Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1538544
1. What's been the most defining moment in your career so far? One defining moment that stands out is the first time I saw a woman I didn't know wear- ing one of my pieces. That small, almost accidental sighting affirmed something deeply personal—it showed me that my work could resonate beyond my immediate circle, across language and background. Another milestone was when my designs were accepted into international retail spaces; it was the moment the brand began to exist outside of Malta. These instances were not just about visibility but about feeling seen as a creator. They validated the years of quiet experimentation, the risk of turning art into a career, and the commit- ment to building something with emotional and visual impact. That feeling of creative work finding its way into the lives of others, is something I never take for granted. 2. As an artist, how do you navigate the world and speed of social media? Social media can feel like a gift and a labyrinth. As a visual artist, it's an incredible platform to share my work directly with an audience. It allows for immediate feedback, storytelling, and connection. But the speed of it and the pressure to be constantly present can be draining. I try to use it inten- tionally. I treat Instagram almost like a living portfolio, a place where I share not just the polished end product, but also the process, the inspiration, and the human side of running a creative business. I've learned to embrace imperfection online, to post even when things aren't perfectly curated. Balance is key. Social media should amplify the work, not dictate it. 3. Do you consider artificial intelligence a threat to your career, or an opportu- nity? AI is both complex and exciting. On one hand, the rise of generative tools has made it easier than ever to produce imagery at scale but it also raises concerns about originality and ownership. As a designer whose work is rooted in personal intuition and hand-crafted aesthetics, I believe there's some- thing irreplaceable about the human touch. However, I also see AI as a tool that, when used thoughtfully, can enhance creativity rather than replace it. The threat, if any, lies in the misuse or overreliance on it. But if we view it as a collab- orator rather than a competitor, AI can expand rather than shrink our creative potential. 4. How do you stay motivated and inspired, especially during tough times or when the work feels hard? Creativity isn't a constant stream—it ebbs and flows. During tougher times, I return to nature, which is my greatest and most consistent source of inspiration. A walk, a trip to the sea, even just observing how light hits a leaf. These moments bring me back to the present. Travelling to new places is a big source of inspiration for me. It gives me fresh ideas for new stories I could tell through my patterns. I like to evoke the feeling of a place within my designs. I also find energy in revisiting past sketchbooks or failed exper- iments; sometimes what didn't work before makes sense later. Art is most inspiring when it is honest. Showing up consistently, even when things feel off, often leads me back to flow. 5. How do you balance your creative instincts with the expectations of your audience or collaborators? That balance is always evolving. At the core of my work is intuition—responding to colours, textures, and feelings in a way that's authentic to me. But I also run a brand, and part of that is understanding my audience and what resonates with them. I try not to see those expectations as limitations but as parameters that can help refine an idea. When collaborating, commu- nication is key. I make space for dialogue and feedback but also protect the heart of the con- cept. If I feel something becoming too diluted, I take a step back and ask: Does this still feel like me? The most successful projects are the ones where trust exists on both sides - where I can bring my full creative voice into conversation with what the audience or collaborator needs. 6. How do you approach a new project? Do you have a specific process or routine you follow? Every project begins with a kind of visual wan- dering. I immerse myself in images—my own photography, art books, natural forms, even old museum catalogues. From there, I build a loose mood board, not just of visuals but of feelings, colours, and textures, often inspired by a specific theme. Then I sketch, paint, and layer imagery digitally. It's quite a fluid process. I'm deeply influenced by emotional tone, so I often listen to music while working to access a certain mood. Once I have a draft or prototype, I step away from it for a few days, then return with fresh eyes. Iteration is essential. My process is structured enough to provide rhythm but open enough to allow surprise. 7. Can you let us in on some of the future projects, works? Lately, I've been working with stretch fabrics in the production of my swimwear collection— something that's opened up a whole new world of possibilities in both form and function. I'm currently developing a range that spans from elegant, body-skimming formalwear to more relaxed, performance-driven pieces like yoga pants and active tops. The idea is to create garments that not only look beautiful but also move with you—clothing that supports the lifestyle of a modern, expressive woman. One of my favourite new pieces in development is a series of printed stretch turbans, designed to be both stylish and comfortable, whilst acting as protective pieces for those experiencing hair-loss. These experiments are letting me explore how my prints behave on dynamic, flex- ible materials and how that can serve different needs, from evening events to daily rituals like stretching or meditating. This line feels like a natural evolution of my brand: bringing art to life in new, tactile ways while staying rooted in comfort, beauty, and self-expression. maltatoday | SUNDAY • 17 AUGUST 2025 HISTORY New monument in Marsaskala to remember the SS Polynésien PAGE 2 CULTURE New Muza exhibition spotlighting Francis Ebejer PAGE 3 ARTS • TV • WHAT'S ON BY LAURA CALLEJA suggestions by email lcalleja@mediatoday.com.mt The Q & A SAZ MIFSUD 7 questions for... Extra round Can you walk me through your design process from concept to final execution, and how you handle feedback or revi- sions along the way? The process begins with curiosity— something I've seen or felt that sparks an idea. I gather visual inspiration through photos I've taken, textures I've recorded, and painterly elements I've experimented with. These fragments are then layered together digitally, where I manipulate colour and composition until the image begins to "speak". Once the artwork is ready, I think about its application: Is this a scarf, a garment, a bag? That decision shapes the scale, detail, and flow of the print. Once I have a sample made, I wear it, test it, live with it. Feedback comes from multiple sources—trusted collaborators, customers, sometimes even strangers on the street. I take notes on what works and what doesn't. If revisions are need- ed, I go back to the artwork and tweak accordingly, always making sure the essence remains intact. It's a conversa- tion between instinct and refinement. I try not to be overly precious. Feedback is part of the creative dialogue, not an intrusion. MaltaToday is supported by Arts Council Malta Saz Mifsud is a fashion textile designer based in Malta, best known for her vivid, emotionally resonant prints that transform everyday fashion into wearable art. Her work merges photography, painting, and digital design to create original textiles that are rich in colour, texture, and story. These signature prints are applied to a curated range of garments and accessories, including silk scarves, printed dresses, f lowing kaftans, tailored blouses, and versatile swimwear. Saz's collections ref lect a strong connection to nature, travel, and memory. Her brand blends art and fashion in a way that's both expressive and accessible, with her work stocked in boutiques in Malta and abroad. Saz continues to expand her creative practice while staying true to her vision — make art you can wear and stories you can live in.