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

Educational

LEGO Theme Evolution: From Classic to Modern Lines

Discover how LEGO themes evolved from simple universal bricks to licensed franchises and adult collector sets, spanning classic Town, Space, Star Wars, and LEGO Icons.

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.

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...

Buying Guides

Best LEGO Space Sets 2025

Explore the best LEGO space sets of 2025, from NASA recreations to sci-fi adventures.

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.

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.

Building Techniques

LEGO Structural Engineering: Building Strong and Stable

Learn LEGO structural engineering principles to build strong, stable models using brick bond techniques, internal bracing, load distribution, and SNOT reinforcement.

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.

Pillar Pages

LEGO Collection Database: Digital Inventory Management Tools

LEGO Collection Database: Digital Inventory Management Tools

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.

Pillar Pages

LEGO Forced Perspective: Creating Depth and Scale Illusions

Create stunning depth and scale illusions in your LEGO MOCs using forced perspective building techniques.

Buying Guides

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

Master the three primary LEGO MOC scales to bring your custom creations to life with precision and impact.

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