How to Become a 1940-1950s Pinup Model

Retro pinup styles are becoming more popular in fashion, pop culture and advertising. While high fashion still favors gaunt, tall models, more companies are looking for curvier bodies and a great sense of personal style in their models. Pinups of the 1940s and 1950s were feminine and sexy. Today, pinup models often work in burlesque as well, and may do lingerie modeling. Confidence is critical if you want to work as a pinup model.

Instructions

    • 1

      Research pinups, calendar girls and the styles of the 1940s and 1950s. Take a look at modern pinups and modern burlesque, including Dita van Teese, Sabina Kelley and Bernie Dexter. Be sure that you know and can comfortably wear pinup style clothing. While most pinup models are curvy, they are toned. There is a marketplace for larger pinup models, especially if they have a great sense of personal style.

    • 2

      Perfect your look. The pinup girls of the 1940s and 1950s each had their own trademarks. Emphasize your best features. Wear pencil skirts and high heels if you have great legs or snug 1950s sweaters to make the most of your curves. Keep in mind that part of the retro pin up look is the right undergarments. A waist cincher and bullet bra will give you a true pinup look.

    • 3

      Find a photographer. To start working as a pinup model, you need a good portfolio of photos. Look for an experienced pinup model photographer, hair stylist and makeup artist for the best retro photos. If you live in a city with a rockabilly or burlesque scene, this can be a good starting point to help you find a photographer.

    • 4

      Market yourself. You may be able to find jobs in your city working for independent clothing designers or photographers. If you have other skills, consider the possibilities of burlesque or other stage performance to further your work as a pinup model. Pinup modeling is being used more in advertising, so you may find more opportunities than you expect, particularly if you live in an area with a large rockabilly subculture.

    • 5

      Consider hiring an agent. While not all modeling agencies work with pinup models, some do manage models with an alternative, retro, rockabilly or pinup look. Be especially careful of any contracts signed, and consider having an attorney review the contract before you sign. A reputable agent will not charge you money upfront.

Tips & Warnings

  • Red lips are a trademark for nearly every pinup girl. Tattoos are typically quite accepted for modern pinups.

  • Make sure you can walk in your heels.

Related Searches:

Resources

Comments

You May Also Like

  • How to Become a Pin-Up Girl

    Understand the body type of the pin-up girl. She is more voluptuous than the thin models of today, but should still be...

  • How to Become a Model

    If you like travel, hard work, long days and keeping in shape, modeling might be for you. Here are tips on modeling.

  • How to Become a Teenage Model

    Runways, high fashion, the catwalk and contracts are all part of the lucrative world of modeling. Tyra Banks and Nikki Taylor were...

  • Car Models from the 1950s

    In the late 1940s, the pent up demand for new cars was so great after civilian automobile production resumed following World War...

  • Information on the 1940 Ford Coupe

    The 1940 Ford DeLuxe coupe had a 112-inch wheelbase. Its curbside weight was 2,721 lbs. depending on the model. The two-door models...

  • About Pin-up Models

    A pin-up model is a model who specializes in provocative poses. However, pin-up photography is not the same as pornography, because it...

  • 1940s Chevy Classic Cars

    Chevrolet started to get serious about producing stylish automobiles in the 1940s, and the 1941 Chevy Coupe Pickup was their best-selling model...

  • How to Look Rockabilly

    The rockabilly look is achieved through a vintage-inspired style that emulates the rockers and pin-up girls of the 1940s, '50s and '60s....

  • 1940's Hairstyles With Bangs

    Bangs can define both a hairstyle and a woman's image. No matter the coif, bangs can project a woman's coquettishly shy nature,...

  • How to Become a Pinup Model

    Pin-up models have graced the covers of magazines and represented the months of the year on calenders for decades. The life of...

  • Classic Pin-Up Girl Hairstyles

    Pin-up girls were icons of glamor in the 1940s and 50s, when they were immortalized by artists like Gill Elvgren, Alberto Vargas...

  • How to Model for Pin-Up Photos

    Modeling for pin-up photos can be great fun and provide a playful glimpse into the mind of a pin-up model. Pin-up models...

  • How to Use 1950s Pin Up Makeup Tips

    Bettie Page knew what she was doing when it came to style, from her sexy, slinky wardrobe to her slick black hair....

  • 1950s Pin-Up Hairstyles

    1950s Pin-Up Hairstyles. In the 1950s, "pin-ups" were models or actresses featured in photographs in provocative poses that became iconic to the...

  • How to Dress Like a 1940s Pin-up Girl

    Pin-up girls are a big part of the American cinematic culture. Seductive images of models, actresses and singers were usually found in...

  • How to Start a Modeling Troupe

    A modeling troupe is a group of models who travel to perform fashion shows. A modeling troupe brings together a group of...

  • How to Do Rockabilly Hairdos

    Comments. Video Transcript. Hi my name is Lisa. I'm a hairstylist in Wilmington, North Carolina and I'm going to do a rockabilly...

  • How to Create Rockabilly Girl Hairstyles

    Rockabilly is a term that combines the word "hillbilly" with the term "rock and roll." Rockabilly music harnessed the essence of both...

  • How to Become a Plus-Size Pin-Up Model

    Plus-size sex kittens, take note: Pin-up modeling opportunities are out there for you. Whether it's art modeling, or signing with an alternative...

  • 1940s Pinup Costumes

    The 1940's pinup girl was an icon and an inspiration in World War II era America. Glamorous, scantily-clad young women were captured...

Related Ads

Featured