The #1 Tip to Improve Your Builds - Using Reference Pt. 1 || Build Like an Artist Ep. 1

[@ThatMumboJumbo]

Building from concept art has been a game changer for me! This is such a great video.

[@leonewashere]

hey Mumbo! you making your own concept art has been super inspiring o7

[@ZiRR0]

WHAT MUMBO JUMBO

[@zephaniah2979]

Watchout hermits. Mumbo's got an ace up his sleeves

[@VerticalSkill]

ayoo mumbo commented on this video? who is this youtuber to be commented by mumbo

[@francisabellana445]

MUMBOO!

[@doornumb]

I've seen a wave of artists teaching art lessons for Minecraft recently and I've now become addicted to it

[@Emiannder]

That’s amazing, I’ll have to look those up

[@Wendy3Dimensional]

I would like to see those videos, too, if you have any specific videos you liked. 😄

[@Wendy3Dimensional]

I’m loving this art in Minecraft wave. Bdubs is especially skilled at it, I feel like.

[@shainaa3398]

me too

[@sw_tomsolo1442]

I agree, but I unfortunately, I am seeing only service level concepts. On the deep end, is where you really learn the blocks and what effects they can create. Think about BdoubleO he has improved a lot over the last year or so, where he is, is where I think the close to the peak of the art of mine raft building is, using the features of the game very wisely and smart. And there is people even better than him in discord communities who have no videos sadly.

[@konivad]

dude ive been wanting to build exactly like this for so long but never found any tutorials. this is just perfect

[@Emiannder]

Happy to help!

[@TheOrionSound]

Banger vid for me, a non-artist that wings it every time, i am LEARNING

[@Emiannder]

Learnings are what we do here! The next few vids I have planned are also geared towards beginners/wingers so stay tuned for those

[@sweettea735]

I like that you’re not afraid to use unorthodox blocks in your build (blocks that you wouldn’t normally use for building) to create a cohesive build.

[@Nephelangelo]

This is a superb video, maybe one of the best building videos I’ve seen. I would also add that, people should never hesitate to base your design off another existing design. Virtually all architectural design is a reshuffling of different elements taken from existing buildings, they’re not wholly original designs. It’s all a copy of a copy, with some creative innovation sprinkled in. Especially if you want something to look real, you have to copy something that already exists. And the best thing about designing a build is, you don’t have to commit. You can always throw it out and start over if you think something feels wrong, but the mere act of recreating other existing designs will teach you countless things about what works and what doesn’t. And when you get good, you will learn to pick and choose and recombine elements you like into new configurations that are wholly original.

[@Emiannder]

This is a perfect summary of how reference is and should be used, thank you for this

[@Ippogrifus]

I love realistic messy style so much thank you

[@r2Kd0ugernaut]

you speak with well constructed sentences and full coherent thoughts. i find your lack of filler words and ability to speak without exaggerated plosives or glottal noise very pleasant to listen to. this is a refreshing change from the average minecraft youtuber... thank you!

[@Emiannder]

Wow thank you so much!

[@Fuckalope-cm5dk]

lol

[@Fuckalope-cm5dk]

glottal noise huh

[@pixelzebra8440]

I can not possibly explain just how good this building video is. I’ve been playing Minecraft for nearly a decade and I’ve never come across a Minecraft building video THIS good. I love drawing and introducing it into Minecraft and proving it to be a medium of its own really combines two of my favorite interests and I love it so much. Showing how to look at references is so helpful and it is so great to show how you can apply it to anything instead of many other videos I’ve seen where people just show hacks. This video really is so helpful. Thank you for making it.

[@QuarkOfficial]

Goose brain has successfully expanded

[@Emiannder]

Loose the goose 👀

[@nicolasdavies4129]

lol

[@renealbrechtsen9743]

I haven't really seen anyone showing us the process of going from reference to a full build before. Great stuff :)

[@gyananchan4256]

Looking at Mumbo’s recent builds was what inspired me to try learning building too so seeing his comment here really feels like the universe led me full circle

[@Mvllon]

The wave of people using blocks as their color instead of what they actually are is the building change I have always wanted to see, I hope I can put these lessons into practice, great video!

[@layncemc]

I thought today couldn't get any better, and then this video drops! life is full of surprises

[@fogartyfox592]

What else happened today?

