JU

Jonny Utah

LEGO collector, investment enthusiast & building technique explorer

About Jonny

I've been hooked on LEGO since my dad brought home a 6990 Monorail Transport System in 1990. I was seven years old, and that one set sparked a lifelong obsession with the brick. Like a lot of us, I went through my "dark ages" in high school and college, but the 10179 UCS Millennium Falcon in 2007 pulled me right back in.

These days, at 38, I've got a dedicated LEGO room that my wife tolerates and my kids think is the coolest thing ever. I spend my time hunting for retired gems at garage sales and estate auctions, analyzing which current sets might become tomorrow's collectibles, and building MOCs that'll never quite live up to my childhood imagination. I've learned a lot about what makes certain sets appreciate - and made my share of mistakes along the way.

I'm also a huge tech nerd - I love finding ways to blend technology with LEGO. Whether it's motorizing builds with Powered Up, programming Mindstorms robots, or just using apps to organize my collection, I'm always looking for that intersection where bricks meet bytes.

Through Brick by Brick, I share everything I've picked up over three decades of collecting, investing, and just plain loving this hobby. Whether you're trying to find the perfect gift, debating which set to add to your collection, or wondering if that sealed box in your closet is worth anything, I've probably been in your shoes.

Articles by Jonny 142 articles

Building Techniques

SNOT Building Technique: Complete Guide to Studs Not On Top

The LEGO SNOT (Studs Not On Top) building technique is a fundamental and transformative method used by builders to create models where the studs, the small cylindrical knobs that connect LEGO...

Building Techniques

LEGO Technic Integration: Adding Functions to System Builds

Combining LEGO System and Technic offers unparalleled creative potential, allowing builders to add realistic motion, complex mechanisms, and interactive features to their static System models,...

Pillar Pages

Creating Curves with LEGO: Advanced Shaping Techniques

For many LEGO enthusiasts, the journey begins with stacking bricks to create rigid, angular structures. However, truly mastering the art of LEGO building involves transcending the blocky aesthetic...

Buying Guides

Scaling LEGO MOCs: Minifigure, Micro, and Jumbo Scale Guide

Embarking on the exciting journey of building your own LEGO creations, or MOCs (My Own Creations), opens up a universe of possibilities limited only by your imagination and, crucially, your...

Pillar Pages

LEGO Workspace Design: Setting Up the Perfect Building Area

Setting up the perfect LEGO building area involves creating a dedicated, organized, and inspiring space that caters to both the practicalities of building and the joy of display. This includes...

Pillar Pages

Microscale LEGO Building: Creating Tiny Detailed Models

Microscale LEGO building is the art of recreating large objects, structures, or scenes in a significantly reduced size, often without regard for minifigure compatibility, focusing instead on...

Pillar Pages

LEGO NPU Techniques: Nice Part Usage for Creative Building

LEGO NPU, or Nice Part Usage, is a building technique where LEGO elements are used in creative, unconventional ways that go beyond their intended purpose to achieve a specific aesthetic, detail, or...

Moc Building

LEGO MOC Contests and Competitions: How to Enter and Win

Entering and winning a LEGO MOC (My Own Creation) contest involves a blend of creativity, strategic planning, and meticulous execution, starting with understanding the rules, sourcing the right...

Moc Building

LEGO MOC Color Theory: Choosing the Perfect Palette

Unlocking the full potential of your LEGO MOCs (My Own Creations) hinges significantly on mastering color theory, which allows builders to transform ordinary brick assemblies into extraordinary,...

Pillar Pages

LEGO Rendering: Creating Photorealistic Images of MOCs

LEGO rendering is the exciting process of digitally transforming your LEGO MOCs (My Own Creations) or official sets into stunning, photorealistic images using specialized software. This allows...

Guides & Tips

LEGO User Groups (LUGs): How to Find and Join Local Clubs

Joining a LEGO User Group (LUG) is one of the most rewarding ways to deepen your passion for LEGO, connect with fellow enthusiasts, share building tips, participate in collaborative projects, and...

Pillar Pages

LEGO Forums and Communities: Where to Connect Online

Connecting with fellow LEGO enthusiasts online is incredibly easy, thanks to a vibrant ecosystem of official platforms, fan-run forums, social media groups, and dedicated websites. Whether you're a...

← Back to All Articles