Interview with JANGBRiCKS
Posted by CapnRex101,
JANGBRiCKS reached the brilliant milestone of 1,000,000 YouTube subscribers a couple of weeks ago and has kindly agreed to answer some questions for Brickset.
Brickset: At what did age did you become interested in LEGO and which sets do you remember owning as a child?
JANGBRiCKS: The earliest I can remember was 6383 Public Works Center, which I played with extensively in built-to-instructions form, endlessly shuffling materials around with the loader & crane and rolling the garage doors up & down! I’m guessing I was 5 or 6 years old. I also believe I had one of the Basic sets, most likely 577, as I made a steam powered train MOC with a wind-up car base powering the locomotive. The last set I can remember getting was 1982’s 4015 Freighter.
Do you believe that those early sets have had any influence upon what you most enjoy building today?
I think my own early interest in trains & heavy equipment motivated my enjoyment of my first LEGO sets, but there’s no doubt that 4015 Freighter in particular made an impact that has stuck with me to this very day. It’s ultimately the oldest source of inspiration for the big expansion I made to my LEGO city in 2017 to feature a larger cargo harbor, and that since has become one of my favorite and most developed areas of the layout. That old three-piece floating ship base (which I did take into the bathtub as a kid) is also responsible for my persistent infatuation with LEGO’s pre-formed hulls, limiting though they are.
Did you experience a ‘Dark Age’ and if so, what reignited your interest in LEGO?
I won an old slot car set in a random drawing at a second-hand store around the middle of the eighties, and that instantly diminished my interest in toys that weren’t electrified. From there I was further distracted by HO scale trains. I wouldn’t return to LEGO until around the turn of the millennium, when I had secured my first “permanent” job as a web designer and could finally afford to scratch the nostalgia itch. I picked up one too many hobbies at that time, though, and ended up pushing LEGO aside for a second Dark Age that lasted until I finally came back to my senses in 2009.
Which sets and themes have most impressed you since returning to LEGO?
I believe there’s an AFOL law requiring me to reference the Creator modular buildings here. They represent the ultimate manifestation of the core LEGO “system of play” – brick-based, minifig-scaled, and semi-realistic, but still fanciful & fun. Another major standout for me is Elves with its colorful & foliage-rich scenes and numerous new part/color combinations.
What is your favourite set of all time?
Oh, that’s mean! Picking a single set out of dozens, possibly hundreds of viable candidates is positively torturous! How does one even approach such a decision? Do I go for something with high nostalgic value like 6390 Main Street which I stared at in a mini-catalog for countless hours as a kid, but haven’t gotten my hands on to this day? Do I zero in on the intersection between my nearly lifelong Star Wars fandom and my adult appreciation for large sci-fi models and say 10030 UCS Star Destroyer?
This could easily throw me into an endless loop of analysis, but I’m going to defer to a choice I’ve already made through my actions. There’s a set I would want at any age, that I acquired as an adult, and that I’ve managed to keep *relatively* intact for over 5 ½ years now. That set is 4558/10001 Metroliner. If you ask me again tomorrow, though, I’ll probably have a different answer. Just saying.
How would you like to see LEGO products develop in the future?
More trains for me, of course! In all seriousness, though, to maintain the unprecedented popularity of this physical toy line I think LEGO needs to continue to work harder & smarter to integrate with other media and trends in entertainment & technology. The LEGO Movie was an example of resounding success in this regard, with Fusion representing abject failure and Dimensions falling somewhere in between. I’m waiting with great interest to see how the Overwatch theme is handled, as it could either fizzle unceremoniously or open the brand to a whole new world of possibilities to both entertain current LEGO fans and recruit new ones.
I also want to see a continuation of the trend towards more *small* reusable speciality pieces like 26047 and 32828 1x1 plates with bars, 20482 modified tile with bar, or the 35480 rounded 1x2 plate. Tiny direction changers & adapters like these enable previously impossible connection techniques in incredibly small, minifig-compatible, affordable builds.
You posted your first JANGBRiCKS video almost eight years ago. What inspired you to begin creating videos focused upon LEGO?
I had developed a couple of successful YouTube channels for another hobby (radio controlled cars) and decided to try LEGO videos purely on an experimental whim. At the time I had a few blogs covering Bionicle & Hero Factory MOCs and approached the new YouTube presence as a source of supplemental media for my writeups. It wasn’t until about three years later that I decided to take LEGO YouTubing more seriously when circumstances beyond my control put the brakes on my involvement in the R/C world.
In what ways, if any, do you think the online LEGO community has changed since 2010?
I feel we’ve seen but a continuation of the trend towards increased awareness & acceptance of the LEGO hobby for people of all demographics. At one time, kids beyond a certain age were expected by peers & adults alike to “grow out of” LEGO and essentially never look back. Those who persisted beyond the arbitrary cut-off date had limited options to seek camaraderie & support. Many adult fans were similarly isolated & essentially hid from the stigma of being “weird” for playing with “kids’ toys.” Today, the entire topic of LEGO is not only normalized, but openly welcomed & celebrated, both online and off.
