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

Moc Building

How to Source Parts for Your LEGO MOC: Complete Guide

To source parts for your LEGO MOC (My Own Creation), the most effective methods include utilizing official LEGO channels like Pick a Brick and Bricks & Pieces, exploring secondary marketplaces such...

Moc Building

How to Plan Your First LEGO MOC: From Concept to Creation

Planning your first LEGO MOC (My Own Creation) involves a structured approach that moves from initial concept to final construction and display. To successfully plan your MOC, begin by...

Pillar Pages

How LEGO Bricks Are Made: Inside the Manufacturing Process

Have you ever wondered about the secret behind the perfect clutch power and vibrant colors of your favorite LEGO bricks? The answer lies in a meticulously engineered manufacturing process,...

Pillar Pages

LEGO Greebling Techniques: Adding Detail to Your Builds

LEGO Greebling Techniques: Adding Detail to Your Builds

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 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...

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 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...

Pillar Pages

LEGO Part Substitutes: Creative Alternatives and Workarounds

Ever stared at a LEGO instruction manual, only to realize you’re missing that one crucial piece? Or perhaps you're deep into a custom build (a MOC, or My Own Creation, as we call them!) and don't...

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 Instagram Success: Growing Your Brick Photography

Growing your LEGO Instagram presence and mastering brick photography involves a blend of creativity, technical skill, and community engagement. By focusing on compelling storytelling, utilizing...

Buying Guides

LEGO Conventions Guide: BrickCon, BrickFair, and More

LEGO conventions are vibrant, immersive gatherings where Adult Fans of LEGO (AFOLs) and enthusiasts of all ages come together to celebrate their shared passion for the brick. These events offer...

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