How I Invaded A City With Concrete Lego Like Figures

I have wanted to invade a city with lego like figures made from concrete for a long time and finally got around to it. As I couldn't find moulds that looked the way I wanted I ended making my own with 3D printing and a silicon mould making kit.
Photos of all the figs can be found on my instagram: / thesketchymaker
BBC article: www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c...
Reddit post: / i_was_told_you_guys_mi...
Inspiration for the shots with 3 hands comes from Scott Yu-Jan.
The STLs won't be made available (sorry).
LEGO is a trademark of the LEGO Group, which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse this project
Music:
Rachel K Collier - Cockroach On Toast
Dyalla - Soulicious

[@BeyondtheBrick]

Great idea and execution!

[@SketchyMaker]

Thanks guys!

[@BobtheSuperCow]

Is that actually beyond the brick

[@Totally_A_Human_Male]

Yes ​@@BobtheSuperCow

[@reid3524]

I'm also in scotland

[@oliverbullmann6176]

@@SketchyMakerWould be awsome for hash those Lego moulds 😂😂😂!

[@crazyguy_1233]

I saw your post on Reddit. I still think it would be cool if the Lego community began to make some of their own concrete figs and put them across the world especially in Denmark Lego’s home.

[@SketchyMaker]

I know of at least one person who is in the process of building their own to put in their city.

[@crazyguy_1233]

@@SketchyMaker This is super cool.

[@commoncentsamerican]

reddit = gay forum

[@darknessblades]

Lego invasion 2.0 See if you can make a MILLION of them, and have them located all around the map, with markers for their locations, which eventually will reveal a massive QR code which goes to a RICKROLL

[@SketchyMaker]

That might be the most elaborate Rick roll ever.

[@darknessblades]

@@SketchyMaker Indeed, and to prevent people from stealing them, You could promote it as a "Giveaway", with a Hidden rickroll video, where the answer lies in the description instead of the video, where the first 100 people who find it. [rule: they must take a picture with every piece] will get a figure of their choice made [of the ones you made] You could also delete comments so people don't know how many people already entered/won.

[@TheJumiFilm]

brickroll

[@holzfallerlp]

@@TheJumiFilmabsolutely underrated comment

[@soulking126]

@@SketchyMaker we should also make it a Lego rickroll, like, a Lego figurine that looks like Rick Astley, dancing on a Lego stage, singing his rickroll.

[@augustgondek2427]

You should invade york with vikings

[@SketchyMaker]

That's a good idea, historically accurate and vikings are cool.

[@-Fidelis-]

Wouldn't be out of place in the Big City

[@gopro2804]

Cement engineer here.... Try a mix of pure cement powder and water with a tiny bit of washing up liquid. You will get smooth cement finishes on the figures. x

[@SketchyMaker]

Thanks for the information!

[@jshet]

I don't understand the low view counts on your videos. Not only are you making art, your videos are art.

[@SketchyMaker]

Views are an odd one, I try not to think too much about them. The people that do see what I make seem to enjoy it which is what matters more to me.

[@AlanPope]

Someone uploaded it to TikTok yesterday and it has thousands. This is wonderful, I had to find the original creator. Loved the video production ❤

[@SketchyMaker]

@@AlanPope Thanks for coming to find me!

[@TheCobraReport]

because they ARE art and not mindless twaddle. Lower views but higher quality, a sign of true art

[@indigo1615]

Facts this should have 3-4 mill

[@ThatTarkur]

The Bionicle statue figures from 2005 would be cool to see an attempt on. Just make sense to make them in concrete since they are statues after all

[@SketchyMaker]

Nice idea, I have added it to the list of potentials. Lots of little details on a bionicle so it would be pretty tricky.

[@Still-Standard-2004]

I love how creative your videos are. Maybe you can do a give away for the concrete figures? That would be Awesome!@@SketchyMaker

[@izzulazrizal702]

It'd be cool to see Lego Hans Solo in the concrete!

[@SketchyMaker]

That's a good suggestion!

[@NickAndWolf]

Royal guards where the royals are guarded

[@SketchyMaker]

Thanks for the suggestion. If/when I get to London a royal guard will be made for sure!

