Tips for transitioning from building sets to creating your own designs? How do you get started with MOCs?

Hey Lego enthusiasts!

I've been enjoying building official Lego sets for a while now, but I'm really interested in starting to create my own designs, also known as MOCs (My Own Creations). I know it can be quite a leap from following instructions to coming up with original ideas, so I'm looking for some advice and tips from those who have made the transition.

Here are a few specific questions I have:

  1. Where do I start? - What’s a good first step for someone new to designing their own builds? Should I start with something simple or jump right into a complex project?
  2. Inspiration - Where do you find inspiration for your MOCs? Are there particular websites, books, or communities you recommend?
  3. Planning and Designing - How do you plan your builds? Do you sketch them out first, use digital design tools like Lego Digital Designer or BrickLink Studio, or just start building and see where it takes you?
  4. Techniques and Skills - What are some essential building techniques or skills I should learn to improve my designs? Are there any tutorials or resources that helped you?
  5. Organizing Pieces - How do you keep your Lego pieces organized, especially when working on custom builds? Any tips for sorting and storing?
  6. Feedback and Improvement - What’s the best way to get feedback on my MOCs? Are there communities or forums where I can share my work and get constructive criticism?
  7. Overcoming Challenges - What were some of the challenges you faced when you first started creating MOCs, and how did you overcome them?

Any additional tips or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Feel free to share your own MOCs as examples—I’d love to see what you’ve built!

Thanks in advance for your help and happy building! 🚀