The Energon Pub

I was just wondering if anyone else is shocked how much his repaints are selling for... ( granted they are friggin awesome and wildly detailed...) I mean the Blackout alone sold for $3,400 are these ppl crazy or what???

I'm not surprised really, his work is some of the best I've seen when it comes to repaints and modifications.

But on another note, I must remind you that you are allowed only one picture in your sig, which must be a certain size and dimesions. Check the general discussion for those proper measurements.

Thanks Galaxy and also yes I agree with u about the quality of his work... * going to fix my profile *

Jin has name recognition as well, his work carries a great reputation of still being able to play with the bots regardless of their customization.

His website has a HUGE array of customs he has done, most of them arent even transformers.

His customs really are inspired, but I dont think I could justify thousands of dollars for one. Though his most recent protoform prime was soooooo good I would have bid if the going bid wasnt already above $1000

Yea check out the PF BB thats up for auction right now... One word AWESOME... actually one more EXPENSIVE!

He posts a fair bit in the art forum, check it out-if u wanna discuss the work he really is the man to talk to-he knows his stuff and he is totally down to earth. Plus he is always willing to share his secrets.

Oh and when ur on his site checkout the junkion version of him on it-drawn by a very talented and modest seibertron member

GrimSqueaker wrote:He posts a fair bit in the art forum, check it out-if u wanna discuss the work he really is the man to talk to-he knows his stuff and he is totally down to earth. Plus he is always willing to share his secrets.

Oh and when ur on his site checkout the junkion version of him on it-drawn by a very talented and modest seibertron member

1 Yes he's willing to give adwise and I think he's a cool dude!

2 Who ever could that bee?


He makes a lot of money with his customs for a reason! THey are amazing!

The amounts they fetch are indeed insane. No toy is worth that much no matter how good it looks. But if people are willing to pay that much then theres no reason why i cant jump on the bandwagon.

Sonray wrote:The amounts they fetch are indeed insane. No toy is worth that much no matter how good it looks. But if people are willing to pay that much then theres no reason why i cant jump on the bandwagon.

Toy? Maybe not. Work of art? Yes.

Lapse Of Reason wrote:

Sonray wrote:The amounts they fetch are indeed insane. No toy is worth that much no matter how good it looks. But if people are willing to pay that much then theres no reason why i cant jump on the bandwagon.

Toy? Maybe not. Work of art? Yes.

Its still a toy technically.

jinn is a great guy! he's a member of several different other forums that i am as well! he's always willing to share help and give advise if asked! i would consider some of his work art, some would not!

Sonray wrote:

Lapse Of Reason wrote:

Sonray wrote:The amounts they fetch are indeed insane. No toy is worth that much no matter how good it looks. But if people are willing to pay that much then theres no reason why i cant jump on the bandwagon.

Toy? Maybe not. Work of art? Yes.

Its still a toy technically.

Technically, yes. And the Mona Lisa is still a bunch of paints and canvas. The point is, he takes the raw materials and builds on them in a way that can be appreciated by many as a work of art. That is why they fetch collectable art prices instead of toy prices.

any links to his eBay auctions?

Lapse Of Reason wrote:

Sonray wrote:

Lapse Of Reason wrote:

Sonray wrote:The amounts they fetch are indeed insane. No toy is worth that much no matter how good it looks. But if people are willing to pay that much then theres no reason why i cant jump on the bandwagon.

Toy? Maybe not. Work of art? Yes.

Its still a toy technically.

Technically, yes. And the Mona Lisa is still a bunch of paints and canvas. The point is, he takes the raw materials and builds on them in a way that can be appreciated by many as a work of art. That is why they fetch collectable art prices instead of toy prices.

In that case why does work thats just as good as his, and better in many cases, fetch very little in comparison?

He's exploited a niche, got the most recognition first and thats all. Im not saying his work isnt good, or that he hasnt worked for it, its great infact but he isnt doing anything new or out of the ordinary. And as much as i dont beleive in luck, in this case i have to use the term "he got lucky" since there isnt any other way i can word that but make it have the same meaning without using the term "luck".

Good for him i say, hell its simply business and the natural urge and need to make money in order to live in this society(hence why i am doing it) but i am just making sure you know that he isnt a pioneer or some sort of kitbashing messiah, as people have done this before for a long time now.

They are still just toys. I am not saying it isnt creative, but these are nothing more than toys at the end of the day, and not pieces of priceless world famous portraits.

zemper wrote:any links to his eBay auctions?

here's a link to his website, theres a link in there for his auctions
http://www.jinsaotomesdangeroustoys.com/

Sonray wrote:

Lapse Of Reason wrote:

Sonray wrote:

Lapse Of Reason wrote:

Sonray wrote:The amounts they fetch are indeed insane. No toy is worth that much no matter how good it looks. But if people are willing to pay that much then theres no reason why i cant jump on the bandwagon.

Toy? Maybe not. Work of art? Yes.

Its still a toy technically.

Technically, yes. And the Mona Lisa is still a bunch of paints and canvas. The point is, he takes the raw materials and builds on them in a way that can be appreciated by many as a work of art. That is why they fetch collectable art prices instead of toy prices.

In that case why does work thats just as good as his, and better in many cases, fetch very little in comparison?

He's exploited a niche, got the most recognition first and thats all. Im not saying his work isnt good, or that he hasnt worked for it, its great infact but he isnt doing anything new or out of the ordinary. And as much as i dont beleive in luck, in this case i have to use the term "he got lucky" since there isnt any other way i can word that but make it have the same meaning without using the term "luck".

Good for him i say, hell its simply business and the natural urge and need to make money in order to live in this society(hence why i am doing it) but i am just making sure you know that he isnt a pioneer or some sort of kitbashing messiah, as people have done this before for a long time now.

They are still just toys. I am not saying it isnt creative, but these are nothing more than toys at the end of the day, and not pieces of priceless world famous portraits.

I'm sure we are all well aware that there are other kitbashers, many of whom are just as talented. Since art is always subjective, whether one calls it art or dismisses them as mere toys is not really debatable. Yes they are toys, and yes they are art. He happens to have built a solid reputation and a following. Just as people may collect sculptures, photographs, or paintings by a certain artist, I am sure he has a following too. It is a well-deserved following. I think his work exceeds the skills of an average kitbasher. He sure does a much better job than I ever could do right now. In addition, he does a very good job at seling his work. The auction listings are very detailed and persuasive.

You are right, Sonray, he is lucky to be one of the few who are getting paid for their talents. I know there are many unrecognized artists, musicians, etc... that are as good if not better than popular artists except they don't get paid much for their work.

I believe artists can make their own luck through exposure. I am thinking of those "build-a-band" type MTV shows where they recruit a group and promote them into fame. American Idol is another example. Exposure = luck in the art world. Jin has given himself exposure and built up his reputation. It is this exposure that has built his auction work to the prices he fetches today (in addition to the outstanding quality, of course).

Years of trying insures (sp?) success (as long as you have the talent).

I heard he's been doing this for about a decade now...after that amount of time in the business i am not surprised he has such a following.

Jin has the goods when it comes to kitbashing, and he seems to do it more out of love than for money.

His auctions have no reserve and usually start at a very modest opening amount. It is his fanbase that drives the worth so high. His auctions generally see dozens of bids, I think that $3000 blackout saw over 70 bids.

I personally have never won any of his auctions but he generates some really amazing customs, transformers or otherwise.

To argue whether his work is art or not is a useless argument, totally subjective.
But if art is the application of a creative skill, then his work certainly is art in my book.