Check Out Michael Paul Taeza’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Paul Taeza.

Hi Michael Paul, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
It all started when my coworkers at my old job told me that I laugh like Pennywise. I was confused because the Pennywise I grew up knowing was Tim Curry’s Pennywise. IT was a TV series back then and will always be the creepiest rendition of a clown people feared. Tim Curry’s take on the Horror Icon made it more amazing. My coworkers then told me that there is a new Pennywise, IT movie that came out. I was curious so I went to go see the movie and I was amazed how the new Pennywise (Bill Skarsgård) got even scarier, especially with the virtual effects we all know were used in the film. I was more excited on how they did the practical effects! That’s what got me started to search videos on YouTube on how to do the Cosplay of Pennywise. After hundreds of tutorials, and failed DIY costumes, I was able to figure out a way for me to do the makeup and costume with the help of seasoned cosplayers.

I debuted my Pennywise cosplay in 2019 LA Comic Con. The night I got home from the convention is when I made my first TikTok video doing a trendy dance. I just thought it would be fun to see how a Horror Icon can be seen as a parody character. I never thought that the one video would blow up over the course of two months—from 10 followers to thousands in just a week! As time went by, I didn’t realize that my account was blowing up because of how I put a twist on the horror icon and noticed that my viewers wanted more of IT! And TwistedPennywise was born!

I was always the type to joke around and the thought of making a TikTok video was just for fun. My whole idea was to make fun of quirky “dance” trends that would garner views just for doing the simple move. My journey throughout social media exploded and I never saw myself as an influencer until thousands of message flooded my email, DMs, and comments on how I helped my viewers overcome their fear of clowns which is known as Coulrophobia!

Having my fans tell me how I made that impact is when I realized that I helped and influenced people to do what they love to do and get over their fears. It is still mind blowing to think about how one video changed my life and having that opportunity to meet celebrities and genuine creators are a huge blessing and I will always be humble to the people that helped me with my journey.

My success was being able to put myself into a school that thought me how practical effects were done in the film industry. To think that making my own sculptures, molds, and prosthetics is something I am passionate about.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Social media is an on and off thing for me. I recently just had a baby who is now 16 months old! Family is very important to me and watching my son grow is a blessing. I can’t wait to show him my success and seeing him be inspired is all I need in life. I want to be that cool dad that he can boast to his friends! The dad that makes cool stuff!

There were ups and downs in my journey—mainly it’s when I don’t have time to make videos anymore as I am more focused on bigger things in life other than social media.

I do know that everything will settle and I will be back creating content people will enjoy!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a graduate from Cinema Makeup School! I specialize in making sculptures, mold making and prosthetics! I still have a lot to learn and I can’t wait to see what other opportunity has for me.

What sets me apart from others? I am multi talented with other things! I am more known in picking up dance moves quickly and I never had a dance background growing up. I can beatbox, play basketball, and can play instruments like guitar and piano by ear.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I have learned is knowing who to trust in my circle. I have met people that are only cool with me when they want something. Unfortunately, as time went by, I learned who my real friends are from the fake ones.

Social media is mentality exhausting, its not for everyone, it’s not an easy thing to do and manage especially when you have other struggles along the way.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twistedpennywise?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TwistedPennywise?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@twistedpennywise