Turning a Special Interest Into a Brick Mosaic

If someone you love has a special interest, a brick mosaic of it can be both a project and a keepsake: their pet, a favorite train, a character they love, or their family, built brick by brick from a photo. This guide covers how to choose a subject, how to pick a photo that turns into a clear mosaic, and a few things to know before you start.

Special interests are often a source of real joy, comfort and expertise for autistic people. A personal subject can make a long, repetitive build feel worth it, because the picture that appears is something the builder already cares about. For more on calm, shared building, see our main guide to brick mosaics as a calm, shared activity.

Start with the builder

Let them choose, if they can

The best subject is the one the builder picks. If the mosaic is a gift, a few quiet questions ("Which picture of Max do you like best?") can help without spoiling the surprise.

Respect the details

People with a deep interest usually know it in detail. If they love one specific locomotive, a photo of a different one may feel wrong. Get the exact subject right.

Think about where it will hang

A mosaic of a special interest can go above a desk, in a bedroom, or wherever the builder spends time. Frames are sold separately if you want one.

Ideas by subject

Pets

A pet is one of the easiest subjects to turn into a mosaic, because one clear face fills the picture well.

• Choose a photo where the pet's face is sharp and close to the camera.
• Plain backgrounds work better than busy ones.
• Eye level is often better than looking down from above.
• A 16×16 or 20×20 is usually enough for one pet's face. Use the preview to check.

Trains, buses, planes and other vehicles

Vehicles often have strong shapes and bold colors, which can look striking in bricks.

• Photograph the vehicle from the side or at a slight angle, filling most of the frame.
• Your own photo at a station, a museum or a train ride can mean even more, because it is a memory too.
• For a long vehicle, a wide size such as 30×20 or 40×20 can suit the shape better than a square.

Characters and fan art

Many people love a character from a show, game or book. A few things to keep in mind:

• Personal use only. A mosaic of a character you love is fan art for your own home. Do not sell it or use it for anything commercial.
• Use a picture you are allowed to use. A drawing the builder made of the character, or a photo of their own figure or toy, can be a lovely and very personal choice.
• Simple images work best. Characters with clear outlines and a few bold colors turn into clearer mosaics than detailed scenes.

Family and people

A family photo, grandparents, or a favorite teacher or friend can all make meaningful mosaics.

• Fewer faces are clearer. Choose a larger size for groups. The product pages list how many people suit each larger size, for example 1 to 4 people for 30×30.
• Choose a photo where faces are well lit and looking toward the camera.
• Ask the people in the photo if they are happy to be on the wall.

Places, patterns and other interests

Maps, buildings, flags, planets, a favorite logo the builder drew themselves, or a pattern they love can all work. If it can be a clear photo or image, you can upload it and see how it looks.

How to choose a photo that bricks well

Close and clear

The subject should fill most of the frame. Small details in the distance are lost in a mosaic.

Good light and contrast

A subject that stands out from the background turns into a clearer picture.

See it before you order

Upload your photo in the Memobrick editor. You can see it as a mosaic, adjust colors and details, and compare sizes before you order. The mosaic uses bricks from a palette of 40+ colors.

Ask for help if you want it

Not sure which photo will work? Memobrick's designers can create the design for you and send a free proof before production. It is optional.

Building it

One brick size and one map

Every Memobrick kit uses 1×1 bricks, sorted into small bags labeled by color, with a printed color map that shows where each color goes. The picture appears row by row.

Plan the sessions

A 20×20 kit has 4,096 bricks on four baseplates, with an estimated build time of about 4 hours in total. You can split it into short sessions. Our sensory-friendly building tips cover short sessions, sorting and stopping points.

Build together, if that suits

A special interest can be a nice way in for siblings, parents or friends to join, with the builder as the expert on the subject. Our guide to building together as a reader, sorter and builder gives each person one clear job.

A safety note on small parts

The kit has many small bricks. It is not suitable for young children or for anyone who puts things in their mouth.

FAQ

Can I make a brick mosaic of a cartoon or game character?

You can upload any image you have the right to use, and a character mosaic is fan art for personal use only. Do not sell it or use it commercially. A drawing the builder made of the character, or a photo of their own figure, is a great option.

What makes a good photo for a pet mosaic?

A sharp, close photo of the pet's face, at eye level, with a plain background. Check it in the editor preview before you order.

What size works for a train or other long vehicle?

A wide size such as 30×20 or 40×20 often suits a long shape. Upload your photo and compare sizes in the editor.

Is a special-interest mosaic a good gift for an autistic person?

It can be, if it matches what they love and they enjoy building or would like it on their wall. Every person is different, so when you can, involve them in the choice.

Can Memobrick make the design for me?

Yes, if you want help. Memobrick's designers can create it and send a free proof before production. It is optional.

More in this series

• Brick mosaics as a calm, shared activity for autistic kids and adults
• How to build together: reader, sorter, builder
• Sensory-friendly building tips

Start with their favorite photo

Have a picture of the pet, train or person they love? Upload it and start the design.