Dylan B..
How to Make a Popular MOC. A Study of Mocmatics.
Todays lesson...
Hello and welcome to class. Todays lesson is How to Make a Popular and Successful MOC. It has been a question that I have frequently heard and have been asked. BUT how exactly do you make a popular and successful MOC? Get blogged on the hit lego web-sites? Or get on MOCpages' home page? I've been here for almost a year how and I'm quite experienced with these things (I think?). For those who have ever asked that question, here is your answer...
A. Introduction
This is just to introduce you viewers to the structure of this lesson. I've separated the information by categories in numbers. Each category has info about a different topic. Once again, this is from my opinion and experiences, answers to this question will vary. I would also like to say that there is to be no talking, gum chewing, or doodling in this class. (Yes that means you too Kelso.) Anyway here we go...
1. Cheats or just an easy step?
The easiest way to make a popular MOC is to show us something that we've never seen before. This can be extremely hard to do, but the results are phenomenal.
Using a technique no one has ever seen before will make people click on you page out of curiosity.
2. Do not use other peoples techniques.
Although it might seen tempting, do not do it! If you think that just because one MOC was so popular because it used a technique no one has ever seen before, yours will be just as popular too, your wrong! After a couple uses of a similar technique, the technique will seem worn out and no one will care anymore. I will advise you to use others peoples techniques and combine those techniques with other elements in building to create a unique result. This sometimes adds to a MOC, and other times not.
3. Timing.
Often we see MOCs related to a certain holiday or event get a lot of attention. These types of MOCs are really cool and get a lot of attention by lego bloggers.
This type of MOC also works for Holidays, Birthdays, or real world events.
4. Presentation
This subject is a big one, so pay attention. It doesn't matter how big or good your MOC is, if the pictures aren't good, blurry or out of focus, your MOC is likely not to get as much attention. Keith Goldman gave some advice in his newest group about this. He stated that you should set your cameras to macro mode (flower icon) and anti-blur mode. Then you can use advanced lights or simply wait for a overcast day outside to take your pics. It is always nice if you clean up the background of your MOC by photoshop. For those who do not have an image editing software, I'd suggest using a white blanket or poster board to cover up the background. Also Nannan gave me some advice on how to use the sharpen tool on Photoshop, which is usually found under the effects tab. This allow the details of your work to come out clearer. Photoshop also helps when your making a story, add some facial expressions or weather techniques.
5. Getting yourself known.
You are not going to be MOCpages's latest and greatest MOCier overnight. It takes months and even years to get to this point. Getting your self known with certain people and group will help you get more attention. Putting your MOC in a contest usually results in all the contest members having a look. Joining other sites rather than MOCpages also helps too in a way. Meeting new friends and people who like your things also help. Some people only have a few people who added them as a favorite builder, while others are well over a hundred. It can take very long to get to that standpoint. Don't worry just keep trying and people will find your stuff and you'll make friends quick.
6. Don't give up and keep building.
Some people seem that they just have an itch for building. I guarantee that you will make mistakes in your builds along the way, but learning from those and not quitting is the key to being a successful builder. Some builders take months and years into making their MOCs and have made and corrected many of their mistakes on their MOCs. Sometimes mistakes can lead to the discovering of a new technique. DO NOT GIVE UP!
7. Use what you have and make the best of it.
Most of us normal builders do not have a million bricks. This is used as an excuse a lot of times either in contests or for some mistake. If you make the best of what you have and not always want new stuff then your more likely to make something awesome!
8. Combine and get creative.
The biggest thing here on MOCpages is creativity. The more creative you are, the better your creations will be. Combine some techniques, use colors, and do some wacky and weird building. This can lead to an awesome new technique and a lot of fun! Get creative with your pieces and make something that stands out from the crowd.
9. Don't write blah blah blah.
If you plan to write a description of your MOC, make it sound exciting and bold. Have some confidence toward your build. Try and be humorous with that you have. Stories always work well, but should be well written most of all...PLEASE, please try and use correct grammar and spelling. This might be hard for some but they're sights to help you out with this. No one wants to read something that go's like... Thiz is mi besst creatioon, it'z callled.... and so on.
10. Don't be the Big Mad Meanie
Try and be serious here people. The main point of this section is to tell you to take constructive criticism seriously. Don't be mean and everyone will have their own opinions about your MOC. The truth is that there is something good and bad about every MOC. Use criticism to help you fix your mistakes. Do not try and argue, everyone has a right to their own opinion.
11. Summary
Lets review what we learned about making a successful MOC.
*Creating something new and exciting is the easiest way to get your head on the mantle, urrr, I mean the hall of fame.
*Be creative with your builds.
*Enter contests and meet new people. Your not going to be a great MOCier overnight!
*Present your creation in the best way you can.
*Try not to use old and worn out techniques.
*Make the best of what you have.
*Make a MOC related to worldly events or holidays.
*Add text that is humorous or exciting. Stories are always good.
*HAVE FUN!
*Be supportive and take other's advice.
12. Extra points.
I'm leaving this space open for anyone who wants to leave a comment which states something I didn't happen to mention here or someone who has an idea of their own. If I like what you have to say, I'll be posting it here.
13. Conclusion
Well that's it for now, hope this class helped. Now you all get your A's, except for you Ghostman, you've failed. Until next time, class dismissed.
