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

[@VerticalSkills]

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!

[@lonelyheh]

I like ur pfp

[@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.

[@peachie_tea_]

this is why i am such a big advocate for build tutorials! when i was younger i was teased for copying tutorials and now people are shocked when i tell them that i learned to be a good builder by watching and building tutorials. its not shameful, and its not lame.

[@Ippogrifus]

I love realistic messy style so much thank you

[@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

[@michaxl.]

I draw all the time and somehow I never thought of using references for my builds until it was mentioned in this and now it seems like the most obvious thing in the world. I just went and casually made my best build yet and I'm genuinely excited to build more. Love this video

[@kayw8224]

What? That’s great! =D Sometimes we just need to be told how to think in a slightly different way to have those lightbulb moments. I love using graphing paper. A 1 to 1 square/block ratio doesn’t ever seem to *quite* add up… maybe I just suck at that… But it still gives a great estimation all the same, whether it lines up or not. I do some of my builds like that in Terraria as well.

[@o-henry]

This stuff is what the internet should be made for. Someone who actually has to say something useful and does so in an understandable way. Great build and great teaching, thank you.

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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!

[@lavoice21]

This is incredibly helpful. I’ve watched so many how-to video on building techniques, but this approach is sooooo powerful. And the delivery was on point.

[@Emiannder]

I’m so glad you found it helpful, and thank you!

[@zaeemchogle8219]

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

[@renealbrechtsen9743]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@zu1200]

Nothing can beat the oak plank cube design for your base. Truly the greatest design oat

[@______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

[@o-henry]

Just came back here yet again. The pragmatic and dense information is such a nice contrast to a 1,5h building "guide" I watched just before. Thanks again!

[@BlaqPrune]

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

[@QuarkOfficial]

Goose brain has successfully expanded

[@Emiannder]

Loose the goose 👀

[@nicolasdavies4129]

lol

[@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!

[@timothysmith2321]

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

[@Just_Me_Being_Myself]

Thank you for breaking it down like that. I have been wanting to stop copying builds, but just didn't know what the next step is and how to use references. It was too overwhelming. Now I might actually try.

[@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.

[@OG_ContactorMC]

Ah, love to collab! I'll use your video series to teach minecraft players I know. I've had 5 years of minecraft building experince and about 1 year experince with BTE, and it hard for teaching builder friends, so hard to explain. You've explained alot easier than I can!

[@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 👍🏻

[@aliencyborg1715]

I've been using these tips for a few months now, and it really inspired me and as well as made me a better builder.

[@houseking9211]

I've never really thought about it, but whenever I make my best builds it's always using some combination of refrerences. Usually I will combine mediums, but it always takes me a long time to get it finished. It's good to know that I was doing something that people that are way better at building than me regularly do.

[@thejonbmc]

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

[@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!

[@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 ❤❤

[@YuuExussum]

The grid overlay trick is GENIUS

[@Freestyle_Rider]

This is really cool, I cant wait for part 2!!! I love your explanation of everything, not too fast that I miss stuff, but not over-obsessive! I think youve done well : )

[@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 :)

[@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 😄

[@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!

[@DreamBlissYT]

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

[@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

[@Lyricashmyrica]

Can't wait for the next one, this was the best building tutorial I've ever seen. And to top it off, my favorite Minecrafter put his seal of approval in the comments, shut up and take my viewership 😭🫶

[@OversizedPringleToe]

Probably one of the best tutorials for building ever.

[@Emiannder]

Thank you Oversized Pringle Toe 👍

[@JessicaLa]

as a non artist, watching you build was so satisfying

[@OddManMC]

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

[@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.

[@Lellela]

I love that you did something from Petra, as soon as I saw the build on screen, I yelled, "THE TREASURY!!!!" I love ancient civilizations, and find the Nabateans fascinating. I was currently looking for building inspiration to make a world filled with ancient civilizations :) Ancient Carthage will be hard.

[@awetrinity]

Thank you thank you thank youuu for this video! I have been wanting to get better at building and have watched many videos on tips and such but nothing comes close to what you have done here! you have helped me understand things so much more clear and I am genuinely excited to start trying out these tips. ♥

[@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!

