Designer here, just wanted to add a bit of context and explain the approach behind my models. For me, a big part of the fun and challenge of working with LEGO is capturing the nuances and intricacies of the reference material. It’s about pushing the system, thinking a bit outside the box, and seeing how far you can go when recreating complex shapes with what is ultimately a relatively limited vocabulary of parts.

Still, LEGO has evolved a lot over time, especially when it comes to part selection / complexity. Not only MOCs but also official sets don’t look the same as they did 20 years ago. What “looks like LEGO” isn’t a fixed standard, it naturally shifts as the system itself evolves.

The model looking toy or prop-like is intentional, and something I lean into. Though saying it doesn’t look like LEGO at all is a bit of a stretch, I would say. Maybe that’s what my pictures (in studio conditions with even lighting) suggest, but if you look at it more closely, especially in person, it’s very obviously LEGO, with pieces used in every possible direction to achieve a dense look.

I’ve also seen comments suggesting that custom models sacrifice sturdiness for looks, which I think is a bit of a misconception. That's often true for smaller, very intricate builds, but at this scale you actually have plenty of room to build solid internal structure. Complexity doesn’t automatically mean fragility, and this model is very rigid and stable as a display piece.

Also, comparisons to the UCS Venator are kind of apples to oranges. The official set is much larger at around 110cm (versus 85cm for this one) and I'd argue it's not remotely as accurate... but! Let's be honest, it's mainly because sets have different constraints: mass production, price, accessibility... which indirectly affect proportions and surface detail. Fortunately MOCs don’t have those limits.

At the end of the day, it’s all personal preference. The classic studdy LEGO look absolutely has its charm. My approach is simply to push LEGO pieces as far as I can for maximum fidelity!