Spotlight--Artist

Featuring interviews with artists inspired by vintage culture. Check here to find everyone from clothing designers to custom car builders.

Artwork by Ramon

Painter Ramon Barboza talks artistic discovery, low-riders, and the untouchable goddess. Q: What’s your earliest art memory?  Do you remember the first piece of art you created? My earliest art memory was when I was in the second grade; I drew a picture of Elvis holding a mic.  My art teacher was very impressed and hung it in the cafeteria.  That was the first time people actually noticed... [Read more]

Viva Van Story

Photos by: Viva Van Story Viva Van Story, legendary modern pin-up photographer hailing from the North East Coast, talks about her new book due out this month, grainy black and white photographs, the swell in pin-up photographers, being seen, and making your own path. Interview: Shoshana, Photographs: Viva Van Story Q: Are you a “classical trained” formally educated photographer, or are to self-taught,... [Read more]

Amberry Jam

Photography John Powers Houston based fashion designer Amberry Jam sits down to talk petticoats, millinery, bobby pins, Velcro, and her Classic Harlequin line. Interview: Divertida Devotchka Photos: Compliments of Amberry Jam Q: You studied fashion design at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and then relocated to Houston to study costume design, right? On your website you state that there’s... [Read more]

LaDonna Hearne

LaDonna Hearne. Photo: Through the Looking Glass LaDonna Hearne sits down to talk Hot Rods and Heels, TFP, her upcoming marriage, and how getting fired changed her life for the better. Hearne will be teaching a workshop in make-up at 5pm at Hot Rods and Heels on May 15th Interview: Divertida Devotchka Q: You’re doing a pin-up hair and makeup workshop at Hot Rods and Heels this year. Have you ever... [Read more]

Boudoir Queen

All photos courtesy of Dawn Younger-Smith Boudoir Queen is the newest incarnation of Austin based designer Dawn Younger-Smith. Smith talks fashion, James Bond, Courtney Love, “dolly style”, and “the perfect dress”. Interview: Shoshana, Photos: Courtesy of Dawn Younger-Smith Q: You began your career in the arts as a make-up artist to the stars in Hollywood.  What are some of your most... [Read more]

Poisoned Creations

Amber DeVille in a Poisoned Creations' Bustle. Photo: Paper Moon Kim Stewart of Poisoned Creations talks monsters, DIY, her mini-me and her new crafting forum. Poisoned Creations will be vending next at Hot Rods and Heels on May 15th! Interview: Divertida Devotchka 1. You’ve been on Etsy since 2007, but when and how did Poisoned Creations actually begin? I think being crafty runs in my blood.... [Read more]

Girls Drawin’ Girls

'The 60s' Illustration by Girls Drawin' Girls Artist Liz Climo Putting a New Spin on the Tradition of Pinup: Meet Girls Drawin Girls By Bubbles von BonBon The female form has always been emulated in art with the artists of each period dictating what should be stylized and celebrated in these figures. Traditionally, with the emergence of comic art and design, the predominantly male profession of illustration... [Read more]

Paigey Pumphrey

Photo of Paigey by Atomic Cheesecake Studios Brooklyn, New York’s Paigey Pumphrey, pin-up and comic book artist extraordinaire sits down to talk Ed Emberley, superheroines, Mary Jane, curvy gals, and sausage fests. Interview: Shoshana. Illustrations: Paigey. Photograph of artist: Atomic Cheesecake Studios Q: In your blog, you credit Ed Emberley with teaching you to draw. How serious are you about... [Read more]

Jupiter Moon

Photo by 666 Photography, Model: Lola Vee Corset designer Jennifer Gonzalez of Jupiter Moon 3 talks shop discussing corsets, time management, Aqua Teen Hunger Force, and evolution. Q: What’s the story behind the name- Jupiter Moon 3? It’s a long story.  When I was starting out part time, as a hobbyist, I went through several company names.  Nothing ever felt right, and nothing stuck. ... [Read more]

Dakota Darling

Rocio Vielma wearing Dakota Darling purse Denton-based crafter, hot-rod enthusiast, and army wife Dakota Darling talks sewing, Day of the Dead, and pop culture. Interview: Shoshana Photographs: Courtesy of Dakota Darling Q: Tell us about the birth of Dakota Darling Designs. How did you get your start and what’s the story behind the name? I’ve always been crafty! My father is an artist... [Read more]