Many people have commented upon the incredibly frequency of your videos. How are you able to maintain such a rapid production rate?
The very act of writing or speaking the answer to this would risk breaking the space-time continuum, so I’ll err on the safe side and just say Mountain Dew.
Do you most enjoy building and reviewing official sets or creating your own models?
The latter by a long shot!
You are in the process of building an enormous LEGO city. Do you plan your creations in advance using any kind of digital design software or sketches?
I used a PC-based layout planner called BlueBrick (https://bluebrick.lswproject.com/) to figure out high-level road & baseplate arrangements and, critically, to design my railroad loops & yards. Beyond that, almost all of my MOC building is done freehand with only vague mental plans. With so many things being digital & intangible these days I really treasure the hands-on problem-solving experience of building something from scratch with physical LEGO pieces.
Can you tell us anything about your plans for New JANG City and your YouTube channel during the coming months?
I’m still patiently awaiting the full release of the i-Brix wireless lighting system. Integrating that throughout New JANG City will be a major project with truly transformative effects. Otherwise, though, I’m happy with the rhythm I’m in at the moment and don’t have any plans for big changes or surprise revelations in the near future.
What advice would you have for anyone intending to create their own YouTube channel?
Just do it. The most important thing if you want to try, is to just try. If you like it and decide to continue, eventually you’ll look back at your start and laugh, or be embarrassed, or both. Don’t worry about making some mistakes or failing to capture a big audience instantaneously. The most important thing is that you enjoy the process and the content you’re making, as you’re making it. Also, don’t try to be the next Brick Show, or BrickBros UK, or ArtiFex Creation, or JANGBRiCKS. Be the first & only *you*.
What interests do you have beyond LEGO?
I’m still a video gamer and presently play sci-fi shooters like Halo & Destiny, and I also occasionally contribute to a small collaborative Minecraft project with friends. I collect pocket knives, which I sometimes feature on my oldest, personal YouTube channel. I follow motorsports as much as I can, including Formula 1 (go Lewis!), rally & rallycross, IMSA, IndyCar, Australian Supercars, LOORS, WTCC, anything I can find time to watch.
Also, your readers will be the first to learn that my wife & I recently became proud adoptive parents to a Miniature Golden Retriever named BMO (pronounced “bee-moe”)!
Many thanks for taking the time to talk to us!
207 likes
49 comments on this article
Oh my gosh BMO is os cute!!!!!! Great interview everybody, loved this insightful look.
I just skimmed the article but at the very end they named their dog after an Adventure Time character, that's brilliant.
I actually did discover Jang through his BIONICLE and HF mocs, although it was qutie a bit after he stopped posting them! It's kind of crazy how far he's come, and let's hope similar LEGO YouTubers can reach the same levels of fame.
Sounds like a nice guy. And I am a little jealous about how much lego he has and collects.
I would love to meet him and have a look at his city up close. I have seen some old lego buildings I also own in the streets.
Congratulations Jangbricks, there are a lot of great channels on YouTube, but you’re probably my favorite. Amazing interview.
Great interview!
Keep up the great work both Jangbricks and the Brickset team.
Great interview! Not a whole lot of stuff was new if you've followed JANG for a while, but there were still some great little tidbits.
Also, no questions about GNAJBRiCKS?! How could you!?
Thanks, nice to have these kind of interviews intersperse the other articles. I do enjoy jangbricks channel a lot as well, but not a big commentator on YouTube. So thank you to him too.
Great interview! Jang is definitely the best reviewer out there right now. Watching his reviews have led me to try making video reviews myself.
Definitely good advice for new you tubers: don’t try to be the next Brick Show. :-)
Awesome interview!
such cute such doge
After a massive dark age of Lego for me, I got into it about 3 years ago and the first Lego content I searched for on YouTube, brought me to JANGBRiCKS. Ever since, I have watched virtually all his Lego videos and he is the absolute gold standard, no other Lego channels compare!
As for JANG's minimal use of digital aids in his MOC's, that is simply the only way to truly work with Lego imho.
Congrats Jang!
OMG BMO IS ADORABLE!!
I like getting some more personal insight about Jang, as we barely know anything about his background.
Thanks for sharing this moment with us all. As told in the last article for the 1 million subscribers milestone, please go on making your work in progress videos, sharing your thoughts and always sincere comments about new sets, high quality and (always polite) reviews. Personally I'm glad to learn that the Elves theme had this particular influence on you . Keep all just as you are. Both JANGBRiCKS - and Brickset team. Thank you.
Thanks for the interview. JANGBRiCKS is by far the best LEGO channel on YouTube. Keep it up, chap! :-)
Are you going to make a 1,000,000 subscribers video like you did on 300,000?
PS: BMO is so cute!!!!
