Grown-Up Gig: LEGO Artist
If you think that you can’t make a career doing what you wanted to do as a child, think again. Sean Kenney is a LEGO Artist. You heard me. A LEGO obsessed child, he hotheadly quit his job as a website interface designer for Lehman Brothers, and decided to start a website to display LEGO models. LEGO then contacted him to work on commissioned sculptures, and that lead to assisting with the development of the Certified Professional LEGO Program. Now he does custom LEGO Portraits (even wedding cake toppers!), sells his original sculptures, and builds commissioned pieces for a hefty fee.
Read more in this Time Out New York article. They’re running a great series called Inside Job, which I’ve been loving for obvious reasons. Some of my other faves include Private Investigator, Costume Designer & Package Designer. You can peruse ‘em all on the 1st page of this link (& yes, the last one leads to the Sex column, since I guess the word “inside” is just askin’ for it).
So kids, I’m thinkin’ of doin’ this Grown-Up Gig thing as a regular series. Wanna see it? Think it’s dumb? Don’t care either way? Lemme know your thoughts so I can give it the green light or kick it to the curb.
August 26th, 2009 at 5:24 am
LOVE. IT.
I loved LEGOs as a kid. Glad to see someone's livin' their dream.
August 26th, 2009 at 5:31 am
Hey Michelle ~ I think it's really inspiring to read about people turning unconventional things into careers. I'd like to see more. Hugs ~ Cassandra
August 26th, 2009 at 5:32 am
Yea so now I want to be a Lego artist too!! I like the idea of doing a series on Grown-Up Gigs. It's always nice to see how people have made their dreams come true and made their job something they love to do!
August 26th, 2009 at 6:30 am
DO IT. I LOVE hearing about what other people have done to monetize their passions.
August 26th, 2009 at 7:36 am
I love the Grown-Up Gigs idea. It gives hope! My husband and I, being self-employed antique dealers, often giggle because we get to do what we love and find fun, and call it work. Bring us more!
August 26th, 2009 at 7:52 am
It's a GREAT idea!! Love it
Wonder how far I'd have to go to become a Nutella taster?
August 26th, 2009 at 7:55 am
Great post!! Can't wait to explore the links and hear you on Laura's Rock Star call!!
August 26th, 2009 at 7:59 am
So nobody likes this series & wants to see more, huh? I'm so disappointed!
Thanks for the words of encouragement, guys! Grown-Up Gigs is officially graduating to a series. And Tia – when you make a living tasting Nutella you will so be featured here!
August 26th, 2009 at 8:17 am
I work with teens and I encourage them to consider ways they can turn the things they love to do into a career. There are so many options that a guidance counselor will never mention. I try to provide numerous examples of unusual, interesting occupations to get their creative juices flowing. This series is really a terrific idea! Keep it going!
August 26th, 2009 at 8:21 am
Ruth, I was JUST talking about that on my Rock Star Coach call with Laura Neff today (I'll be posting the recording soon for everyone to listen to). The careers available in 2009 are ones that didn't exist back in 1989 or even 1999. The Interwebs have changed all of that, & it's so tough for adults to wrap their heads around out-of-the-box careers. Keep encouraging those kids to put their skills & passions into a blender, mix 'em up, & see what delicious concoction they can make!
August 26th, 2009 at 12:16 pm
No Michelle, when I make a living tasting Nutella I'll be dead. All that sugar!? Come on .. maybe I forgot to mention my Nutella addiction – I can't eat just one spoon, I don't stop at a taste. I inhale jars! Happy to keep that as a side gig hehe 'sides, I already have the *best job ever*!
August 26th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Yes, please continue the series.
August 27th, 2009 at 3:48 am
Well, according to this article on How to Be a Food Tester, you have to actually like the food you're testing & you have to take it very seriously, Tia. And, you can only taste a sample (not the whole jar) & then write some sort of review. That's not as fun as it was in my head (note: in my head you tasted Nutella and then erupted into a musical number, complete with a tap solo & lots of bell kicks).
Shell – You'll see more next week!
August 27th, 2009 at 6:21 am
What a great idea Michelle! You don't know how happy it made me to stop by this morning and see the Lego downtown! Here's to making playtime worktime, and vice-versa!
August 27th, 2009 at 6:58 am
Can't wait until you can say that you don't know the difference between work time & play time, Sarah! I know it'll take a while, but I guarantee it'll happen for you.
August 27th, 2009 at 7:12 pm
[...] link is being shared on Twitter right now. @agoodhusband, an influential author, said RT @tweetmeme When [...]
August 31st, 2009 at 3:16 am
A lego artist? I want that job! How utterly awesome!!!!
February 5th, 2010 at 2:44 pm
[...] etc). Now it’s 2009, & there’s a guy out there that makes a great living being a LEGO artist! It’s true! So When I Grow Up is there to help creative people discover out-of-the-box [...]