MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: MICAH GILBERT ON ALL THINGS BEAUTY
Micah Gilbert always knew he was going to be part of the motion picture world. Whether it was acting, working as a makeup artist, or creating industry-standard beauty products, Micah’s passion for film and television has always been clear. In this Member Spotlight, Micah talks about his journey to becoming a makeup artist, building his own business, and his behind-the-scenes experiences working on ‘Yellowjackets’, ‘Scrubs’, and ‘Elle’.
THE BEGINNING OF A FULL-CIRCLE JOURNEY
As a 20-something aspiring actor, Micah Gilbert found himself on the set of a sci-fi film, The Chronicles of Riddick. Sitting in the makeup chair with IATSE 891 Makeup Artist Jennifer Powell working in front of him, Micah couldn’t help but be fascinated by what she was doing. Little did he know, Jennifer would eventually become his Head of Department years later.
“She did some really cool prosthetics on my neck, and I was so interested in what she was doing. Whenever she’d do my makeup, I would ask her so many questions,” Micah recalls.
As Micah continued pursuing acting, he would often cross paths with Jennifer on various productions. Whenever he saw her on set, he would pick her brain about makeup, and his interest in the craft began to flourish. Still, he wasn’t ready to become a makeup artist just yet.
“Jen always encouraged me to go to Blanche,” he says.
At 26 years old, Micah enrolled at Blanche McDonald Centre’s makeup school in Vancouver, Canada. As fate would have it, Jennifer was working at the school at the time too.
“It was funny because I would always run into her at the school after seeing her on set for so long. I was always trying to get more information from her,” he recalls.
Jennifer Powell and Micah through the years.
Micah’s path was always rooted in film and television. Growing up, he loved watching movies and was enamored by the creativity and artistry that went into building new worlds and bringing different characters to life. For a long time, he was particularly drawn to the fashion side of the industry, and then he found curiosity in special effects. But the idea of working as a makeup artist in the motion picture industry intimidated him. Still, deep down, Micah knew it was where he was meant to be.
“It’s always interested me in one aspect or another, whether it’s creating the characters on myself, or simply being part of the process. There’s so much that goes into it,” he says.
Shortly after graduating from Blanche, Micah started working as a makeup artist at CTV News. The role gave him valuable professional experience and helped build his confidence. Slowly but surely, he began picking up makeup jobs on smaller productions and Movies of the Week, allowing him to gain experience on set, form connections with other makeup artists, and immerse himself in the environment of it all.
Looking back, Micah’s advice to his younger self, and to anyone starting out in the industry, is to try everything and really put yourself out there. For anyone pursuing a career in makeup, he says that one of the most important things is not being afraid to fail.
Micah at his initiation on July 14, 2024, officialy sworn in as an IATSE 891 member.
LIFE AS A MAKEUP ARTIST: FROM DIRT AND GRIME TO 90’S GRUNGE
Today, Micah is a makeup artist of 15 years and a First Assistant Makeup Artist with IATSE 891, with credits including Yellowjackets, Scrubs, Elle, and more. Of the many productions he has worked on, these three hold a special place for him, each for different reasons.
Yellowjackets was Micah’s first production after being sworn into the Local. The job involved plenty of dirt, grime, and trudging through the forest, with long days and nights spent in the wilderness where much of the series takes place. “It was such a big show and there were so many things happening at once. We had a big team, the cast was amazing… it was a lot of fun,” he says.
From right to left: Micah, 891 Makeup Artist Kiara Desjarlais, and 891 Hairstylist Alicia Chowen with actor Courtney Eaton ("Lottie") in the makeup trailer for 'Yellowjackets'.
On Scrubs, no two days were quite the same. Working on a medical sitcom that blends comedy, drama, and surreal elements meant that things could change very quickly and ideas were constantly being thrown around. “What I like about Scrubs is that we do a lot of different effects that you would never think of. It’s been really interesting and fun,” he says.
Micah and crew mates on set of 'Scrubs'.
Elle was a nostalgic and completely different experience from the other two productions. Set in a 1990s high school during the grunge era, the show brought Micah back to a time he remembers all too well. He particularly enjoyed recreating the characters’ looks, which brought back memories of the era.
Micah and crew mates on set of 'Elle' with actors Lexi Minetree ("Elle Woods"), Jacob Moskovitz ("Miles"), and Zac Looker ("Dustin").
For Micah, one of the key parts of the job, and something he loves most about being a makeup artist, is the personal skills you learn to develop along the way.
“You’re the first people they see in the morning, so you’re setting the tone for the day,” Micah says, emphasizing the importance of making cast members feel comfortable and respecting their personal space. Some prefer a quieter environment, while others may come in with lots of energy. As a makeup artist, he says, you have to learn to read the person sitting in your chair and adapt to what they need.