[@Hobby_Hooligan]

#Protip Found the Cheapest agitator u can get is an air pump for small fish tanks. Gives slight vibrations qhen placed against molds it helps to release those bubbles. Also a vacuumed chamber like ppl use for poxy resin would work. Less air, longer life

[@SketchyMaker]

Thanks for the tip!

[@Shockwavetheanimator]

Carbonited lego but without the Han Solo

[@SketchyMaker]

Interesting idea, thanks for suggesting it.

[@stopmotiongeek9908]

Edinburgh with Lego knights around Edinburgh castle

[@SketchyMaker]

Also where Harry Potter was created so lots of options for figs there.

[@lordtelion]

0:55 wow that was such a clever shot, it was like a magic trick, seeing pick up the tool you just put down, really sold the effect. well played

[@SketchyMaker]

I saw the same shot in a Scott Yu-Jan video and the moment I saw it I knew I needed to try and recreate it myself.

[@heimskr2881]

Didn't even notice it lmao wow thats great

[@dylanholland]

Love it also you could invade nottingham and use the classic forest men like Robin Hood and his merry men the king and sheriff.

[@SketchyMaker]

That is a great idea!

[@sarah.s.flanagan]

This is my favorite proposal in the comments section

[@dimalavrinenkov6113]

This is the kind of street art ( if you can call it so) i would like to see around. Not these stupid marker tags everywhere. Great vid, hope you receive the recognition you deserve!

[@MinifigJez]

Superb video mate. Great to see the actual locations not just the BBC article. Love your editing too, the three hands on your workbench passing tools to yourself, was excellent. I know exactly what you mean about the “bigger and better” video syndrome, worried a video won’t perform as well as the previous one, but I decided I just had to get on with it, some are popular, and some aren’t! And this one… got a comment from @BeyondTheBrick… what an endorsement !

[@SketchyMaker]

Thanks Jez. I saw the three hands thing in a video by Scott Yu-Jan and knew I had to try it out. Took a bit of effort to work out how to do it. It's always nice when BeyondTheBrick stop by. They have shared some of my past videos which was nice of them.

[@MinifigJez]

@@SketchyMaker Wow! They've watched your stuff and shared it more than once?... You're like Lego royalty !

[@crosswaveproductions1895]

Lego Ninjago has always been a huge part of my childhood and one of my favorite series so it would be cool to see you do this with some of the ninja

[@SketchyMaker]

Thanks for the suggestion, I will add it to the list.

[@Dan-the-Fish]

If you're willing to do a figure that's not a standard Minifigure, I'd love to see you do an alien from the Life On Mars theme!

[@SketchyMaker]

I had to look that one up as I didn't know it. I will add it to the list of potentials. I'm now wondering what location it would suit.

[@Zetimenvec]

A word of advice, you can get the bubbles out a lot easier than tapping if you have a sub woofer. An old school boom box style stereo speaker might do in a pinch, but the woofer is going to actually be able to vibrate enough if you run some low tones through it.

[@SketchyMaker]

Thanks for the suggestion. I'm going to try and test out something to vibrate the moulds next time.

[@Turkeysammich3000]

Lol Ive always wanted to do this, but with homemade gnomes, and just leave them in random woods with tiny tents, walking sticks and backpacks, but before I could get to it, someone else had the idea and started doing that.

[@yeoldeseawitch]

Should have put a fireman at the fire brigade!

[@kazimir8086]

3:58 you have to break his helmet for that realistic touch

[@QuizzicalSoup]

Now I'm tempted to invade my city with little things.

[@SketchyMaker]

You should do it! Please send me some photos if you do.

[@rainbowcoloursplashbasical8738]

Now you made history bro

[@wound957ruralapex]

No star wars character? So wholesome.

[@SketchyMaker]

I did consider doing one or two but decided to wait until another city and do a load in one go.

[@diegohs75]

I'm from Mexico, the idea of "hide" small treasures like these around any city, feels so tempting. I'd love to replicate your idea over here. I'm not sure why or what would be the objective, but can't get it out of my mind. I already made a quick test, but I'm sure it needs some improvement to look like yours. Please PM me in case you want to see what I would be doing here. Thanks you!

