How to Buy the Right LEGO Bricks for Your Album Cover Mosaic

Creating your own LEGO album cover is not only a creative project but also a bit like puzzling at a professional level. Choosing the right LEGO bricks is crucial: Not every color is easy to find, and there are differences in sizes, shapes, and sources. In this article, we'll walk you step by step on how to get the pieces you need efficiently while saving time and money.

1. Generate the Correct Parts List

Before you even think about buying bricks, you should have an accurate parts list. Our Brickbuilt Album Cover Generator does this automatically:

  • Upload your desired album cover.
  • Adjust colors that are hard to find or that you don't want to use.
  • Export the .bsx file for BrickLink or save the list as a PDF/CSV.

Tipp: Double-check the list before placing orders. Sometimes similar colors appear twice and can be consolidated.

2. Where to Buy Bricks

There are several options for buying LEGO bricks:

a) BrickLink

BrickLink is the standard marketplace for individual LEGO pieces. You can upload your .bsx file directly and create a Wanted List. The platform will then show you sellers who have all or most of the parts.

Advantages:
  • Large selection of colors and shapes
  • Price comparison possible
  • Direct upload of your list
Disadvantages:
  • Shipping costs vary
  • Some sellers have minimum order amounts

b) LEGO Pick-a-Brick

The official LEGO website also offers individual pieces via Pick-a-Brick. Selection is limited, but quality is guaranteed.

Advantages:
  • Official LEGO shop
  • Consistent quality
  • Good customer support
Disadvantages:
  • Fewer color variants
  • Higher price per piece

c) Second-Hand Markets

eBay, local flea markets, or specialized LEGO groups on social media can offer bargains.

Advantages:
  • Cheaper
  • Potential to find rare colors
Disadvantages:
  • Quality varies
  • No consistent standard

3. Color Variants and Substitutions

Sometimes the exact shade you need is hard to find. In that case:

  • Use similar colors: Our generator shows all colors with LEGO color codes. You can safely pick alternatives that look good.
  • Creative combinations: Mixing plates of different colors can create unique effects and make your mosaic stand out.

Note: Keep a record of all changes in your parts list to avoid confusion during assembly

4. Consider Sizes and Shapes

Most mosaics use 1×1 plates, but depending on your design, larger plates can make assembly easier. Before buying:

  • Check the preview and see if you want to combine pieces.
  • Ensure all plates are compatible.
  • Consider base strength - larger plates can be more stable.

5. Budget Planning

The cost of a complete album cover mosaic can vary widely:

  • Mosaics using cheap and few colors usually cost between $20-50
  • Mosaics using cheap but a lot of colors can cost up to $120
  • Mosaics using expensive & rare colors may cost up to $300

Tipp: Compare prices across multiple platforms, especially if you need rare colors.

6. Optimize Orders and Shipping

  • Consolidate all pieces into a single order list.
  • Check if sellers offer combined shipping.
  • Plan ahead: International shipping may take several weeks.

7. Prepare Before Building

Before you start building:

  • Sort plates by color and quantity.
  • Check every order for completeness.
  • Set up a well-lit workspace.

A well-prepared mosaic saves time and prevents frustration and mistakes during assembly.

Conclusion

Choosing the right LEGO bricks is just as important as the building itself. With a clear parts list, thoughtful color choices, the right buying platform, and a bit of planning, your album cover mosaic can not only look great but also be assembled smoothly. Use these tips to shop efficiently and complete your project stress-free.