InkedMag
  • Articles
    • Top Stories
    • Culture
    • Art
    • Music
    • Digital Cover
    • Events
  • Shop
    • Subscriptions
    • InkedShop
  • Tattoo Shops
  • INKED COVER GIRL
  • Company
    • About
    • Contact
    • SUBSCRIPTION
    • Newsletter
    • Media Kit
  • Policies
    • DMCA
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
InkedMag
  • Top Stories
  • Culture
  • Art
  • Music
  • Events
  • Store
  • Digital Cover
  • INKED COVER GIRL
  • Tattoo Shops

Newsletter

Inked newsletter

"*" indicates required fields

This field is hidden when viewing the form

Next Steps: Sync an Email Add-On

InkedMag

Inked Mag Staff

September 15th, 2020

Share Now
0
0
0

Behold the Classic Pin-Ups of David Corden

Take a trip back in time to the pin-up era

Long before we had Instagram models, pin-ups ruled the mid-20th century. Pin-up modeling began during the late 1800s but found popularity during the 1940s and ’50s. It earned its name because the posters were designed to be pinned onto a wall and were commonly sold in magazines, newspapers, calendars and on postcards. Pin-up models were typically glamour models, fashion models and actresses, with some of the most prominent being Bettie Page, Bunny Yeager, Rita Hayworth, Jayne Mansfield and Marilyn Monroe.

In addition to pin-up photography flourishing during this time, many painters gained prominence. Two of the most well known were Alberto Vargas and Gil Elvgren. Vargas gained notoriety publishing his pin-ups in “Playboy,” creating 152 paintings for the publication over a 16 year span. His work continues to be wildly celebrated to this day, with one of his Vargas girls, titled “Trick or Treat,” going for $71,700 at a Christie’s auction in 2003. Elvgren was best known for creating pin-up art for calendars, which were sold by Brown and Bigelow. He also had a number of other successful commercial collaborations, working with companies such as Coca-Cola, General Electric and Sealy Mattress Company.

Today, pin-ups are commonly found in the tattoo world and if you’re a fan of “Ink Master,” you recognize what a challenge they can be. Pin-up tattoos are a classic, but it’s difficult achieving the correct proportions on a small scale. It’s easy to tell when something is off in the drawing of a pin-up, whether that be the hands, feet or God forbid, the face. If you want a pin-up tattoo, you need to seek someone out who can execute an anatomically accurate design and who better than David Corden? David Corden is a Scotland-based portrait artist who has mastered the full body pin-up tattoo. His pin-ups transport us back in time and we’d be lucky to get one of his interpretations of Vargas’ or Elvgrens’ paintings. Take a look at some of his best pin-up tattoos in the gallery below, then let us know your thoughts on pin-up art in the comments section on social media.

View this post on Instagram

If Gil Elvgren did Sailor Moon done for the wonderful Kayla @albertatattooshows @fusion_ink @killerinktattoo @dermalizepro @stencilforte @fkirons @hustlebutterdeluxe @bulldogpro @evolutionchords @fytcartridges @fytsupplies @fytemerald @tatsoul @tattoodo @inkfusionempire @tattoodo @sempertattoo #edinburgh #grassmarket #scotland #tattoodoambassador #inkfusionempire #gilelvgren #gilelvgrenpinup #gilelvgrentattoo #sailormoon #sailormoontattoo

A post shared by David Corden (@davidcorden) on Oct 26, 2019 at 8:00am PDT

View this post on Instagram

One of Gil Elvgrens beauties on Hollie for her Mum @fusion_ink @killerinktattoo @dermalizepro @stencilforte @fkirons @hustlebutterdeluxe @bulldogpro @evolutionchords @fytcartridges @fytsupplies @fytemerald @tatsoul @tattoodo @inkfusionempire @tattoodo @sempertattoo #edinburgh #grassmarket #scotland #tattoodoambassador #inkfusionempire #gilelvgren #gilelvgrentattoo #nursetattoo

A post shared by David Corden (@davidcorden) on Oct 18, 2019 at 7:50am PDT

View this post on Instagram

One of Gil Elvgrens beauties starts off this pinup girl sleeve for the wonderful Hollie! @fusion_ink @killerinktattoo @dermalizepro @stencilforte @fkirons @hustlebutterdeluxe @bulldogpro @evolutionchords @fytcartridges @fytsupplies @blkpowder @tatsoul @brotherstencilmachine @inkfusionempire @sempertattoo #edinburgh #grassmarket #scotland #gilelvgren #pinup #pinuptattoo

A post shared by David Corden (@davidcorden) on May 19, 2018 at 12:05am PDT

View this post on Instagram

A combination of Gil Elvgren pinups yesterday to make a unique one for the amazing Hayley! First tattoo on my guest spot with the awesome @ashlewistattoo in his beautiful studio @darksidetattoostudio6 in Jersey ❤️ @fusion_ink @killerinktattoo @dermalizepro @stencilforte @fkirons @hustlebutterdeluxe @bulldogpro @evolutionchords @fytcartridges @fytsupplies @blkpowder @tatsoul @brotherstencilmachine @inkfusionempire @sempertattoo #edinburgh #grassmarket #scotland #gilelvgren #pinup #pinuptattoo

