💬 Talking Bricks: An Interview with brickwithnatz
There’s nothing better than hearing the stories behind why people build with LEGO. I recently sat down for a chat about favourite sets, tips for beginners, and what makes the AFOL (Adult Fan of LEGO) community so special. I met Nat at a BrickFestival event in Croydon in December I wanna say last year and had a great conversation, and ever since then have kept in touch and grateful to have a big supporter and contributor to Blacklug.
Here’s how it went:
1. What was the first LEGO set you ever built, and how did it spark your interest as an adult?
The very first set I bought for myself was the LEGO Jazz Band. Music has always been a big part of my life, so when I saw it, I fell in love instantly. It was a little pricey at the time, so I hunted one down second-hand on eBay—and it felt brand new when it arrived.
I’ll never forget the joy of following the instructions, seeing each band member come together piece by piece, and that huge sense of accomplishment when the whole thing was finished. It gave me such a buzz.
Life can feel like it’s always running at 100 miles an hour, so LEGO quickly became my way to slow down in the evenings. I’d put on some music or a show in the background (though I’d keep rewinding because I was so focused on building!), and it felt like real “me time.â€
Funny enough, the whole journey started after I came across a few videos on Instagram of Black women who were into LEGO. I thought, that looks fun, why not give it a try? And I’ve been hooked ever since.
2. How do you approach designing your own LEGO creations?
I haven’t actually started designing my own builds yet—but it’s definitely something I want to try in the future. For now, I’m enjoying exploring all the incredible sets out there.
3. What’s your favorite LEGO set of all time?
That’s such a tough one! I’d say the Jazz Club is probably my favorite, but I also have a soft spot for the LOVE statue. Both bring such different vibes—one’s full of detail and life, and the other is simple but striking.
4. How do you feel about the way LEGO sets have evolved over the years?
When I was a kid, LEGO felt much simpler. Now, the variety is incredible—you can go from a 3-in-1 build like the peacock or roller skate to something more advanced like a Vespa or a modular building. I love that there’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a quick, fun build or something more challenging.
5. What tips would you give to someone new to LEGO or the AFOL community?
- Start with 3-in-1 sets or smaller builds to get a feel for it.
- Ignore the age on the box—if you like it, build it!
- Sign up for LEGO Insiders to collect points and discounts (even on sets bought at other shops).
- Have a dedicated build space and storage for your pieces—it makes such a difference.
- Don’t be intimidated by big sets. Take your time, and remember you can often find deals second-hand or during sales.
- Follow other AFOLs on Instagram. The community is so encouraging and full of inspiration.
6. How do you store and display your LEGO builds?
For a while, my builds were scattered around the house, but eventually, I had to make a change. I went to IKEA, bought a Billy bookcase, and rearranged my whole living room just to make it fit!
Now, my shelves each have a little theme—there’s a retro shelf, a London shelf, a music shelf, and even a colorful set shelf. When friends visit, they always stop to look at the displays, and it sparks great conversations.
I keep my manuals with the collapsed boxes to save space, so everything is organized.
7. Do you mostly build for relaxation, creativity, or something else?
Definitely relaxation. But the more I build, the more I find myself appreciating the engineering side of it. The way LEGO designers come up with these clever structures is fascinating—it’s like solving a fun puzzle every time.
8. What’s the most challenging LEGO set you’ve built so far?
The Vespa was tricky, mostly because of some of the inner structures. Certain sections of the Jazz Band also got a little fiddly. But I love the challenge—it makes finishing the set even more satisfying.
9. Do you go to LEGO fan conventions or events?
Yes! I went to Croydon Brickfest, and it was amazing. I even got to meet Wes from Black LUG, who was really encouraging when I was still new to building. Events like that remind you that you’re part of a much bigger community.
10. How has being part of the AFOL community shaped your love of LEGO?
Joining the AFOL community has been one of the best parts of this journey. I started an Instagram page, @brickwithnatz, where I share my builds and connect with others.
The community is incredibly supportive—you see people sharing tips, celebrating each other’s builds, and coming up with the most amazing MOCs (My Own Creations). I especially love seeing alternative builds, where someone reimagines a set in a completely different way.
Representation matters too. Being able to connect with other Black LEGO fans has been inspiring, and it’s a reminder that there’s space in the community for everyone.
✨ LEGO is more than just bricks—it’s creativity, community, and a way to slow down and enjoy the process. And from Jazz Bands to Vespas, there’s always another adventure waiting to be built.