[@nymalous3428]

There's something that's just so wholesome about this.

[@SketchyMaker]

Thanks :)

[@NotDrDre]

Your art made a lot of people smile! I especially appreciate the video editing and your third hand.

[@SketchyMaker]

Having 3 hands does make things a lot easier :)

[@luisblancas1623]

Great job! You made a lot of characters! Super neat molds!

[@SketchyMaker]

Thank you!

[@avicunningham1969]

This brought me such a simple joy to see, thank you

[@LittlePixelTM]

Such fun! If you were feeling like doing more a vacuum chamber might be a good call for getting all the bubbles out

[@jobo3rd]

Come to Dundee! We love this kind of urban art in the city centre, have a great art community, and it wild fit right in with our bright colourful home!!

[@SketchyMaker]

Dundee would be convenient.

[@fableagain]

So cool, I love how you did this!

[@Donnosaurus]

That's so cool! I would be so delighted to come across a random concrete minifig haha. Very fun!

[@SketchyMaker]

It's why I do it, because if I came across something like this that someone else had made it would make me smile.

[@M-demo]

Thanks for posting. I love your idea Lego like figures through out a city, I'm from Granite city and was pleasant surprised. I look forward to seeing your next invasion of the Lego like figures.

[@Eligriv_maitre_constructeur]

My favorite minifig is Jonhy Thunder !

[@gregorydreams]

Pleased to have stumbled upon this amazing video... lovely work!

[@SketchyMaker]

Thanks man!

[@jackthehacker05]

sending this video to my friends, it was fantastic. hope you keep growing!

[@SketchyMaker]

Much appreciated!

[@ABCWarrior]

LOVE the content, editing and presentation

[@SketchyMaker]

Much appreciated!

[@aberroa1955]

I guess it may be too late, but in any case, you could've used a small batch of very liquid concrete to fill small details, and then pour your normal concrete on top. Concrete would settle, moving excessive water on top.

[@SketchyMaker]

Thanks for the suggestion. It is actually something I did try briefly but didn't have much success with. I will try and test it out again in the future.

[@tt_widowmaker4838]

This is Awesome

[@penguinscanfly5796]

this is awesome, crazy how much you can do just with one idea

[@SketchyMaker]

Yea once you get started ideas often just grow.

[@Gmwiseguy]

I really like this project!

[@SketchyMaker]

Thanks!

[@TimMcIntyre1]

You should pass the molds to people in other cities and they can pass them on too it'd be cool to see how far they travel

[@smam7667]

This is such an insanely good idea and it turned out so good!!

[@SketchyMaker]

Thank you!

[@Giuseppe_Paparella]

return of the sketchy maker! i'm so happy!

[@SketchyMaker]

Thank you! It had been far too long. I'm glad to be back and hopefully will be making a lot more.

[@indigo1615]

I hope you do more videos like this! It got picked up by the lego algorithm. Glad i found you

[@SketchyMaker]

Thanks, hopefully lots more videos to come.

[@Mr_and_person]

Dude, absolutely amazing video. Great job.

[@SketchyMaker]

Thanks for watching

[@ToastedShoes]

Such a cool idea!

[@SketchyMaker]

Thanks!

[@aoyellow4030]

They look so cool, you did an amazing job!

[@SketchyMaker]

Thank you!

[@johnacetable7201]

Hi. There's a way to improve your molds: you can reinforce weak points with some sort of a frame be it brass wire or whatever and you can do a double sided mold, maybe you can even use the shape of molds lego uses.

[@SketchyMaker]

Thanks for the tips, I still have a lot to learn.

[@CommandoPigeon4]

I absolutely love this idea! Great video

[@SketchyMaker]

Thanks so much 😊

[@CommandoPigeon4]

@@SketchyMakerNo prob! Just please keep up the good work!

[@noopa5229]

This is so cool. You could make a whole rock garden set outside

[@sunbl0ck]

I see Aberdeen, I upvote.