[@saptakkarar7544]

@@fogartyfox592 😂😂

[@okayderp]

I see you, Laynce.

[@zaeemchogle8219]

honestly using references is like a switch. It made my buildings look so much better. Thank you for starting this series! new sub

[@______Daniel]

Oh my god the grid + one square is a window or 2x1 is a door is so INSANELY useful. Like it’s almost too useful. All the rules of thumb are supposed to be know but I’ve NEVER known that. Amazing vid, this is also my first time seeing one of your vids. Insta sub and can’t wait to check out more

[@Zakjechipsouleh]

This video changed my entire view on building. I've tried the tips you gave and I'm actually happy with what I've created today. It took a few hours but I'm really enjoying it. Keep up your great work!

[@BlaqPrune]

This is a fantastic video! You definitely deserve a bigger audience.

[@vradenknight4872]

I’ve used concept art to build before, but you just gave me the tools to do it much better! Please make more of these videos. Thank you 👍🏻

[@sosukestudios8929]

I'm pretty sure that "ladder feature" on the bottom right of the reference is a sunken in staircase leading up to the balcony above. ALOT of houses and shop fronts in certain areas have those. Would look hella cool if implemented into your build because it would add a lot of depth to the front of the build and provide cool interaction to the interior by allowing a way up to the balcony

[@dunderheadgood]

this is fantastic!! i’m not a beginner builder but lately i’ve found myself stuck to making builds on a grid as a crutch, and this vid totally is helping me break from that! thanks :)

[@hoobslice]

I was watching GeminiTay and she was talking about how often she uses her knowledge of art and painting to help with her builds (framing them, placement of buildings and trees, etc), so this video popping up is such a nice coincidence!

[@milyrockz]

whenever I was in school and bored I'd always draw out what I wanted my builds to look like and for some reason those always looked better than my freehand builds when it came to details and overall cohesiveness, but I never really realized it was cause I drew it out, I thought it was better cause "it just was". This makes much more sense!

[@JessicaLa]

as a non artist, watching you build was so satisfying

[@Gatsuuga16]

HUNDREDS OF BLOCKS TALL! .....*46 Lol not sure why but that cracked me up. This was a beautiful and easy to understand explanation of how you can use reference images as inspiration. I graduated with a BFA in graphic design and i still love to see people come up with their own ways of breaking down how to use references. Such a good video!

[@SkillSyndicate]

Great video, helped me out alot. I build everything the same as references but u showed that there is space to be creative, im gonna use that and become a better builder bc of you. Thank you 😄

[@thejonbmc]

The grid overlay is just absolute genius. I struggle with figuring out scale and that was a revelation

[@OversizedPringleToe]

Probably one of the best tutorials for building ever.

[@Emiannder]

Thank you Oversized Pringle Toe 👍

[@somnusjupiter8977]

2k followers is a lot… but I think it’s shaming you as a person. This video is genuinely amazing, and helped me a ton ❤❤

[@PikelGuy1252]

concept art has increased my builds in an extreme way and is an amazing tip.

[@deltatoy1552]

Something I have found helpful is using the same reference and trying out several different techniques/styles/variations/repetitions. The same reference has helped me find multiple designs I have liked for a lamppost.

[@TheCoffeePowder]

Great demonstration!! I watched the entire video because it was that interesting. This is something that many others will find helpful as it was to me. I'm definitely using a grid next time

[@Ironsight_Army]

The Queen is back!!!!

[@Gofaw]

cringe simp

[@unicorndoo3372]

This is an amazing video! Years ago I was very interested in building in Minecraft, but I was never very good at it. I struggled finding my own creative ideas. But these tips are so great, it makes me want to go back and try it again. I'm sure this video will help a lot of new builders so thank you for taking the time to make it. I am looking forward to the next episodes :)

[@Cardioid2035]

10/10 content subscribed 👍 I’m definitely gonna binge the SalvagePunk playlist later

[@igorrodrigues2532]

I literally lost track of time with this video😅. Is very good

[@Pekieend]

I love this video, everything you say is true and it even applies to other mediums. I for example started painting and choosing my references really helps getting started. However i do think technique and creative intuition is needed to be able to make full use of this tip. Someone might be naturally drawn to using reference but lacks the skill (again, me with painting) to make it work. I hope this series also will cover those topics, and especially with the detail you have given this one. Truly unique advice i have never heard in another Minecraft building video. Keep it up :)

[@Emiannder]

That is absolutely the goal! I wanted to cover reference first because I do believe it’s the basis of all art, we will also cover form, contrast, value, colour, and much more

[@Pekieend]

@@Emiannder im hyped, even as someone that doesnt do minecraft builds often anymore. Subbed✅

[@DreamBlissYT]

Loved that "...drawing a tree..." part :D Good video, thank you for sharing it!

