August 2025 // LEGO // Updated October 2025
This model is one of two display pieces I created as part of The LEGO Group's assignment for the Design Talent Pool. Originally, I planned to create a 3 dimensional wall art piece, featuring the bright eye of a squid with tentacles pouring off the sides, but after plenty of trial and error, though, I realized it just wasn't capturing the feeling I wanted, and would probably go over my part limit anyway. It was time to go back to the drawing board.
While scrolling through Pinterest for inspiration, I stumbled across a fun little build: two classic spacemen scuba diving beside a small coral plant and bright yellow sand. The color immediately caught my eye. I'd always thought of sand as dull tan shades, but this vivid yellow brought such a happy energy to the scene, and it contrasted beautifully with the bright coral and sea plants. I knew I wanted to explore that vibe in my own model.
My first design had a few issues: some coral structures didn't connect legally, a few parts were floating without proper support, there were extra unnecessary pieces, and the right-front area felt unfinished. Even so, I was proud of the concept and direction, and I knew with a few updates, it could really shine.
One of my favorite aspects of the final version is the creative part usage. The dynamite-as-coral idea came from other builders I'd seen, and figuring out a solid connection was a fun challenge. I also incorporated feather/flame pieces in both standard green and trans-bright green (thanks to seeing them in my friend's Dungeons & Dragons set), plus dish and gear elements for oddly shaped coral, lavender carrots, and other quirky parts sprinkled throughout.
The original lacked much sea life, so I expanded that too. Alongside some brick-built fish inspired by a cotton candy piece design I found online, I added dolphins, turtles, a stingray, and - my favorite LEGO piece ever - a crab! These additions tied the scene together, bringing movement and life to the bright coral environment.
Overall, I'm really proud of how this diorama came together. Finding weird and wacky parts to use as coral, mixing colors I wouldn't usually try, and experimenting with underwater textures made this one of the most fun builds I've done yet. I'm excited to keep pushing what I can do with these ideas in future projects!
