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

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...

Moc Building

LEGO MOC Lighting: Adding LEDs and Effects to Your Creations

LEGO MOC Lighting: Adding LEDs and Effects to Your Creations

Moc Building

How to Source Parts for Your LEGO MOC: Complete Guide

To source parts for your LEGO MOC (My Own Creation), the most effective methods include utilizing official LEGO channels like Pick a Brick and Bricks & Pieces, exploring secondary marketplaces such...

Buying Guides

Mecabricks Guide: Online LEGO Building and Rendering

Mecabricks is a free, browser-based platform for designing, building, and rendering virtual LEGO models with photorealistic results.

Guides & Tips

LEGO User Groups (LUGs): How to Find and Join Local Clubs

Discover how to find and join LEGO User Groups (LUGs) near you, what to expect from membership, and how to make the most of your local LEGO community experience.

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...

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

LDraw Tutorial: Complete Guide to LEGO CAD Software

LDraw is a free, open-source computer-aided design (CAD) software system that allows LEGO enthusiasts to build virtual LEGO models on their computer. It's a powerful and versatile tool for...

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.

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

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...

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.

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