[@timothysmith2321]

Please, please keep making these! It's so cool to hear an artist talk through every step of their process!

[@niodium7195]

13:00 Justatheory Since the blueish colour is hard to find in Minecraft, you could keep those cooler blocks as neutral grey, and the warmer beige tones to be more warmer. So you can keep the difference in colour temperature!

[@membobb]

omg underated channel with amazing content :)OO

[@OptFgt]

Popped up in my feed for unknown reasons, took a chance and I was engaged from start to finish. I'll be looking at some previous videos now. Hopefully not an underrated channel for long.

[@sabinekine2737]

I'm glad I build in Vintage Story and have access to so much when it comes to chiselling, different door sizes, and then the steady grind for the best and most aesthetic blocks to give a sense of pride.

[@karibmahtab]

As an artist, I can confirm that we use many different reference to get the inspiration I use this technique of using multiple reference to create traditional art aswell as music

[@MoguinYT]

What a great video! It's my first time on your channel, and you've definitely earned a sub!

[@publiconions6313]

Me too - absolutely agreed

[@UbersweMinecraft]

What a great video! This popped up on YT home at the perfect time as I am trying to become a better builder! Thank you!

[@rnindless]

The tips that you share sound exactly 1:1 to how you learn to paint, draw, etc

[@OddManMC]

Great explanation! I've been using concept art for years, but I learned so much! Thank you!

[@luckylane0]

I have learned so much from this video! I've been watching TheLoosestGoose's color theory videos in Minecraft and I feel like combining that with these tips would really help improve my builds drastically! Thanks for sharing this video! You've gained a sub from me!

[@Emiannder]

That's awesome! I plan on doing some more vids with colour as well so stay tuned for those

[@wheat4664]

I think the way you build is absolutely awesome sauce. The video was super well done too!

[@Emiannder]

Thanks man, I love your vids !

[@TotalThomasMan]

This is such a great video! As a builder, this was a great refresh for me! Looking forward to more!

[@rainey82]

So happy you popped up in my feed! Great tools and techniques!

[@AnnBurr560]

yes the content weve all been waiting 4

[@farzana_614]

this is so cool!! never thought of building like like. you inspired me a lot. keep posting more videos like this. Also love this build!

[@orge9711]

Stan 616 is a great example of this building style, love how the building style mixes with shadows and blending, I use it all the time

[@CatsAreUs_]

The builds looks so good! Can't wait to add this to my buildings for further improvements. This is actually want i need!! Thank you so much and great video btw! :D

[@noahhann]

I cant tell you how long I’ve searched for this type of building tutorial. The only person I knew that built like this was bdubs. I’ve always search for a “realistic/picturest” type of buliding, Thanks!

[@hyperryft]

omg this video is so helpful. just watching it made me 40% better at building already

[@erop7785]

Great work, keep it up. Will be waiting for next parts to drop

[@Mo0tGD]

thank you for this perfect tutorial you made me feel like i have the power to create something i can be proud of

[@DaPuffinMC]

Amazing video! Never thought of using the grid method in Minecraft. Might need to try it

[@enzodl2656]

Extremely necessary video!!!! Absolutely perfect.

[@NickAndriadze]

About half a year ago, I decided to build a random building sketch of mine in Minecraft. It was the first time I've ever genuinely enjoyed Minecraft building in years! Building off of concept art is definitely a huge recommendation from me if you want to enjoy Minecraft building in a different way, even though it's mostly just because I personally really love drawing buildings.

[@benjaminvillemaire3508]

when i saw how many subscribers you had i was stunned. i thought surely you would have atlest 100k. amazing video amazing everything really. praying on you blowup!!! :)

[@Emiannder]

Thank you so much!

[@Emiannder]

Me too hehe!