[@Campake]

This is absolutely phenomenal work, please do keep it up, it's great :)

[@SketchyMaker]

Thank you very much!

[@dlwah]

they look BEAUTIFUL

[@SketchyMaker]

Thanks!

[@scottyw0tty420]

use some brickwork wall ties, to support the more delicate areas that are prone to cracking.

[@SketchyMaker]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@yagomaligne]

Amazing content! Very inspiring.

[@SketchyMaker]

I appreciate that!

[@zugesinddoof9885]

Love yout concept - stopping Higher,bigger,more expensive 👍

[@AttemptedMaker]

Awesome project man. - you're like an art ninja! The video is great, you can really see how much work you put into this - making a whole thing for a 2 second explanation on overhangs (that was really clear).

[@SketchyMaker]

Thanks, I really enjoy the making the videos as well as the projects but it can be a bit tricky trying to do both at the same time. I'm looking forward to seeing your next video.

[@jacobwood8320]

Do Bristol, there’s a big appreciation for art and anything slightly silly😂 great idea

[@SketchyMaker]

I have had a few people suggest Bristol. I think I have pretty much decided where I'm going to do next (it's not Bristol) but who know's after that.

[@larvik1te]

Man, i love the idea

[@SketchyMaker]

Thanks man!

[@bodomatmidnight]

This video really inspired me to go on my own little city invasion with concrete figures. I went with the star wars theme. I made my first batch, and they look really cool, but some of them have loads of air bubbles. I will sort that out on the next pour. What kind of glue did you use to glue the figures to walls? Superglue or some kind of special glue for concrete?

[@SketchyMaker]

That's awesome to hear! Have you posted photos anywhere? I have had a lot of requests for Star Wars characters. I used Soudal high tack glue but am going to try some other options next time.

[@bodomatmidnight]

Didn't post any photos yet, but I will get back to you when I do. I got my molds from Aliexpress. I have Darth Vader, Stormtroopers, X wing, Millenium Falcon and R2D2. I plan on sticking near tram stops so people waiting see them. Who wouldn't smile when they see a little concrete head of Vader. Thanks for the reply 😊

[@COE33Beale]

Get yourself a vacuum chamber. It will vacuum out all of the bubbles surface

[@ChristinaWintherLolk]

Invade Billund, the home of the LEGO brick

[@SketchyMaker]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@alexela_]

I love this! It brings me back to when me and my sister had limited amounts of lego and attempted to make moulds out of them! Now, as a (slightly) older man, I see the interest for a project, paper/cardboard Lego, Silicone bendy Lego, who knows?

[@SketchyMaker]

Sounds like you have some interesting ideas. I remember seeing a video where they used a hole punch and paper to create flexible bits between bricks.

[@alexela_]

@@SketchyMaker Yes, a Playfool video! I still find them interesting! Thanks for responding.

[@SketchyMaker]

@@alexela_ I couldn't remember what their channel name was so thanks for reminding me. Their videos are so good, I just wish there were more.

[@agepbiz]

Such a fun video! Great job!

[@SketchyMaker]

Thanks! I love your new business cards, all your projects have such a high attention to detail.

[@thebricksfamily]

Great video! Thanks for sharing your journey. Would love to see some hidden around London someday! 🇬🇧☺️

[@SketchyMaker]

Thanks for watching! I feel London is due at some point, so many characters would work well there. I don't get down that way very often so it will probably require a special trip at some point.

[@4kguys]

You are hands down my favorite KZbinr!

[@SketchyMaker]

Wow, thanks!

[@andrewhofmann5453]

For a better vibration tool, try your reciprocating saw without the blade.

[@SketchyMaker]

Thanks for the tip!

[@Natalia-jb7vv]

Sometimes, it's the small projects that turn out to be the best

[@tyruswatson2115]

Well done!

[@SketchyMaker]

Thank you!

[@arborsamurai]

Wonderful and brilliant!

[@SketchyMaker]

Glad you like it!

[@arborsamurai]

@@SketchyMaker I don’t like it… I LOVE IT! 🤩

[@mopik4155]

Holy, your video quality is astonishing for the size of your channel, take my sub! I can't wait for more awesome projects. You rock dude 😂!

