![]() ![]() But you know - well ok, you see where we are today… (smiles) One thing I remember back from when I was in my education, we were working on Macintosh computers, and we had two hours weekly working on Macintosh computers and it was obvious that the teacher he didn’t believe in it – it was something that was useless. I’d have to say it’s not something I’m using a lot. So with my background that’s of course a benefit. So of course, we’re very much involved in designs, or how the packaging’s going to end up. Jens: Well it’s definitely something that has meant that when we were getting new packaging, I’m the first person who points out if there’s something that’s not done right. TBB: How do you think that that background in lithography and design has helped you over the last 20 years? So that’s why I felt really, really good coming to LEGO where there’s more opportunity to use my creativity. I come from the graphic trade, I was educated as a lithographer - it does not even exist anymore! (chuckles) So for me I was really happy about getting the LEGO job, but a little disappointed because of where I came from because of what I thought of it being more creative, but it wasn’t. Jens: Well again, it was totally something different. TBB: What was your educational background? But at that time I was really into comics and making my own drawings on Star Wars, so I had interest, so it was with other thing but not together with LEGO. But I can’t remember making my own Star Wars models, even though it was a big interest. And then I spent a lot of time making my own creations. ![]() At that time, as far back as I can remember, I was building houses and stuff like that, and then I remember I had some of the first lego trains sets as well and I still have pictures of myself playing with them. Jens: I’m Danish, and as you know, in Denmark every kid plays with LEGO, right? Same thing for me. TBB: Did you grow up playing with LEGO as well? Did you build your own Star Wars models before you joined LEGO? And then before I started on that, I saw a job application for a permanent position as model builder and I got the job. At that event in Copenhagen, there were some LEGO people there, and they were looking to hire designers not for model builders but for making new prototypes for new elements, and well I was of course interested in that. ![]() I have a hobby building plastic model kits, which mainly is of World War II stuff. In 1998 I was participating in a model building exhibition. I really, really loved LEGO but I was never thinking of it as a profession or a career to be honest. LEGO has been a great part of my life for as long as I remember. Jens Kronveld Frederiksen: A little bit of a weird story and coincidence. The Brothers Brick: Just about every LEGO builder’s dream is to become a set designer. Read through to the end to learn a really cool detail about the movie Millennium Falcon Jens saw during a visit to Pinewood Studios during the filming of The Force Awakens! Jens has been with LEGO for more than 20 years, and shares his insights on how he joined the company, what lessons he’s learned over the years, and how LEGO balances input from both kids and adults. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of LEGO Star Wars, I recently sat down with Jens Kronveld Frederiksen, the Director of Design for the LEGO Star Wars line. ![]()
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