Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mikhail Capote. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Mikhail, thanks for joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I always knew I’d be doing something in the arts, I was raised for it. Dance recitals, gymnastics and theater were a part of the well oiled machine that was me growing up just outside Detroit. Things started to fall apart for me around high school when my parents couldn’t handle the teenager I was growing into. I suffered terrible bullying at school that ultimately caused me to have to leave not only the school but the city itself. My home life wasn’t much better unfortunately and slowly recitals were missed and theater projects were put on hold so I could focus on my mental health. I actually never wanted to be a model I just found myself doing it years later after escaping my parents. I found dressing up as my favorite characters a fantastic way to cope with a childhood lost, through cosplay photographers found me and I ended up connecting with several other creatives that helped nurture a career in the industry. It’s been great fun doing what in a way I’ve always done- dress up and preform. But in a way it’s also saddening because I’m doing exactly what my mother intended for me to do. Growing up I always had a passion for horses and writing but was forced to follow in her footsteps with what she wanted for herself and for me. I’m currently very happy to continue following my artistic passions but wish I had more time in my childhood focused on my books and animals. Modeling comes very naturally for me as it’s backed up by 15+ years of 8 different dance styles with around 10 years of theater. In a way it is my comfort while also a main factor in my stress. I hope one day to travel in a van, taking modeling gigs where I can and soaking up Mother Nature who I’ve spent very little time with. In the quiet of the woods I find myself happiest and most creatively motivated and that’s where I hope to finish the book series I’ve been writing for years. It is my dream to on day see it on bookshelves across the country

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Modeling came up quite accidentally and was never truly intended at least by me. I find myself with the creative backing where it comes fairly easy to me. I’ve been dubbed several times now “The chameleon“ due to how I can adapt to any role any style thrown at me. A majority of the outfits I wear in shoots were styled by me and I take great pride in giving each one their own distinct personality. I can be a 1920 flapper or a disguised cowboy in the Wild West. I transform outfits, people, even places to fit any vibe

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Something people often tell me is that they admire my resilience. I’ve been through a lot for someone my age and it’s been a near constant struggle just to keep my head above water. Even today I find myself couch hopping and struggling with being conned out of my car money. Never give up hope that things always have the chance to get better even if all you’ve ever known is worse. You may always have a bad hand due to a rotten deck but that doesn’t mean you still can’t win the game. I’ve always suffered pushback from family, co workers, school mates etc. The most important thing I’ve realized is to never give up and never sacrifice being yourself for anyone or anything else.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Currently step one is to get a proper functioning vehicle haha but as previously mentioned traveling is something I haven’t gotten to do much of. There’s so much to see and do and I’ve barely had a taste. Thinking of working on my book beside a river with mountains in the back, modeling at the salt flats or horseback riding through the plains. That’s what keeps me going. Knowing everything is so close makes me want to do even more, including being behind the camera for once!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: v.i.t.a.n.i
• Other: OnlyFans vitani

Image Credits
@erinimages @habitsphotography_ @scotchandsilverhalide @lspears.beauty @copper.twig.collective @hextapes