David M. Bird: From LEGO Designer to Nature Artist, The Story of Becorns

David M. Bird: From LEGO Designer to Nature Artist, The Story of Becorns

I first discovered the work of David M. Bird through my child’s iPad. My children inspire me every single day, and I am grateful for the ways they open new doors of creativity in my life. Through Bird’s art, I find fresh inspiration not only for myself but also for my teaching—reminders of how vital it is to nurture curiosity and imagination. His work also highlights the importance of hobbies, of creating for the sheer joy of it. Each of us carries a special talent within, and when we take the time to observe, enjoy, record, and share it, we connect with the world in meaningful ways. In that process, we also build our own unique universe. Isn’t that what art truly is?

​David M. Bird is an artist who transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. Once a LEGO designer, he now works with nature’s own materials—acorns, twigs, and leaves—to create whimsical characters called Becorns. These tiny figures come to life in his photographs, interacting with birds, squirrels, and other wildlife in magical, storybook-like scenes. Bird’s journey from toy design to nature art is not just about creativity, but also about seeing wonder in the simplest of things.

Former LEGO designer David M. Bird creates ‘Becorns’—tiny characters made of acorns and twigs—capturing magical moments with wildlife in nature.

https://www.davidmbird.com/

​David M. Bird's signature "Becorns" photographs capture moments when "Becorns," tiny creatures crafted from foraged materials, interact with real wildlife. Each work evokes a warm, fairytale-like sensibility and meticulous observation.

​Who is David M. Bird?

David M. Bird—commonly known as Dave—is an artist and former LEGO toy designer based in Rhode Island, USA. Combining his artistic sensibility with a playground-like imagination, he creates characters called "Becorns" out of natural objects (acorns, branches, etc.) and photographs them alongside wild animals.

​The Birth Story of Becorns

His creative journey began while working at LEGO headquarters, designing Bionicle characters. It was there that he learned how to visually express character composition and storytelling.

One day, while returning to the United States with his family, he was sweeping his mother's driveway when he noticed acorns and twigs. He thought, "I don't have to use LEGO; I can create characters using nature,"—and that's how Becorns began.

He initially created insect-like characters called "Stickbugs," which gradually evolved into "Becorns" as his forms became more elaborate.

​Becorns Commercialization
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- Becorns, a personal hobby for over a decade, expanded into online print sales in 2019.

- In 2022, a Becorn-related video went viral on Instagram, leading to a sudden surge in orders.
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This prompted him to quit his freelance toy design job, set up an office, hire staff, and grow the brand into a full-fledged brand.

​Characteristics and Experience of Becorns

Production Process: Becorns are created using natural materials like acorns and branches, then lured into wildlife using birdseed and other materials, and then photographed remotely. This process requires observation, patience, and a bit of strategy.

Synesthetic Storytelling: Each Becorn has facial expressions and poses that seem to feel and think, giving the impression of a living, breathing little creature.

Customer Experience: Becorns prints are available on a variety of materials, including paper, metal, and canvas, and come in standard sizes for easy custom framing.

Expansion Potential: Bronze sculptures are currently in development, and storybooks and coffee table books are also planned for the future.

​David M. Bird is more than just a writer; he's a creator who weaves stories using nature as a material.
Drawing on his experience designing LEGO, his Becorns, which transform even a single acorn into a sparkling character, convey the small miracles of nature and a warm smile to the viewer.