[@CosmicCritter]

Very excited for this series! I just discovered your channel and I love how well you describe art theory and help newer creative minecraft builders get their foot in the door. This video was super helpful for me as I'm usually a survival MC player but wanting to branch out in more of the creative scene. As a fellow artist this really was easy to follow and made a lot of sense. Thank you and I'm excited to see more of your videos like this!

[@julianolasco6291]

This video has helped me. Because I’ve been looking for something like this and it helps alot. Because I was inspired by bdub07 the youtuber’s builds. I just came across your channel just now and ive fallen in love with this way. I’ve always wanted to learn how. Your video makes me want to go play and go practice now. Thank you!! Thank you so much!! I can’t wait to try this! God bless!! Bye!

[@TheHaddonfieldRegistry]

Wow, a series? With the first installment being 40 minutes?? Subbed, please help me rise above dirt huts and 1x9 walls

[@Angirr96]

Extremely well made and relaxing video, you deserve waay more subs!

[@tomoxford8815]

Great video, lots of really useful advice, thanks!

[@vmoralessz]

I just got recommended and i enjoyed so much this video. While you were building i was thinking about every detail following your thoughts and almost everything i was imagining the same way. I play minecraft since 2013 i believe and i study architecture. We use lots of references and while playing I also like to use. Reeally good content.❤

[@vmoralessz]

Ooh you have built petra😭 I ve already drew in my sketch book

[@SixWings]

Such an interesting video with helpful tips. I'm looking forward to the next episodes. 🙂

[@Emiannder]

More to come soon!

[@martin_smartin]

This was a really good video with so many great tips for better building. Thanks and congrats on the success of it! :D

[@WeShallLoveOn]

Great video. The grid overlay is one I never thought to do on reference images. Crazy since I play DND and use grids all the time.

[@arcamaru8116]

so this is the trick all along!!! I've been building the exact references that I have been inspired by but I now I'm kinda okay with changing a few things every now and then. ❤

[@smolcatzz]

Fantastic video. Using references truly elevates building on so many levels. I'd love to throw out there that architectural reference books exist, and you can often find them cheaply at thrift stores or secondhand bookstores. I have a bunch and often pull them out when I need some Irl references.

[@hatmanbuilder]

Grid overlay! Somehow I never thought about that! Maybe I kinda have it in my head when I look at the building photo, but.. this can help! My favourite is real life reference. I just like the build to make sense in real life and I enjoy "translating" the real life build into the blocky world! But I really need to learn texturing and detailing, my builds are kina tooo... plain..

[@-CFate-]

I love the creative process you show us. It inspire me to build like this a lot more. Thank you

[@Bobzzin]

this is so cool! cant wait for next episode!

[@Werewolf914]

This is a great video, I've been building a City that's based off of Victorian London and a bit of 1900s US and so I've been using IRL references just looking at building, and not copying exactly because I like to take something and then add on things I like so for example I've got more of a Dieselpunk theme and then also exaggerate the Gothic style with more spikes and things Still got a lot to learn though I'd still say I'm not that good of a builder but I think references has definitely made me improve

[@ranielleyoutube1518]

True, I do this most of the time to my builds, most of my nights I dream of what my next Build Design then find numerous references that would be near enough to what my dream was and mixed all the references and build them. Also I hope your channel grow further, everyone starts from the bottom.

[@mintycheddar3854]

An excellent artistic MC skill-building video! As I watched a few other ideas came to mind: many of the structures shown appear agglomerated or concreted on a core structure - identify the core structure and add to it without necessarily adhering to the core architecture; consider the size and purpose of interior spaces - sketch floorplans then add walls and consider building top-down to ensure the upper spaces are large enough. Be willing to slide the block palette one way or another to get a more attractive gradient. Scaling up is great for finer detail, especially in Creative, and can make structures look more impressive in Survival. Be willing to experiment, building and rebuilding over and over, especially in Creative. Practice and experience make everything better! Gradients seem to be all the rage; I'd like to see more instruction on how to create attractive gradients. Otherwise, thanks for the excellent and timely instruction! I'll be looking forward to more!

[@GiddyFoxGaming]

This was SO helpful and I'm really inspired by using references for building. I will be heading to my world to do some practice asap. Thanks so much for sharing this! ☺️

[@Emiannder]

Glad it was helpful!

