LEGO Ambassador Spotlight: Building Community with GertLUG
The LEGO community is full of passionate builders, storytellers, and innovators. But behind every thriving LUG (LEGO User Group) is someone who helps connect fans to opportunities and keeps the spirit of creativity alive. Today, we’re shining the spotlight on one such fan-turned-representative: a LEGO Ambassador for GertLUG Jamie Dunlop
Becoming a LEGO Ambassador
Sometimes, opportunities come from simply stepping forward.
“I became ambassador after the previous ambassador decided he didn’t want to do it anymore, so I put myself up for the role and was voted in by the members,†they explain.
As an ambassador, their role is all about connection. Acting as the bridge between GertLUG and The LEGO Group through the LAN (LEGO Ambassador Network), they bring new opportunities to the community, organize LUGBulk projects, and help support group initiatives.
A Lifelong Love of LEGO
Like many AFOLs (Adult Fans of LEGO), their journey began in childhood.
“I loved LEGO as a child and had a dark age until we went to LEGOLAND with my son. We purchased a few sets and things snowballed from there. I love to build normal sets as well as creating MOCs to display at shows.â€
A pivotal moment came during a Brick Show in Bristol. Seeing incredible MOCs (My Own Creations) on display sparked the question: could I build something worthy of showing too? The answer was yes — and from that point, the hobby grew into a passion.
The Best Part of the Role
For them, the highlight of being an ambassador isn’t just about LEGO itself, but about the people.
“I get to meet some amazing people and chat to them about all sorts of topics, not just LEGO.â€
From local shows to Skaerbaek Fan Weekend in Denmark, they connect with AFOLs across the globe, both in person and through online spaces like the GertLUG Facebook page and the LAN.
Challenges and Rewards
Of course, the role isn’t without its difficulties.
“I suppose trying to please everyone all the time,†they admit. “I try and explain that not everyone can attend an event or get picked for opportunities.â€
Balancing expectations is never easy, but honesty and transparency go a long way in building trust within the community.
Advice for Future Ambassadors
So, what does it take to become a LEGO Ambassador yourself?
“Be active in your community (LUG) as much as you can. Different LUGs fill roles in different ways. GertLUG has roles come up every 2 years, so you can nominate yourself and then the members vote.â€
Even if you’re not ready for a leadership role, there are plenty of ways to get involved:
- Join a local LUG or a national one with regional meetups.
- Participate in online groups where you can share your MOCs.
- Attend shows and fan events to meet other builders.
Looking Ahead
When asked about the future of LEGO, the ambassador notes one important trend: sustainability.
“I suppose making the LEGO elements more ‘green’ and keep the quality the same as older bricks.â€
Favorites and Dream Builds
Every LEGO fan has a favorite set, and for this ambassador, it’s the Doctor Strange Sanctum Sanctorum (76218).
“It works well as a modular building, plus I made my own MOC of the Sanctum a few years before it came out and love seeing them side by side.â€
As for a dream set? The answer reflects a love of both classic themes and ambitious design:
“A massive space moon base — at least 5000+ pieces. It would include every color spaceman available (x2), plus a brand-new color spaceman. Of course, it would cost a lot of money, but it would be amazing.â€
Final Thoughts
From rediscovering LEGO with his son to representing GertLUG as a LEGO Ambassador, this builder’s journey shows how the hobby can evolve into something much bigger — a chance to connect, inspire, and grow a worldwide community.
Whether it’s through MOCs at shows, chatting with fans online, or organizing group projects, their story proves that LEGO is more than bricks — it’s about the people who build with them.
