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

Pillar Pages

How LEGO Bricks Are Made: Inside the Manufacturing Process

Discover the fascinating manufacturing process behind LEGO bricks—from ABS plastic pellets to precision injection molding with 10-micrometer tolerances.

Pillar Pages

Microscale LEGO Building: Creating Tiny Detailed Models

Build stunning miniature LEGO models using microscale techniques—smaller than minifigure scale with incredible detail.

Moc Building

LEGO MOC Lighting: Adding LEDs and Effects to Your Creations

LEGO MOC Lighting: Adding LEDs and Effects to Your Creations

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.

Pillar Pages

Creating Curves with LEGO: Advanced Shaping Techniques

Master advanced LEGO building techniques to create smooth, realistic curves that transform blocky builds into flowing masterpieces.

Moc Building

LEGO MOC Color Theory: Choosing the Perfect Palette

Unlocking the full potential of your LEGO MOCs (My Own Creations) hinges significantly on mastering color theory, which allows builders to transform ordinary brick assemblies into extraordinary,...

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 Collection Database: Digital Inventory Management Tools

LEGO Collection Database: Digital Inventory Management Tools

Pillar Pages

Starting a LEGO YouTube Channel: Equipment and Strategy

Starting a LEGO YouTube Channel: Equipment and Strategy

Moc Building

Building LEGO MOC Vehicles: Cars, Ships, and Aircraft Guide

Embarking on the journey of building LEGO MOC vehicles—My Own Creations—is one of the most rewarding and creative aspects of the LEGO hobby. Whether you dream of crafting a custom supercar, a...

Building Techniques

LEGO Technic Integration: Adding Functions to System Builds

Discover how to integrate LEGO Technic mechanisms into System builds to add working functions like gears, motors, steering, and suspension to your MOCs.

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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