How To Build a Creative Career Brick by Brick feat. Nathan Sawaya (May 2022)

Nathan Sawaya is a world-renowned brick artist who left his
career as a corporate lawyer to follow his childhood
passion—creating art out of LEGO bricks. In this episode, Nathan
shares how law school gave him the critical thinking and
risk-assessment skills to launch a creative business, why he let
his law license expire, and what it really takes to bet on
yourself. His story is a powerful reminder that you can build
your dream life, one brick—and one bold decision—at a time.





Lawyer Side Hustles


What started as a creative outlet—experimenting with LEGO bricks
after long days at the office—eventually became Nathan’s
full-time career and artistic identity. He didn't wait for
permission or a perfect plan; he started small, shared his work
online, and let passion guide the pivot. When his website crashed
from too many visitors, he took it as a sign and made the leap.
“I didn’t want that safety net... I let my license expire and
just went for it,” shares Nathan Sawaya in Episode 188 of You Are a
Lawyer.

Today, he’s not just a brick artist—he’s a bestselling author,
international exhibitor, and producer on LEGO Masters. His
exhibitions tour the world, and his book The Art of the Brick: A
Life in LEGO reveals the thought and emotion behind his
sculptures. His story is the ultimate side hustle success—proof
that your 5–9 can become your life’s work when you dare to go all
in.








LISTEN TO LEARN


Why trusting your creative instincts can lead to unexpected
success

How law school prepares you for entrepreneurship—even in the
arts

What it really takes to walk away from a traditional career
with no safety net



WE ALSO DISCUSS


The importance of identifying which risks are worth taking

What lawyers can learn from artists (and vice versa)

Why letting go of “the backup plan” might be your best move
yet






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