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 173 articles

Guides & Tips

Photographing Your LEGO MOCs: Professional Tips and Tricks

Learn professional techniques for photographing your LEGO MOCs including equipment recommendations, lighting setups, composition tips, and post-processing workflows.

Guides & Tips

DIY LEGO Display Shelves Using IKEA Furniture: Complete Builder's Guide

Transform your LEGO collection into stunning displays with IKEA furniture. Detailed guide to wall shelves, glass cabinets, and custom lighting solutions for every budget.

Educational

LEGO Color History: Evolution of the Palette Since 1949

Explore the fascinating evolution of the LEGO color palette from 5 basic colors in 1949 to over 60 colors today, including rare collector colors and key milestones.

Buying Guides

Best Vintage LEGO Sets for Collectors 2025

For LEGO enthusiasts and collectors, the allure of vintage sets is undeniable. These sets not only represent a piece of LEGO history but can also be valuable additions to any collection. This guide...

Guides & Tips

How to Sort and Organize Your LEGO Brick Collection: Complete Guide

Master the art of LEGO organization with our comprehensive guide covering beginner to advanced sorting techniques, storage solutions, and workflow tips for builders of all levels.

Guides & Tips

How Long Does It Take to Build a 1000-Piece LEGO Set? (2025 Data)

Get accurate build time estimates for 1000-piece LEGO sets based on experience level, set complexity, and building conditions.

Building Techniques

SNOT Building Technique: Complete Guide to Studs Not On Top

Master the LEGO SNOT (Studs Not On Top) building technique to create smooth surfaces, intricate details, and complex angles using headlight bricks, brackets, and sideways building.

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

Discover how to find and join LEGO User Groups (LUGs) near you, what to expect from membership, and how to make the most of your local LEGO community experience.

Pillar Pages

LEGO Bulk Buying: Where to Find Deals on Large Lots

Find the best deals on bulk LEGO bricks from BrickLink, eBay, thrift stores, and garage sales to fuel your MOC building projects.

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...

Buying Guides

Mecabricks Guide: Online LEGO Building and Rendering

Mecabricks is a free, browser-based platform for designing, building, and rendering virtual LEGO models with photorealistic results.

← Back to All Articles