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

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.

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...

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.

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

How to Plan Your First LEGO MOC: From Concept to Creation

Planning your first LEGO MOC (My Own Creation) involves a structured approach that moves from initial concept to final construction and display. To successfully plan your MOC, begin by...

Pillar Pages

LEGO Instagram Success: Growing Your Brick Photography

Master brick photography and grow your LEGO Instagram presence with lighting, composition, and storytelling tips.

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

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.

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.

Storage & Organization

Protecting LEGO from Dust: Display Cases and Cleaning Methods

Learn how to protect LEGO from dust using display cases and proper cleaning methods. Discover acrylic vs glass cases, cleaning tools, and environmental protection strategies.

Pillar Pages

LEGO Part Substitutes: Creative Alternatives and Workarounds

Overcome missing LEGO pieces with creative substitutes and clever workarounds for MOC building.

Pillar Pages

Microscale LEGO Building: Creating Tiny Detailed Models

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

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