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

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 Forced Perspective: Creating Depth and Scale Illusions

LEGO forced perspective is a masterful building technique that manipulates visual perception, creating the illusion of greater depth, distance, or scale within a brick-built scene than physically...

Pillar Pages

LEGO Bulk Buying: Where to Find Deals on Large Lots

For LEGO enthusiasts looking to expand their collection, fuel ambitious custom builds (MOCs), or simply acquire a vast quantity of bricks for creative play, buying LEGO in bulk is an incredibly...

Storage & Organization

Mobile LEGO Storage: Solutions for Small Spaces and Travel

For LEGO enthusiasts navigating small living spaces, frequent moves, or a desire to take their bricks on the go, mobile LEGO storage solutions offer an indispensable blend of organization,...

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

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,...

Moc Building

BrickLink Designer Program: Publishing Your MOC Designs

The BrickLink Designer Program (BDP) offers an unparalleled opportunity for talented LEGO fan designers to transform their custom creations, known as MOCs (My Own Creations), into official,...

Guides & Tips

Finding Rare LEGO Parts: Alternative Sources and Tips

Unearthing rare LEGO parts is a thrilling quest for any dedicated builder, opening up a universe of creative possibilities for custom builds (MOCs), intricate displays, or simply replacing that one...

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...

Moc Building

Ultimate Guide to LEGO MOC Building for Beginners

Embarking on the journey of LEGO MOC building is an incredibly rewarding experience that allows builders to unleash their creativity beyond official sets. For beginners, getting started means...

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