Ever wondered what it actually takes to work in film and television—on the hair, makeup, and costume side? We're bringing three working industry professionals into The Frame for an honest, unfiltered conversation about how they got there, what the work really looks like, and what it takes to build a career on set.
What This Experience Includes
Film and television is one of the most exciting—and most misunderstood—career paths in the beauty and fashion industry. The work is fast, collaborative, and deeply creative. It's also competitive, demanding, and full of unwritten rules that nobody tells you about until you're already on set.
This panel brings together three professionals working across costume design, makeup artistry, and hair styling in Vancouver's film and TV industry. Through a guided conversation led by JCI’s Community & Industry Engagement Director, they'll talk candidly about how they broke in, what a real day on set looks like, how the departments collaborate, and what they wish someone had told them at the start.
After the panel, the floor opens for audience questions—followed by open networking with the speakers and the wider JCI community. Whether you're a current student, a recent grad, or someone exploring a career path in the industry, this is a rare chance to get real answers from people who are doing the work.
Meet the panelists
Tray Willis — Makeup Artistry
Tray is an award-winning special effects makeup artist with two decades of film and television experience and credits spanning The Last of Us, Percy Jackson, X-Files, Yellowjackets, Deadpool 2, Star Trek Beyond, and many more. A JCI graduate and now the Program Director of JCI's Makeup Department, Tray has been mentoring and training artists since 2006—and brings that same precision and generosity to everything she does, on set and in the classroom.
Sara Byblow — Costume Design
Sara is a Vancouver-based costume designer whose work centres on the relationship between wardrobe, character, and storytelling. A JCI fashion graduate, she has built a career bringing visual clarity to fast-moving productions through a careful command of style, colour, and texture. Her credits include Fire Country, Surface, and the upcoming series Elle—with over 30 episodes of television to her name and counting.
Alicia Chowen — Hair Styling
Alicia is a Vancouver-based hairstylist with thirteen years in the industry and ten years working in film and television—most recently as Hair Department Head on Yellowjackets Season 4. Co-owner of Locks & Co. Hair and founder of The Texture Workshops, an education platform training professional stylists in techniques for coily and curly hair, Alicia brings both serious set experience and a deep commitment to the craft of hair education.
What the evening looks like
10 min — Welcome and introductions: meet the panelists and set the tone for the conversation
60–75 min — Guided panel: a candid conversation about breaking in, the reality of set life, cross-department collaboration, and what it actually takes to build a career in film and TV
15 min — Audience Q&A: your questions, answered directly by the people doing the work
30–35 min — Networking and mingling: connect with the speakers and the wider JCI community
Who This Is For
For current JCI students, recent graduates, and anyone exploring a career in the creative industries—particularly those curious about where fashion, hair, and makeup intersect with film and television.
Why Attend
The people in this industry are generous with their knowledge—if you're in the room. This is that room. A guided conversation, real answers, and the chance to meet working professionals who were once exactly where you are. Come with questions. Leave with a clearer picture of where you're headed.
Event Details
Thursday, June 25, 2026
6:00 - 8:00 PM
The Frame at JCI Institute
200–1155 Robson Street, Vancouver, BC
Heads up—we'll have a videographer in the room capturing the evening. You may appear in background or wide shots. If we'd like to film or interview you directly, we'll always ask first.
Free to attend—RSVP below.