since I am pretty new to this I was wondering if you typically ice & fill cupcakes w/ the same thing?

I think it is all a matter of personal taste. I have never iced and filled cupcakes with the same frosting, because I would be concerned that all you would taste is the frosting. Usually, my fillings are a different texture and flavor than the frosting, such as a fruit filling, ganache, or cream. Good luck & have fun!

No, I use my fillings as fillings and my icing as icing.

I'm getting ready to make my first filled cupcakes. I'm using a chocolate mousse filling and a cinnamon buttercream icing.