A post shared by David Corden (@davidcorden) on Apr 5, 2018 at 12:33am PDT

View this post on Instagram

I did the mermaid on the lovely Catherine and the following day the awesomely talented @michellemaddison added this stunning rose ‍♀️ @fusion_ink @killerinktattoo @dermalizepro @stencilforte @fkirons @hustlebutterdeluxe @bulldogpro @evolutionchords @blkpowder @tatsoul #brotherprinter @inkfusionempire @sempertattoo #edinburgh #grassmarket #mermaid #rosetattoo

A post shared by David Corden (@davidcorden) on Jan 25, 2018 at 12:16am PST

View this post on Instagram

A Gil Elvgren beauty for Anna but with her own two beautiful dogs in place of the original @fusion_ink @killerinktattoo @dermalizepro @stencilforte @fkirons @hustlebutterdeluxe @bulldogpro @evolutionchords @blkpowder @tatsoul #brotherprinter @inkfusionempire @sempertattoo #edinburgh #grassmarket #scotland #gilelvgren #pinup#pinuptattoo

A post shared by David Corden (@davidcorden) on Jan 31, 2018 at 1:07am PST

View this post on Instagram

Bettie Page as a nurse pinup for the awesome Elaine! This was pieced together from artworks by the incredible @oliviapinupart then adding the microphone and JD bottle @fusion_ink @killerinktattoo @dermalizepro @hustlebutterdeluxe @cheyenne_tattooequipment @stencilanchored @bulldogpro @evolutionchords @blkpowder @tatsoul #brotherprinter @inkfusionempire @forte_stencil @sempertattoo #pinup #pinuptattoo #nurse #nursepinup #nursetattoo #jackdaniels #olivia #oliviadeberardinis #bettiepage

A post shared by David Corden (@davidcorden) on Jun 15, 2017 at 12:55am PDT

View this post on Instagram

Had great fun turning one of Gil Elvgrens beauties into a veterinary nurse for Emily and also adding the practice cat, Caffrey @fusion_ink @killerinktattoo @dermalizepro @hustlebutterdeluxe @cheyenne_tattooequipment @stencilanchored @bulldogpro @evolutionchords @blkpowder @tatsoul #brotherprinter @inkfusionempire @forte_stencil @sempertattoo #gilelvgren #gilelvgrenpinup #gilelvgrentattoo #pinup #pinuptattoo #veterinarynurse

A post shared by David Corden (@davidcorden) on Jun 10, 2017 at 12:31am PDT

View this post on Instagram

Aloha! A Gil Elvgren Hawaiian pinup for Courtney yesterday @fusion_ink @killerinktattoo @dermalizepro @hustlebutterdeluxe @cheyenne_tattooequipment @stencilanchored @bulldogpro @evolutionchords @blkpowder @tatsoul #brotherprinter @inkfusionempire @sempertattoo

A post shared by David Corden (@davidcorden) on Mar 23, 2017 at 1:38am PDT

View this post on Instagram

Had a great time doing this sailor girl for Chris over the weekend ⚓️ Already looking forward to the next one! @fusion_ink @killerinktattoo @dermalizepro @hustlebutterdeluxe @cheyenne_tattooequipment @stencilanchored @bulldogpro @evolutionchords @blkpowder @tatsoul #brotherprinter @inkfusionempire @sempertattoo

A post shared by David Corden (@davidcorden) on Mar 14, 2017 at 1:15am PDT

View this post on Instagram

Thank you to lovely Laure for travelling so far to get this beautiful pinup by Bill Metcalfe. We personalised it by changing the colours and giving her a tray of cupcakes as Laure makes the most amazing cakes herself @fusion_ink @killerinktattoo @dermalizepro @hustlebutterdeluxe @cheyenne_tattooequipment @stencilanchored @bulldogpro @evolutionchords @blkpowder @tatsoul #brotherprinter @inkfusionempire #pinup #pinuptattoo #billmetcalfe #cupcakes

A post shared by David Corden (@davidcorden) on Dec 20, 2016 at 12:28am PST

View this post on Instagram

Day one @paradisetattoogathering and got to do this beauty on the amazing Andrea! Very late start and late finish but was great to see so many friends. Looking forward to day two! @fusion_ink @killerinktattoo @dermalizepro @hustlebutterdeluxe @cheyenne_tattooequipment @stencilanchored @bulldogpro @evolutionchords @blkpowder @tatsoul #brotherprinter

A post shared by David Corden (@davidcorden) on Oct 21, 2016 at 6:06am PDT

View this post on Instagram

“Lola” Sitting Pretty’ another of Gil Elvgrens beauties completed over the weekend at the Robin Hood tattoo convention Thanks to @graysilva for another amazing show and for taking such good care of us all. You sir, are a legend! @fusion_ink @killerinktattoo @dermalizepro @egoproteam @hustlebutterdeluxe @tatsoul @evolutioncords @blkpowder @bulldogpro @sempertattoo #pinup #pinuptattoo #robinhood #gilelvgren

