DEC, 2010 – Ever since I realized there was a resurgence in the vintage pin-ups of the WWII era (hey, whatdya know, war is good for something), I knew that I would eventually find a way to partake in the scene. The pin-up look is more than wardrobe. It’s hair, makeup, and setting. A perfect pin-up shoot embraces all of this like recreations of dark brunettes in diners or red lipsticked blondes saluting the soldiers.
I haven’t had the opportunity to do a full-on shoot with all the hair, makeup and scenery but I finally splurged on a dress and hair accessoryfrom PinUpGirlClothing.com and Betsey Johnson shoes from TJ Maxx. Artist Jay Fife loves to take photos that he can put in his reference vault. You never know when you’re going to get a commission for Bettie Page or Faye Wray. Babes and Monsters go together rather well.
I love both styles of pinup: the patriotic/Americana cheesecake with girls in washtubs or riding banisters but I also love the Monster victims who need saving. Then you can combine the Monster with the Femme Fatale and get alluring pin-ups like Vampirella or Elvira. In our modern era, the pin-up bombshell has become edgier and tough while maintaining luscious zaftig body shapes. This is seen in the burlesque, rockabilly and roller derby scenes. Icons like Gwen Stefani have epitomized the modern pin-up revolution picking up where Marilyn and Bettie left off.
We shot these at Jay’s studio in Wellsville, Ohio on a really cold day. Maybe some day I can head back to Charles Town, West Virginia where there’s a shop just for old diner furniture so there’d be a fun setting. The backdrops here though are definitely something an artist might prefer since he/she could only be looking for the posture and drape of fabric.
I also want to share some names of my favorite artists who are true break-outs in vintage inspired art:
| * CHRIS BUTLER - Chris uses a more classic Playboy cartoon style in pinups rather than realism. |  |
| * TESS FOWLER - Here's a hardworking girl always open for commissions. She's incredibly talented and some day I'll actually be able to afford to get some of work for my very own. Tess frequently works in elements of steampunk and superheroes for her sexy ladies. |  |
| * ERICA HESSE - Erica is part of one of the greatest hot spots on the internet, GIRLS DRAWING GIRLS. I don't even need to explain how sexy that is, do I? |  |
| * AMY MEBBERSON - Here's another versatile artist who includes a vintage Playboy flare in some of her illustrations. |  |
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Founder and Editor-in-Chief of AmberUnmasked.com and Vodka O'Clock Podcast. Author of The Farrah Wethers Mysteries, comic book short stories, prose, and non-fiction. Cosplayer and figure model.