[@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✅

[@rainey82]

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

[@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!

[@sho310yt]

Such a great vid. I used concept art before, but now I understand it way better! The grid system & hueblocks are a game changer for me

[@xXYellowFlash]

I’m recently going back to school for art and been getting back into Minecraft. My two worlds are colliding and I love it. Great video!!

[@meloman7077]

I'm feeling the Bob Ross vibes and I love it✨ "Trust the process, no mistakes here"

[@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

[@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.

[@MisterFoxzee]

Using concept art for reference has been such an amazing change to my building. I've improved more in the last 1.5 years than the 12/13 year before that. Not through concept art alone ofcourse, but a game changer forsure!

[@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!

[@rukeyburg1084]

Really got used to Grian, but it always nice when other people come from design principles! As from color theory, brand design or actually architecture, there are probably more. And a 40 minute long video, perfect

[@yuliaaksenova7932]

Wow such a great video and building is just soo good! I’m a bit of an artist myself, but for some reasons I’ve never thought to bring those skills to Minecraft. Thanks, it’s truly eye-opening

[@Angirr96]

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

[@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

[@Cardioid2035]

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

[@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

[@jhiantgames]

This is great stuff. You got my subscription and looking forward to more builds. The "build along with me" portion is super mellow and fun to watch as it comes together, and also not knowing together how it is going to end up and that there will be some twists and turns keeps it fresh. It's important to give credit for the reference images. Those artists deserve it for their wonderful work. Absolutely love your focus on _smaller_scale_ builds that are more in line with what most of us want to see in our survival worlds -- compare with massive creative team builds that are fun for shorts but not realistic for casual players. And also, particularly appreciate the focus on palette as a means as opposed to the end all be all. A lot of times you just see "use a palette" and you're left with a lot of missing steps or ideas for getting to an interesting, detailed, information rich build that is not a dirt house. Thank you! Good luck with your channel.

[@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.

[@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! :)

[@Smooth_Voronoi]

I hope this channel aint dead.

[@SixWings]

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

[@Emiannder]

More to come soon!

[@andrew14allen92]

This video is incredible. We need more uploads!

[@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!

[@enzodl2656]

Extremely necessary video!!!! Absolutely perfect.

[@Jefftried]

I NEED MORE!!!! This was so helpful, and you are a great teacher! Please continue the series :D

[@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.

[@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!

[@iris-impressions-art]

This is an amazing video, thank you so much for making it! I've been playing Minecraft for quite some time, but I always get bored because of approaching things purely functionally. So recently I started playing more slowly and instead focussing on the art of things (I'm actually an artist, but never thought to combine that skillset with Minecraft) and building from real life reference (like being inspired on holiday by the architecture of villages in the Alps), and I'm having SO much more fun. I feel like your video filled in some gaps in my knowledge and gave me some amazing tips to incorporate as I continue on this journey. Especially appreciated your breakdown of how to use a grid, and the section where you built in real time from the reference image.

[@igorrodrigues2532]

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

[@erop7785]

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

[@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!

[@raulguidinigtr]

this is an lesson about creativity itself, honestly.

[@FolliYt]

Great tips!

[@Emiannder]

Thank you !!

[@sebastian8922]

Awesome video, so glad the algorithm brought it to my feed.

[@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!

[@Mrcheese3187]

im a minecraft player and an artist (or so i tell myself), and ive gotten a lot better at building from reference thanks to this. :)

[@albertoperez4216]

That scream at 14:53 scared me so much because I have a cave dweller mod in my playthrough and thought it had spawned in because of the scream

[@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

[@astronomy2_0]

Incredibly useful video! I’m waiting for part two

[@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

[@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. ❤

[@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!

[@DaPuffinMC]

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

[@carinaranda9258]

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

[@Be4TheEnd]

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

[@brennenacosta8727]

I have been struggling to even start Minecraft builds, much less finish them. I think this video shows a great approach for practicing; taking a relatively small build from concept art and bringing it to life.

[@tomoxford8815]

Great video, lots of really useful advice, thanks!

[@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.