Submitting your own LEGO Ideas project is an exciting opportunity for any LEGO enthusiast to potentially see their unique design transformed into an official LEGO set. As someone deeply acquainted with the LEGO Ideas platform, I can guide you through every step of this rewarding process. Whether you're a seasoned builder or just starting, understanding how to effectively submit a project ensures your idea has the best chance to gain traction within the vibrant LEGO community and reach the coveted milestone of 10,000 supporters. In this article, I'll take you from concept to submission, offering insights into the critical elements that influence success while adhering strictly to LEGO's guidelines.
LEGO Ideas is more than just a submission portal—it's a community-driven platform that invites builders worldwide to showcase their creativity. The process demands not only imagination but dedication to promote your idea and engage supporters actively. This is because gaining 10,000 votes within a limited timeframe is essential for your project to enter LEGO’s official review phase. The journey involves developing a compelling LEGO model, preparing persuasive visual and written content, and understanding intellectual property constraints. My expert experience shows that projects thriving on LEGO Ideas balance creativity, clarity, and community engagement. In the following sections, I'll break down the entire process, emphasizing both the practical steps and strategic considerations for submitting your LEGO Ideas project successfully.
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Understanding the LEGO Ideas Platform
Before diving into submissions, it’s critical to understand what LEGO Ideas is and why it matters. Established to crowdsource innovative designs, LEGO Ideas allows builders like you to share original concepts that meet specific criteria. The platform requires that projects are built with real or virtual LEGO bricks and comply with the piece count limit of under 3,000 pieces. Notably, ideas must respect LEGO’s rigorous intellectual property rules—licensed properties already produced by LEGO or competitors are generally disallowed.
Your project must resonate not only with LEGO’s values but also with a broad community of supporters who can propel your idea forward. Achieving 10,000 supporters is the golden ticket that moves your project into LEGO’s official product development review, where it may become a commercial LEGO set. This structure motivates creators to mesh artistic vision with outreach, making LEGO Ideas a unique blend of design and marketing challenge.
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Step 1: Crafting Your LEGO Model
To submit to LEGO Ideas, you need a tangible or digital prototype of your creation. Whether you prefer physical bricks or digital design software like LEGO Digital Designer or Bricklink Studio, your model should vividly represent your concept. The goal isn’t perfection but a clear, engaging depiction that helps people visualize the potential set.
When building, keep the piece count below 3,000 pieces, as LEGO imposes this limitation to keep production feasible and affordable. Consider your model’s scale, functionality, and aesthetic appeal during the build, but remember the project at this stage is primarily a concept demonstration rather than a finished product.
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Step 2: Taking High-Quality Photos of Your Model
Visuals are paramount in attracting potential supporters. Capture high-resolution images of your model from multiple angles, emphasizing important features and unique design elements. Lighting is crucial; clear, well-lit photos are more likely to captivate viewers and communicate the richness of your design.
If you built your model digitally, export polished renderings or screenshots that showcase the build clearly. LEGO allows up to 15 images per project, so use this opportunity to tell a visual story—starting with a strong main image that occupies 80 to 90% of the frame and additional images that highlight details, play features, or scale comparisons.
Step 3: Writing a Compelling Project Description
Your written description complements your visual presentation by detailing the inspiration, concept, and unique attributes of your LEGO Ideas project. Be sure to include:
- The story behind your idea and what makes it special
- Key dimensions and piece count
- Any interactive or play features
- Design techniques used
- Why this idea fits LEGO’s values and community interests
Clear, engaging writing can turn casual browsers into enthusiastic supporters by making your idea relatable and memorable.
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Step 4: Reviewing LEGO Ideas Guidelines and Intellectual Property Rules
Before submitting, thoroughly review LEGO’s official Project Guidelines. Your submission must be:
- Original and unique, not infringing on third-party intellectual properties beyond approved licenses
- Free of adult content, weapons, or anything against LEGO's values
- Within the piece count and design limits
If your idea involves licensed properties, verify on the LEGO Ideas site whether it’s eligible for submission. Submissions based on popular franchises already produced by LEGO (like Star Wars or Harry Potter) are usually rejected. Focusing on original or underused themes can increase your chance of success.
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Step 5: Creating Your LEGO Ideas Account and Submitting
Navigate to the LEGO Ideas website and create a user account if you don’t have one already. Once logged in:
- Click “Submit Idea”
- Fill in required fields such as project title, description, category, and upload your images
- Confirm that you consent to the terms and guidelines
The submission process is user-friendly and guides you through, but accuracy and detail in your inputs are vital for smooth approval.
Step 6: Promoting Your Project to Reach 10,000 Supporters
Once your project is live, the real challenge begins: gathering 10,000 supporters within the time limits. LEGO Ideas has a tiered timeframe:
- First milestone: 100 supporters in 60 days (then extension granted)
- Subsequent milestones expand until the full 10,000 supporters must be reached within 1 to 2 years
Active engagement is your best strategy. Promote your project on social media, LEGO fan forums, and with friends and family. Share compelling visuals, progress updates, and stories around your design to build a community around your idea.
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Step 7: The LEGO Review Process and Beyond
After reaching 10,000 supporters, your project enters the official LEGO Review phase. LEGO’s professional designers and market experts assess the feasibility, playability, and fit with LEGO’s product line. If approved, your idea may be developed into an official set. As the original creator, you will receive recognition, a 1% royalty on net sales, and a set of the official LEGO product.
Even if your submission does not move forward, participating in LEGO Ideas is a valuable creative journey, connecting you with a global community and honing your design and communication skills.
Mastering the LEGO Ideas submission process requires understanding the platform’s demands and balancing creativity with community-building. By carefully crafting your model, presenting your idea professionally, and engaging supporters relentlessly, you increase your chance to turn your LEGO vision into reality. This unique program not only celebrates imaginative building but also empowers creators to contribute to the future of LEGO.
