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

LEGO Forums and Communities: Where to Connect Online

Connect with fellow LEGO enthusiasts on the best forums, fan sites, and social media communities for AFOLs.

Storage & Organization

Mobile LEGO Storage: Solutions for Small Spaces and Travel

Find the best mobile LEGO storage solutions for small spaces and travel including rolling carts, portable cases with compartments, and playmat bags for easy organization on the go.

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.

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.

Storage & Organization

LEGO Sorting Methods: By Color vs By Part Type Comparison

Compare LEGO sorting by color vs part type to find the best organization method for your collection. Learn hybrid approaches for maximum building efficiency.

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.

Pillar Pages

LEGO NPU Techniques: Nice Part Usage for Creative Building

Master NPU (Nice Part Usage) techniques to use LEGO elements in creative, unconventional ways for stunning MOCs.

Building Techniques

Advanced LEGO Building: Offset and Jumper Plate Techniques

Learn advanced LEGO building techniques using offset methods and jumper plates to break the standard grid and create incredibly detailed, realistic models.

Pillar Pages

LEGO Rendering: Creating Photorealistic Images of MOCs

Create stunning photorealistic images of your LEGO MOCs using BrickLink Studio, Blender, and professional rendering 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.

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...

Pillar Pages

LEGO Factory Tours: Visiting Billund and Other Locations

Experience the magic of LEGO in Billund, Denmark—from the LEGO House to the exclusive Inside Tour.

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