[@SketchyMaker]

Thanks for subscribing!

[@combatcook]

This was cool man!

[@Hobby_Hooligan]

That is a nice B&D workmate bench. Mines is shotty mdf. I really should replace the surface with natural wood. Seeing yours gives me strong hope. I also really like this concrete idea

[@SketchyMaker]

I need to build a proper workbench which is one of the reasons I had put off making anything for so long. But the workmate works well for smaller things.

[@neilerasmus2046]

Next City? Strand, South Africa!! I will help!

[@SketchyMaker]

Thanks for the suggestion. I would like to visit South Africa, just need to save some money first.

[@baiplz18]

Wow bro impressive video/work keep it up dude ❤

[@SketchyMaker]

Thanks!

[@ass010ssins5]

Your videos have such a good quality, i hope you get more views in the future

[@SketchyMaker]

Thanks for the support!

[@aph1dqueen]

this is such a cool idea!! wish i could do something similar

[@SketchyMaker]

Thanks. You could start with the mould you can buy from amazon.

[@PlasmaSon]

Honestly bro, the effort you put into this video is amazing. Giving me Casey Nastate Vibes

[@SketchyMaker]

Thanks, that's a serious compliment!

[@daysejones968]

love the idea, kinda inspiring lol

[@_Bran]

This video deserves more views

[@SketchyMaker]

For me this is a whole lot of views, but more importantly it's nice to see people enjoying it.

[@KwikBR]

this is very cool

[@thebaloosingh]

This was awesome! You have gained a subscriber 🙂

[@SketchyMaker]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@cozmoetic]

I WAS WONDERING WHERE YOU WERE Phenomenal job, all your projects are so cool

[@SketchyMaker]

Haha yea it's been a while, but it's nice to be back. Thanks for the support!

[@CainJansen]

Amazing work

[@SketchyMaker]

I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@Lyoishi]

If it's unique or odd like this, small is excellent. Hope you get more attention.

[@SketchyMaker]

I agree that small can be good. I like that people may walk past and not even notice.

[@pnoptic]

One day I found a child playing with a minifigure the size of a tangerine.

[@texyboyy]

One of the best videos i have ever watched (i have watched way to much)

[@SketchyMaker]

Well I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@TwistedEngineering]

Crazy dedication

[@SketchyMaker]

Thanks!

[@TwistedEngineering]

@@SketchyMakernp man :D

[@citrinesanimations]

I love it!!

[@SketchyMaker]

Thank you!

[@ProfessorOzone]

I did this in my neighborhood in Florida, except I welded up little stick men and attached them to street signs. Same result after a few months they were all gone.

[@SketchyMaker]

That sucks that they went but awesome that you did it!

[@ProfessorOzone]

@@SketchyMaker yeah, people seemed to like them. I therefore assume kids either smashed them or stole them. One was located at the front of our community where school buses stop.

[@rumpelpumpel7687]

sweet project. really sad that most of the figures are "gone" already.

[@SketchyMaker]

It's nice that the project got so much attention but I do think the one downside is it sped up how fast they disappeared.

[@electricwave8710]

great work,really!!

[@SketchyMaker]

Thanks a lot!

[@NamelessNancy1312]

this is exactly my idea of a perfect project. Its satisfying, hilarious, and nurtures the inner child and choas neutral urges!!!

[@SketchyMaker]

Thanks so much!

[@Thrawan]

Wow they turned out so well! I’m experimenting with ceramic slip cast molds for a future video, which has been taking a while. This inspired me to keep going!

[@SketchyMaker]

Slip casting looks pretty interesting, I can't wait to see what you're working on. Your videos really are amazing!

[@MrHumbuck]

Very fun idea, and you've done a great job with the video you've made out of it! You must pay a lot of attention to detail when editing. The figures will have been a lovely sight for the people who came across them IRL, too

[@SketchyMaker]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@romeisfallingagain]

incredible. fantastic

[@jshet]

Nicely done

[@SketchyMaker]

Thanks!