-Professor Dylan
How to Make a Popular MOC. A Study of Mocmatics.
Todays lesson...
Hello and welcome to class. Todays lesson is How to Make a Popular and Successful MOC. It has been a question that I have frequently heard and have been asked. BUT how exactly do you make a popular and successful MOC? Get blogged on the hit lego web-sites? Or get on MOCpages' home page? I've been here for almost a year how and I'm quite experienced with these things (I think?). For those who have ever asked that question, here is your answer...
A. Introduction
This is just to introduce you viewers to the structure of this lesson. I've separated the information by categories in numbers. Each category has info about a different topic. Once again, this is from my opinion and experiences, answers to this question will vary. I would also like to say that there is to be no talking, gum chewing, or doodling in this class. (Yes that means you too Kelso.) Anyway here we go...
1. Cheats or just an easy step?
The easiest way to make a popular MOC is to show us something that we've never seen before. This can be extremely hard to do, but the results are phenomenal.
Using a technique no one has ever seen before will make people click on you page out of curiosity.
2. Do not use other peoples techniques.
Although it might seen tempting, do not do it! If you think that just because one MOC was so popular because it used a technique no one has ever seen before, yours will be just as popular too, your wrong! After a couple uses of a similar technique, the technique will seem worn out and no one will care anymore. I will advise you to use others peoples techniques and combine those techniques with other elements in building to create a unique result. This sometimes adds to a MOC, and other times not.
3. Timing.
Often we see MOCs related to a certain holiday or event get a lot of attention. These types of MOCs are really cool and get a lot of attention by lego bloggers.
This type of MOC also works for Holidays, Birthdays, or real world events.
4. Presentation
This subject is a big one, so pay attention. It doesn't matter how big or good your MOC is, if the pictures aren't good, blurry or out of focus, your MOC is likely not to get as much attention. Keith Goldman gave some advice in his newest group about this. He stated that you should set your cameras to macro mode (flower icon) and anti-blur mode. Then you can use advanced lights or simply wait for a overcast day outside to take your pics. It is always nice if you clean up the background of your MOC by photoshop. For those who do not have an image editing software, I'd suggest using a white blanket or poster board to cover up the background. Also Nannan gave me some advice on how to use the sharpen tool on Photoshop, which is usually found under the effects tab. This allow the details of your work to come out clearer. Photoshop also helps when your making a story, add some facial expressions or weather techniques.
5. Getting yourself known.
You are not going to be MOCpages's latest and greatest MOCier overnight. It takes months and even years to get to this point. Getting your self known with certain people and group will help you get more attention. Putting your MOC in a contest usually results in all the contest members having a look. Joining other sites rather than MOCpages also helps too in a way. Meeting new friends and people who like your things also help. Some people only have a few people who added them as a favorite builder, while others are well over a hundred. It can take very long to get to that standpoint. Don't worry just keep trying and people will find your stuff and you'll make friends quick.
6. Don't give up and keep building.
Some people seem that they just have an itch for building. I guarantee that you will make mistakes in your builds along the way, but learning from those and not quitting is the key to being a successful builder. Some builders take months and years into making their MOCs and have made and corrected many of their mistakes on their MOCs. Sometimes mistakes can lead to the discovering of a new technique. DO NOT GIVE UP!
7. Use what you have and make the best of it.
Most of us normal builders do not have a million bricks. This is used as an excuse a lot of times either in contests or for some mistake. If you make the best of what you have and not always want new stuff then your more likely to make something awesome!
8. Combine and get creative.
The biggest thing here on MOCpages is creativity. The more creative you are, the better your creations will be. Combine some techniques, use colors, and do some wacky and weird building. This can lead to an awesome new technique and a lot of fun! Get creative with your pieces and make something that stands out from the crowd.
9. Don't write blah blah blah.
If you plan to write a description of your MOC, make it sound exciting and bold. Have some confidence toward your build. Try and be humorous with that you have. Stories always work well, but should be well written most of all...PLEASE, please try and use correct grammar and spelling. This might be hard for some but they're sights to help you out with this. No one wants to read something that go's like... Thiz is mi besst creatioon, it'z callled.... and so on.
10. Don't be the Big Mad Meanie
Try and be serious here people. The main point of this section is to tell you to take constructive criticism seriously. Don't be mean and everyone will have their own opinions about your MOC. The truth is that there is something good and bad about every MOC. Use criticism to help you fix your mistakes. Do not try and argue, everyone has a right to their own opinion.
11. Summary
Lets review what we learned about making a successful MOC.
*Creating something new and exciting is the easiest way to get your head on the mantle, urrr, I mean the hall of fame.
*Be creative with your builds.
*Enter contests and meet new people. Your not going to be a great MOCier overnight!
*Present your creation in the best way you can.
*Try not to use old and worn out techniques.
*Make the best of what you have.
*Make a MOC related to worldly events or holidays.
*Add text that is humorous or exciting. Stories are always good.
*HAVE FUN!
*Be supportive and take other's advice.
12. Extra points.
I'm leaving this space open for anyone who wants to leave a comment which states something I didn't happen to mention here or someone who has an idea of their own. If I like what you have to say, I'll be posting it here.
13. Conclusion
Well that's it for now, hope this class helped. Now you all get your A's, except for you Ghostman, you've failed. Until next time, class dismissed.
-Professor Dylan