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 Factory Tours: Visiting Billund and Other Locations

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

Buying Guides

LEGO Conventions Guide: BrickCon, BrickFair, and More

Your complete guide to attending LEGO conventions like BrickCon, BrickFair, and Brickworld.

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...

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.

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.

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

Creating Curves with LEGO: Advanced Shaping Techniques

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

Buying Guides

BrickLink Buying Guide: Tips for Smart LEGO Shopping

Master BrickLink shopping with tips for finding rare parts, retired sets, and MOC building supplies at the best prices.

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...

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

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...

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