Today we’d like to introduce you to Miguel & Lucy Capuchino.
Hi Miguel & Lucy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
We are Miguel and Lucy Capuchino. A happily married couple for 35 wonderful years, and
during this time, we have always enjoyed dressing up in costumes, a practice referred to as Cosplay. Cosplay is the art of bringing a character from a fictional universe to life, whether it originates from a book, comic, film, or video game, typically by creating a costume that closely resembles that character. Since we design and make most of our costumes ourselves, we wanted to share our creations with others, which inspired us to start posting images of our work on various social media platforms under the username Capuchino Cosplay. This has opened up numerous opportunities for us, such as participating in panels on the Art of Cosplaying as a Couple at several comic conventions across the United States. We also frequently receive invitations to Cosplay at major Hollywood movie premieres. While we thoroughly enjoy attending and engaging in various comic conventions and events throughout the year, our true passion lies in volunteering for charity through our Cosplay. Some of the charitable organizations we support include the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, Ronald McDonald House Charities, the American Cancer Society, and Children’s Hospitals, among others. We have come to realize that one of the most valuable gifts a person can give is their time, and seeing the joy on a child’s face when they meet their favorite character is invaluable to us. Even though we both have full-time jobs, we have collectively dedicated over 8,000 hours to volunteering in Cosplay.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
We wouldn’t claim to have faced significant challenges in our art, as we derive immense joy from it. However, we do encounter criticism regarding our cosplaying at comic conventions. Many critics seem unable to comprehend how two grown adults can take pleasure in dressing up in costumes. They often believe that cosplay is only meant for a specific age group, overlooking the creativity and passion involved. Ultimately, we cherish our experiences in this vibrant community and focus on the joy it brings to others rather than the judgments we receive.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
The costumes we showcase at conventions and charity events represent our work. Lucy is a skilled fashion designer and seamstress, whereas Miguel is a self-taught prop maker.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
If you have a passion for cosplaying and wish to add more significance to your art, think about
volunteering with the various fandom clubs that engage in volunteering at charity events. Many of these clubs set up information tables at comic conventions, providing a perfect opportunity for you to get involved. By joining their team, you can not only showcase your creativity through your cosplay but also contribute to a shared passion within the community. Volunteering allows you to connect with like-minded individuals and help others discover the magic of Cosplay. Plus, being part of a club can offer you valuable opportunities to collaborate on projects, share your artistic skills, and grow as an artist. So, if you want to elevate your cosplay experience, reaching out to these clubs is a great step forward. Here are just a few of the groups we belong to: Sci Fi Coalition San Diego, Kids Can Cosplay, Healing Little Heroes Foundation, and San Diego Star Wars Society.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capuchinocosplay
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapuchinoCosplay
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@capuchinocosplay