[@agravemisunderstanding9668]

One tip i will give for interiors (while mostly tangential to art) is to do something architects do where they consider how a buildings inhabitant will navigate throughout it, why are they here? What might they want to do upon entering? What might you want them to see? What might they want to do after that, and so what room should they be entering next? For example, when designing a house the kitchen dining room, and lounge should all be close together, The kitchen should be further away from the main entrance, the lounge should be closer to the dining room and entrance than the kitchen and the kitchen should have easy unobstructed access to the dining room. This way; Someone entering is immediately greeted with the comforts and displays of the lounge, someone cooking can easily bring food to the dining room, without having to worry about tight corridors or dropping the food onto furniture in the lounge, the kitchen is also likely to be messy and may even have servants, things you might want to keep out of sight from guests your showing off too. The dining room is close to the lounge that way after a hearty meal the tired guests can easily go and relax and perhaps lay down. Idk it helps me find a flow and a direction when making interiors

[@mozzi0493]

3:45 that credit to Jersmy Boy if you didn’t end up mentioning him I would’ve and I’m glad you did because it’s an absolute perfect example of different-medium reference

[@jakekeltoncrafts]

I love this and an excellent teaching video, but I hope that you also go into (in a future video) how to "fill the back in", as Grian has showcased that getting the beautiful "money shot" is one thing, but creating the sides and back is a whole additional challenge. I personally also love the challenge of mixing the build with the terrain (my Senaburg village is built on a slope), as it adds a lot more realism and fluidity when builds have different elevations based on where they are built, vs everything being made on one flat plane. Also, all the cats meowing are hilarious. Great video!

[@SilverMagicTechnica]

I really loved this, I can't wait to see the next video!

[@wavestomars]

Thank you! I've been trying to learn more about art and trying to improve my builds. This video is super helpful, and taught me how to bretter use refrences. Thank you again for the tips and the cool grid trick.

[@Emiannder]

Happy to help, stay tuned for more coming soon!

[@Bryce_H]

You'll grow for sure

[@PunkR0ckz09]

I am sad that there is only 1 episode of this. Please make more.

[@MyYoutube-my3ok]

the only long minecraft video that I didnt skip even once

[@Emiannder]

I am honoured

[@MineKoenigJannisGerzen]

This is a so different type of building than I do. But its very interesting!

[@Emiannder]

That’s the thing I love about this technique, it works for any build style!

[@TigerJake]

You're a great teacher! The step-by-step part of this video was so cool and informative, and your tip about converting reference images to grayscale to focus on values was super insightful and helpful, too. I feel so inspired to build now, and I'm so curious to see what you discuss for your next part of this series. Thanks for the video! And looking forward to more survival videos, too! :)

[@Ironsight_Army]

LETS GOOOO!!!

[@entityeoe2285]

randomly got recommended this. I totally agree! I was thinking (currently building) of remaking Anime scenes into Minecraft, the 'camera' position and image context for some scenes I feel isn't over the top or too bland/realistic and I can freely make the Minecraft skins too.

[@YuKi-bq4td]

HI I'm a STEM student currently going on my way for architecture xD I love these build videos as an artist

[@user-np9jf1qr7m]

Loved it! Hope to see next expisode soon

[@isabelbrown7574]

This video was actually so helpful as for years I’ve been stuck in the loop of grinding Minecraft but watching tutorials to build everything (I would switch out the wood tones as I prefer spruce and dark oak) and then lose interest as I’m just copying others builds not play for a while and then get a Minecraft itch and start the whole process over on a new world. I am on a server with my friends now which has helped as I have opinions and input on how to add texture but still wasn’t sure how to create my own builds still. Sorry for the long comment but I just really appreciate this video as I know it will help so much and I’m re inspired to build now ❤️

[@carinaranda9258]

Thank you for guiding us desperate builders on this journey! This video helped me a lot, I'm looking forward to the next :)

[@majestia19]

Awesome video! Thank you so much! I just discovered you! Looking forward to more videos!

[@be4theend456]

About time something like this came around.. wholly thankful youtube decided to chuck this one at me. I'll be sticking around I've wanted to learn this style for quite a while - I have an unhealthy addiction to desaturated colours and tones! - and your explanations actually make sense lol

[@noviceboards4451]

thank you so much for this! honestly one of the best videos I've come across on building!

[@Emiannder]

Glad to hear it! Working on another one soon!