About Pinheads
Changing the world, one small town at a time.
The Pinheads are a renowned, international collective of pinstripers, airbrushers, and kustom kulture artists that originated in the 1990s from a playful acronym for the “Pinstripers International Network of Historic, Exotic, Artistic Design Stylists.” Carrying on the mid-20th-century “lowbrow art” legacy of icons like Von Dutch, the group grew from early “panel jams” at hot rod events into a legendary online community called the “Pinhead Lounge” where artists shared traditional, freehand line techniques.
Today, this highly collaborative network bridges multi-generational veterans and newcomers through annual multi-day reunions and active social media engagement. They continue to travel to major custom car shows to collaborate on unique painted collectibles, notably gathering each year for the Chicago Brushmasters event to auction off their art and raise money for the Ronald McDonald House.
Our History
Pinstripers International Network of Historic, Exotic, Artistic Design Stylists
- The Name: “Pinhead” originally served as a playful acronym (Pinstripers International Network of Historic, Exotic, Artistic Design Stylists) coined during a 1990s custom car event.
- Early Gatherings: In the 1990s, the group became famous for “panel jams” at events like the massive Lead East hot rod party in New Jersey, where they roamed the grounds and painted anything that stood still.
- Online Roots: In the early 2000s, the group formed an online community called the “Pinhead Lounge” (created by Rich Hoare), which became a legendary hub for custom painters to share techniques, post art, and discuss traditional calligraphy or sign-painting techniques.
- The Craft: Pinstriping was pioneered in the mid-20th century by hot rod icons like Von Dutch and Big Daddy Ed Roth. The Pinheads carry on this “lowbrow art” legacy by using long-haired brushes to lay down perfectly freehand, symmetrical, and scroll-like lines.
- Panel Jams: At car shows, Pinheads often host “panel jams” where they collaborate on single objects—such as vintage oil drums, gas tanks, and metal panels. Multiple artists take turns adding layers of striping, creating unique collectible items that are then auctioned off for charity.
- Annual Reunions: The group hosts long-running gatherings, such as the annual Pinhead Reunion. These multi-day events attract dozens of multi-generational artists who drive from all over the country to paint, share techniques, and socialize.
- Community: The collective is highly collaborative, bridging the gap between veterans with 60-plus years in the trade and enthusiastic newcomers. You can keep up with their gatherings, member shout-outs, and panel jams on the Pinheads Facebook Page.
- Charity: Pinheads gather once a year for a charity event called Chicago Brushmasters with proceeds going to Ronald McDonald House.
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