From a 10-year-old’s sketch to a plane in the sky — Alyssa Reyersbach’s design soars as a symbol of creativity, pride, and courage.
Image: The Vega School
For Alyssa Reyersbach, a graphic designer and content creator, a love of art has been a lifelong journey. At just 10 years old, she entered a South African Airways competition with a simple drawing of an aeroplane.
Fourteen years later, that childhood passion has soared to new heights. Her winning design now adorns the tail of domestic airline LIFT’s Airbus A320. The competition, launched to celebrate LIFT’s fifth birthday, invited South Africans to design a limited-edition tail for one of its aeroplanes.
Out of thousands of entries, 24-year-old Reyersbach’s bold and vibrant design was chosen by public vote. She said that the moment and experience itself were overwhelming in the best way possible.
"I couldn’t believe it at all - it’s one thing to see all the love and support online, but to hear “you’re a winner" is a feeling I’ll never forget. I truly was stunned, I was so proud of myself in that moment, it was a phenomenal moment and feeling, I’ll never forget," said Reversbach.
Haydn Halim-Henning, LIFT Brand Manager, says that Reversbach artwork celebrates South Africa's rich culture, heritage, and true South African spirit.
“Inspired by our collective unity and diversity, it tells a visual story of a country alive with creativity, culture, and ‘lekker’ vibes - a true reflection of who we are. We’re incredibly proud and view this tail as a soaring symbol of connection, heritage, and heart,” Halim-Henning.
Her Bold, Vibrant Design Wins Public Vote and Lands on LIFT’s Airbus A320 Tail
Image: The Vega School
Reyersbach was in a Monday morning meeting and feeling unwell when she received the call that changed everything.
“Haydn strung me along at first, making me think I hadn’t won. When I realised that I had, I started screaming and crying at the same time. Everyone at work started screaming. It was so surreal,” she recalled.
She had discovered the competition just three weeks before the deadline. Feeling a creative slump, she took the leap.
“I was going through a creative slump, and the advert kept popping up on my Instagram feed. It felt like a blessing in disguise,” she said.
Determined to avoid clichés, Reyersbach focused on capturing the warmth and energy of South Africans in a bold and contemporary way.
“We are such a vibrant nation, and I wanted people to feel that when they saw the design. I hoped they’d feel a sense of pride and a sense of home - that they would feel seen and represented,” she explained.
After a judging panel shortlisted five finalists, the design was opened to public voting. The support she received was overwhelming.
“Just seeing all the love online, I didn’t even need to win. Family and friends overseas shared it and said that when they looked at it, they felt like they were home. That meant everything,” Reyersbach said.
Seeing her design on the aircraft for the first time brought her to tears.
“I watched the plane land and pull up in front of me, and I just started crying. To see my design on that scale was unbelievable. This competition helped me find myself as an illustrator and discover my personal style.”
Reyersbach’s journey has been shaped by her education and early career. From Grade 11, she attended The Vega School at Emeris uMhlanga, determined to study graphic design.
“The Vega School has shaped the designer I am today,” she said.
Her talent caught the attention of Lemonade Design Co., where she now works, shortly after showcasing her portfolio at the school’s annual Student Showcase. “Looking back now, it’s been such a full circle moment,” she reflected.
For aspiring designers, Reyersbach has a simple but powerful message: “Design is about pushing boundaries. I used to be too scared to fully express myself. I’d tell my younger self, and other aspiring designers, to just go for it. Don’t feel like you can’t do something. Show the world what you can do.”