How long does a build take you?
The first build, the Garland Police Department, took me about 6 months. Since I have a full time job, I worked on it on weekends and evenings. Also, I didn't realize it, but it was probably the most difficult one to build so far since there is an elevation change, and the buildings had non-typical shapes and roof lines. Since then, the builds take me about 3 months. As far as hours, the big builds take me anywhere from 150 - 250 hours estimated time spent on it.
What is the process to build one of these?
Step 1: Research. I go to the location, walking around taking lots of pictures and video to refer to later as I build. I watch Youtube videos of other builders to help me figure out, or get inspiration on, how to build something general (trees, dumpsters, etc) I also utilize a drone to video everything from above, which allows me to see rooftops and buildings from a birdseye view. Step 2: Scale. I lay out some butcher block paper on a table, and use pieces to form a type of blueprint of the buildings. This allows me to get the proportions I like before committing to the build. Step 3: Ordering parts. I use a couple websites to order pieces and "add to cart" over and over again as I picture building it in my head. I usually end up making 3-4 orders over the 3 month period of building before I finally have everything I need to finish. Step 4: Display case. This is subcontracted out to someone to build the metal / plexiglass display case, giving them the spec's I need. Step 5: Build. This is the most fun part, meeting and overcoming challenges, and seeing the vision in my head come to life. Step 6: Transport. This is the stressful part of getting my artwork out of my house, into a van, driving to the site, and setting everything up without breaking anything. Step 7: Unveil. This is the final step, seeing the reaction of the client who trusted me with capturing the essence of the build, and all the great easter eggs hidden in it.
Do you buy sets and pick out the pieces you need?
No, that would be very expensive with alot of extra parts I don't need. There are several websites I use where I can buy the pieces I need, pick the colors, quantity, and add it to cart over and over again as I build the artwork in my head. I usually end up making 3-4 orders over the 3 month period of building. Sometimes people give me old bins of LEGO's which is helpful to use for spare parts.
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