MAKEUP ARTIST BY DAY, BUSINESS OWNER BY NIGHT
After spending long hours on set, Micah goes home and clocks into his second job: running his own business. Sumthin Sumthin Beauty was originally founded by Micah and fellow IATSE 891 member Kara Alaric, who he met while working on Cruel Summer. Today, Micah is the sole owner of the brand.
Kara and Micah had crossed paths on several creative projects before reconnecting years later. When they reunited, they opened up to one another about their shared experiences with trauma and began exploring how they could regain their voices while also sharing their love for makeup and their desire to support others. They share more about the story behind Sumthin Sumthin Beauty on the brand’s website here.
“Kara and I shared a similar experience of trauma. I felt that there were so many people out there who had also dealt with something similar, and after coming forward about my story, I figured there’s got to be something I can do to be proactive,” Micah shares.
“We wanted to try to find beauty and light in something that was so dark,” he adds.
Sumthin Sumthin Beauty offers cruelty-free, vegan makeup made in Canada. From Plant Collagen Fiber Lashes to Lip Stains, these products are designed to go from subtle everyday looks to full glam. Micah has also taken product formulation courses to better understand the process behind developing cosmetics and communicate more effectively with manufacturers.
Kara Alaric (middle left) and Micah (middle right) at their Global News interview for Sumthin Sumthin Beauty.
“In the beginning, the brand was created for the mission more than anything else. But as time went on, I also gained a lot of interest in the mixology and manufacturing of products.”
That interest in formulation has also influenced Micah’s work as a makeup artist. The more involved he got, the more he began thinking about the products he uses on actors every day.
“It translates not only into the product line, but also in my day-to-day job. Actors are putting makeup on their face every day, and there are so many things that are just not the best for our bodies,” he adds.
Micah is now developing new products with film and television makeup artists in mind, with a focus on products that perform well on set while remaining versatile enough for everyday use. Sumthin Sumthin Beauty products have already been used in various productions including Yellowjackets, Allegiance, and several independent films, and he’s also got the support of his fellow makeup artists who are helping test the brand along the way.
“It is challenging, but it’s a labour of love,” he says. “I don’t think I could work these types of hours if I didn’t truly love makeup.”
Ten per cent of all profits from Sumthin Sumthin Beauty go toward supporting survivors of sexual violence, while all products are manufactured in Canada to support the local economy. Check out Sumthin Sumthin Beauty here.
Sumthin Sumthin Beauty's Matte Lip Stains product line.
LIGHTNING ROUND: BEST ON-SET HACKS AND BEAUTY TRENDS
One makeup product or tool you couldn’t live without?
Beauty blender.
A favourite look you’ve created for a film or television series?
Oh my goodness. A favourite look? There’s too many…. Pass!
A makeup look from another film or series you wish you’d created?
The blue alien (Diva Plavalaguna) from ‘The Fifth Element’! I don’t know why but that’s the first thing that comes to mind.
Your best on-set makeup hack?
All-Nighter Setting Spray under the eyes. It’s a stolen hack but it’s the best one I’ve found.
One beauty trend you’d love to see make a comeback?
Brighter, coloured makeup. Brighter eyeshadows, brighter lips.
If you could work on any film or television series, past or present, what would it be?
‘The Fifth Element’. It’s been my favourite movie for a long time.
Early call times or night shoots?
Early call times.
One word to describe your job?
Beautiful.
BUILDING A CAREER IN VANCOUVER AND BEING PART OF THE 891 COMMUNITY
After years of travelling and living in different cities, Micah eventually found himself back in the place where he grew up.
“Vancouver is such a special place… and in 891, we just have so much talent. I don’t think it’s really comparable to anywhere else.”
Despite being a newer member of the Union, Micah says the experiences he has gained and opportunities that have come his way have been hard to beat. He feels blessed and honoured to have found consistent work, especially alongside the incredible talent and community around him. He is also grateful for the Union’s commitment to continued learning and professional development.
“I love how the Union is constantly trying to help us improve our skills. For example, I’m taking a Colour Theory training course, just to refresh myself. I love how, as a collective, we are always trying to develop ourselves and become bigger and better,” he says.
Micah and some of his 891 colleagues.
Micah also enjoys meeting new people and building relationships on set. Hearing about their careers, the journeys that brought them to where they are today, and their dreams and ambitions have inspired him to continue building a path for himself, whether through his personal work or with the goal of becoming Head of Department or a personal artist one day.
“The talent here is just so diverse, and everyone has something to offer. There is a wealth of knowledge, and it’s been really exciting to learn from everyone.”
Written by Erica Lim, Copywriter for IATSE 891.
Are you an 891 member who’d like to be featured in a Spotlight? Know an 891 member making BC’s motion picture community a better place for all workers? Email Spotlight suggestions to communications@iatse.com. Read more 891 Member Spotlights here! Visit Ourwork.ca for more on the benefits of joining the Union.