A post shared by David Corden (@davidcorden) on Aug 26, 2015 at 10:42am PDT

View this post on Instagram

‘Dead Pan?’ Didn’t get time to finish this but fun so far! Her husband will be laying on the ground seeing stars, hence his face imprinted in the pan. Created from the girls of Gil Elvgren @fusion_ink @killerinktattoo @dermalizepro @hustlebutterdeluxe @egoproteam @tatsoul @evolutioncords @blkpowder @bulldogpro #gilelvgren #pinup #pinuptattoo

A post shared by David Corden (@davidcorden) on Jul 10, 2015 at 10:09am PDT

View this post on Instagram

A custom piece for David made from several of Gil Elvgrens finest! @fusion_ink @killerinktattoo @tatsoul @egoproteam @dermalizepro @blkpowder @hustlebutterdeluxe @evolutioncords @bulldogpro #gilelvgren #pinuptattoo #pinup

A post shared by David Corden (@davidcorden) on Jun 27, 2015 at 11:35am PDT

View this post on Instagram

A Gil Elvgren themed sailor pinup for ex navy girl Aimee ⚓️ Her first tattoo and its on her ribs and she didn’t flinch once. Tough lady! @fusion_ink @dermalizepro @killerinktattoo @tatsoul @hustlebutterdeluxe @bulldogpro @blkpowder @egoproteam @evolutioncords #gilelvgren #pinup #pinuptattoo

A post shared by David Corden (@davidcorden) on Jun 3, 2015 at 11:23am PDT

View this post on Instagram

‘Miss Dipity’ from the works of amazing artist Gerad Taylor. Originally she’s holding an ice cream as she’s the poster girl for serendipity ice cream but for the client it’s been changed to a cupcake and she has tattoo sleeves @fusion_ink @tatsoul @killerinktattoo @egoproteam @dermalizepro @blkpowder @hustlebutterdeluxe @evolutioncords @bulldogpro #missdipity #geradtaylor #pinuptattoo

A post shared by David Corden (@davidcorden) on May 8, 2015 at 12:13pm PDT

View this post on Instagram

Gil Elvgrens ‘Cold Feed, Cold Front’ with an added sleeve of black and grey roses to make it more individual for the lovely Laura @fusion_ink @tatsoul @killerinktattoo @egoproteam @hustlebutterdeluxe @blkpowder @evolutioncords @bulldogpro #dermalizepro #gilelvgren #pinup #pinuptattoo

A post shared by David Corden (@davidcorden) on Feb 12, 2015 at 11:29am PST

View this post on Instagram

‘Quick Change’ another copied from Gil Elvgren, the pin up king! @fusion_ink @egoproteam @tatsoul @killerinktattoo @evolutioncords @hustlebutterdeluxe @blkpowder @greycircleltd #gilelvgren #pinup #pinuptattoo

A post shared by David Corden (@davidcorden) on Sep 5, 2014 at 10:57am PDT

Editor's Picks

Events
Ink on the Riviera: Tattoos Take the Spotlight at Cannes 2025

Tattoos took the spotlight at Cannes 2025. From Rihanna to Kristen Stewart, these inked icons proved elegance and body art are a perfect match.

Events
Met Gala 2025: The Best Tattooed Celebrity Looks

At the 2025 Met Gala, inked celebrities like Rihanna, Cardi B, and Lewis Hamilton proved tattoos are the ultimate high-fashion accessory.

Culture
May the 4th Ink Be With You: Best Star Wars Tattoos for Superfans

Celebrate Star Wars Day with tattoos that showcase the Force—from Darth Vader portraits to minimalist Baby Yoda ink. May the ink be with you!

More From News Content

National Wine Day for Rebels, Tastemakers, and Inked Devotees
May 25, 2025
Karolina Szymańska: The Fine Line Force of Nature Behind the Modern Tattooing Congress
May 19, 2025
A Game-Changing Innovation for Tattoo Artists
May 13, 2025
Tattoo Insurance Mistakes Artists Still Make
May 5, 2025
Gifts She’ll Love: Mother’s Day Picks from Inked
April 28, 2025

Recommended For You

Art
Musical Ephemera
Celebrities
Cacho: One Line at a Time
Fashion
Hublot – Etched In Time
Fashion
Cacho Tattoo Brings His Ink to Fabric
InkedMagCover
InkedMag

QUICK LINKS

  • Top Stories
  • Culture
  • Art
  • Music
  • Events
  • Store
  • Tattoo Shops
  • ABOUT
  • CONTACT
  • SUBSCRIPTION
  • INKED COVER GIRL
  • MEDIA KIT
  • DMCA
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TERMS & CONDITIONS

Input your search keywords and press Enter.