“Seeing the distinct and nurtured personal styles of other students made me realise I could truly flourish here”
Birmingham-born Safiyyah Altaf’s path to UWTSD began with a family move to Wales, where she attended Neath Port Talbot College to study Textiles. Her learning journey has continued and today, the 23-year-old is graduating with a Master’s in Surface Pattern Design and Textiles from UWTSD’s Swansea College of Art.
Safiyyah credits Neath Port Talbot College (NPT) and the University for helping her professional and personal growth.
“During my NPT college years, I was selected for the Mission Gallery Raising the Bar workshops, a series that introduced me to various art techniques. These workshops, hosted by UWTSD’s Swansea College of Art, offered me a glimpse into the university’s creative potential.
“I was also drawn to the university because it was local and familiar. The taster workshops were fantastic, and I appreciated the extensive tutor contact and generous desk space provided.”
Safiyyah said she found the Surface Pattern Design and Textiles course at UWTSD unique.
“Unlike other programs that limit students to either fashion or interiors, UWTSD’s course offers a broad scope, allowing students to discover their personal style,” she added.
“Seeing the distinct and nurtured personal styles of other students made me realise I could truly flourish here.”
The programme’s live briefs with recognised companies like Mini Moderns, Rolls Royce, and Hacer provided Safiyyah with invaluable industry insights and helped her identify her interests. Additionally, showcasing her work at the prestigious New Designers event in London was a course highlight, facilitating significant networking opportunities.
A notable internship with Metal Seagulls, a Wales-based aircraft company, allowed Safiyyah to design seating for new aircraft and collaborate with the RAF. She learned to use CAD software and high-level equipment, including CNC cutting machines.
Safiyyah also engaged with the community through the Craft Hub International festival, where she hosted a successful lino print workshop, and volunteered with the Mission Gallery to support the EYST girls’ group in Swansea.
During her final year, Safiyyah faced a personal family bereavement. Balancing her grief with academic commitments required her to prioritise and seek extenuating circumstances, enabling her to continue her studies with resilience.
Safiyyah said she highly recommends the Surface Pattern Design and Textiles course at UWTSD.
“You have access to a vast array of workshops and equipment, far superior to other universities I considered,” she said adding that the dedicated desk space in the studio was crucial for her creative exploration.
Safiyyah is currently working at the Mission Gallery in Swansea as their Creative Outreach Coordinator. In this role, she organises and delivers community workshops and connects artists to various programs.
“This enriching job allows me to apply my creative and professional skills in the community, sharing them with others eager to express themselves,” she added.
Further Information
Rebecca Davies
Executive Press and Media Relations Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: rebecca.davies@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07384 467071