For those in countries where Mountain Dew is uncommon on not sold at all, an explanation is required. Mountain Dew is very high in caffeine, even more than cola, I believe.
I discovered jang from his new jang hospital video
I love Jang. He's the person who sucked me into YouTube, and now I can't stop. I watch every one of his videos. I'm hoping he makes a 1 million video.
Thank you Brickset for giving us these great interviews and congrats to Jang for reaching such a huge milestone! I'll continue to watch and hope to see more MOC's and city progress soon, which are my favorite parts of your channel. 4005 Tug Boat was my first LEGO boat and one of my first System sets, so became my first childhood set to be rebuilt after my Dark Ages. Having 4005 in hand led to my longing for its' bigger cousin, 4015 Freighter. I'd always wanted it as a kid and was finally able to get it in nearly perfect condition on aftermarket a couple years ago, and the two are now displayed proudly together. Btw Mountain Dew is my favorite too, although it's not really compatible with my diet, or health, or anyone's health for that matter lol.
Oh I wish you still had time for RC Mania! My go-to site for RC car reviews.
Frankly speaking, Jang was one of the reasons why I came back to buying LEGO sets regularly. Also, as more and more I know about him, it seems that we have so much in common - Mountain Dew 4ever! B)
JANG is not Just A Nice Guy. He is a great builder, too. Keep it coming!
Wow, never knew Jang was such a well rounded nerd. We share many common interests. I am curious though what caused him to abandon the R/C hobby?
Edit: LOL, it says I'm from the Bahamas above, actually I'm just vacationing here, I live in the US.
Cool interview! JANG's reviews are a big influence for me wanting or not wanting a set. Watching his videos makes me happy somehow. It's cool to get some more background info, and tot know we share more interests than just lego (sorry, no Lewis fan here :D), too!
Seconding the comment about GNAJBricks though :D
Who else read it in his voice?
@ggj
I think the question should be who didn't?
Great interview Jang! You are one of the people that inspired me to get back into LEGO and wear the hat of AFOL. I haven't regretted it for a second - other than I now have even less free time!
Great interview and thanks for this. I love his work in his City and he inspired me to make one (it is not as big but it's cool).
Great interview. The only thing I can't condone of course is rooting for Lewis (Hamilton).
Go Seb!
;-P
Once again, congratulations Jang on your many accomplishments! You are a huge inspiration to me as a Lego fan! Also, your dog is very cute!
I enjoyed reading this interview. Thanks for making it and congrats again to Jang for the deserved milestone :)
For people interested in Jang's departure from RC cars, there are numerous Reddit threads about it.
That said, it's only one side of the story. It seems Jang tried to steer many away from Chinese RC knockoffs, which is something our hobby also deals with. I certainly would not have an issue with Brickset curbing/stopping discussion of Lepin and where to buy Lepin (I think they do that anyway, right?).
That's the best I could surmise from a few minutes of research.
@sid3windr why should there be comments about GNAJBricks? That's a completely different channel, what would it have to do with this? GNAJ is an imposter and in no way related to Jang...
;)
Jang has always been a class act in the LEGO world. His videos are extremely informative, well photographed, and professionally produced. He seems like a genuinely nice fellow with family friendly content and a soothing voice to boot, not to mention how prolific he is with his content. The best LEGO youtube reviewer around. Thanks for the years of edutainment, Jang.
Fun to learn a little more about one of the great Lego YouTubers out there. Thanks for the interview!
Congrats on the new adoptee! I'm sure he will love to play in your Lego city too!
This was a good interview to read, JANGBRiCKS has been an inspiration for me as a LEGO fan.
JANG, if you're reading this I want to congratulate on your success and achievement. I am a big fan of your videos and the overall approach to your craft. You truly are an inspiration to me as a fellow LEGO fan. I wish you continue success in the years to come! :)
--SoS
One thing I'd love to know the answer to is favorite current theme (I'm guessing Star Wars by the sound of the interview.) and favorite retired theme. So Jang if you reading this let me know. ;)
Do GNAJBRicKS next
Congratulation JB ! I always follow your reviews with pleasure. Do you intend to review also the 75192 ??
Really excellent reviews Jang. Countless bits of inspiration for me personally as an AFOL in decided what to get next. Thanks for your time and dedication!
Someone call Stephen Hawk....oh damn it.
Amazing reviews, Jang. By far the best out there. Keep up the good work! I hope you will give us more classic reviews, especially 80s Town, Pirates, Adventurers and Indiana Jones, which are my favorite themes!
I was subscribed to him for a bit but the overflow of videos and the length of them ended up with me unsubscribing. I just had no time nor patience.
The guy rambles for far too long and most of his videos are boring as hell because he just talks and talks and doesn't really say anything. Scripting his videos would help him a lot.
His reviews would otherwise be pretty good.
Congratulations on the one million subs.
JANGBRiCKS Congratulations for earning over 1 million subscribers on YouTube! I enjoy your content & this article.
Congrats to JANG! Love your channel.
btw, that dog is tan