LEGO Designs: Brickheadz Link

I have played the Legend of Zelda series ever since I was a kid, and have always looked forward to whenever a new game releases. So when thinking of what was to be my first project in Bricklink Stud.io, I figured a Brickheadz model would be a great way to learn the system and test it out, and who better than a nostalgic character from my childhood. 

As for the challenges in the design, the first I came across was the collar. I didn’t want it to be flat with the rest, and I tried a few different ways before I landed on this one that looks really clean. 

Next challenge was the hair. Link has always had wild hair that sticks out beyond his cap, and looking at other designers’ versions online, I felt the hair dominated too much. I feel I’ve struck a good balance between his hair and capline. 

Next, the cap. It’s supposed to be conical in the games, so it was a challenge to not use as many pieces making it bulky, but still achieving the curve, but also the pointy end.

And then, the shield. The Hyrule Shield is almost as iconic as Link himself, so it was especially important to get not just right, but also LEGO right. The three yellow tiles represent the iconic Triforce, where the singular red one represents the Hyrule emblem. I have also included an alternate version at the end that has more red for the emblem. The colors and placement should help any fan of the series instantly recognize it as Link’s trusty shield. 

Lastly, it is a known topic of discussion amongst dedicated Zelda fans, whether or not Link is right- or left handed. Fortunately, this is LEGO, and potential fans can build this in whatever orientation they wish. There might also be some who notice that this Link is a little mix of his incarnations. Although his collar is reminiscent of Link from Ocarina of Time, the belt buckle is closer to the toon style Link from Wind Waker. His earring is as also shared among several different ones.

My main goal with this design was to make him recognizable as Link, with the different borrowed features be a from of easter egg. So instead of being a specific one, it's just Link.

Thank you for reading to the end. I hope you enjoyed my rendition of Link from the Legend of Zelda series!