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 Collection Database: Digital Inventory Management Tools

LEGO Collection Database: Digital Inventory Management Tools

Pillar Pages

LEGO Pick a Brick Wall Strategy: Maximizing Your Cup

Unlocking the full potential of the LEGO Pick a Brick wall is a thrilling challenge for any brick enthusiast, offering an unparalleled opportunity to amass a treasure trove of specific elements or...

Buying Guides

Mecabricks Guide: Online LEGO Building and Rendering

Mecabricks is a powerful, free online platform that allows LEGO enthusiasts to design, build, and render virtual LEGO models with an extensive library of official LEGO parts. It serves as a...

Storage & Organization

Protecting LEGO from Dust: Display Cases and Cleaning Methods

To effectively protect LEGO sets from dust, the most reliable methods involve either enclosing them in sealed display cases or regularly cleaning them with appropriate tools like soft brushes,...

Buying Guides

BrickLink Buying Guide: Tips for Smart LEGO Shopping

BrickLink is the ultimate online marketplace for LEGO enthusiasts, offering a vast inventory of individual bricks, minifigures, and complete sets – both new and used – from sellers worldwide. It's...

Building Techniques

Advanced LEGO Building: Offset and Jumper Plate Techniques

For LEGO enthusiasts looking to elevate their creations beyond simple stud-on-stud construction, mastering advanced building techniques like offset and jumper plate usage is absolutely essential....

Moc Building

Creating LEGO MOC Buildings: Architecture and Structure Tips

Creating impressive LEGO MOC (My Own Creation) buildings involves a blend of artistic vision, architectural understanding, and clever brick-building techniques to ensure both aesthetic appeal and...

Moc Building

BrickLink Studio Tutorial: Digital LEGO Design for Beginners

BrickLink Studio is a powerful, free software that allows LEGO enthusiasts of all skill levels to design and build virtual LEGO models on their computer. It's the ultimate digital workshop for...

Buying Guides

Creating LEGO Instructions: Software and Best Practices

For every passionate LEGO builder who dreams of sharing their incredible "My Own Creations" (MOCs) with the world, creating clear, professional-grade instructions is a crucial next step. The best...

Guides & Tips

LEGO Architecture Guide 2025: All 25+ Sets Ranked + Expert Building Tips

From your first skyline to recreating world landmarks, this guide teaches you everything about LEGO Architecture—building techniques, design principles, and creating museum-quality displays.

Daily Deals

Daily LEGO Deals & Collector Brief

Your daily source for the latest LEGO deals, promotions, and collector news. Updated every day with fresh deals from major retailers.

Comparisons

LEGO Star Wars UCS in 2026: Rumors, Wishlist & How It Compares to 2025

2026's UCS Star Wars lineup is shaping up to be legendary. Credible leaks point to a massive Super Star Destroyer Executor remake and a mystery May 4th release. Here's everything we know about 2026 vs 2025's record-breaking Death Star.

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