution of Brick-Børste
It took some time getting up to speed with a new program, but it felt similar to 3D modeling software I have tried before. I really appreciated the ability to define sub-model to be able to work in a modular way.
Facial expression is key in getting a character right and therefore my natural starting point. The real challenge I did not expect was to make it look like Børste and not Mickey Mouse.
Key proportions was something I also enjoyed iterating on, though an interesting challenge having to revisit the foundations of the model.
In the end this file included 1440 elements across all my different iterations to a final model made up of less than 100 elements.
Evolution of Brick-Rut
Initially, I had not wanted to also design this character because I knew the proportions of the face would be challenging. It seemed like a fair stopping point after a lot of time spent on Børste.
However, the initial model got a lot of attention on LinkedIn, leading to the creator of the characters and show to comment and reshare my work. I had to continue.
This model went a lot smoother now that I had learned the basics. Rut required relatively more time on the expression, seen in the 865 elements of iterations.
I never felt I quite got her beak quite right, but it became time to conclude on this side project.
