Vega Alumna's Winning Design Takes to The Skies on LIFT Aeroplane

The Vega School at Emeris uMhlanga Alumna Alyssa Reyersbach was only 10 years old when she entered a South African Airways competition with a drawing of an aeroplane. Fourteen years later, that childhood passion has come full circle. Her winning design is now proudly flying on LIFT’s Airbus A320.

To celebrate its fifth birthday, LIFT invited South Africans to design a limited-edition tail for one of its aeroplanes. Out of thousands of entries, Reyersbach’s bold and vibrant design was chosen by public vote.

“Alyssa’s artwork celebrates our rich culture, heritage and true South African spirit,” said Haydn Halim-Henning (LIFT Brand Manager). “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”.

Reyersbach (Graphic Designer and Content Creator at Lemonade Design Co.) was in a Monday morning meeting, and feeling unwell, when she received the call that would change everything.

“Haydn strung me along at first, making me think I hadn’t won,” she laughed. “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 heard about the competition just three weeks before the deadline. After checking with her colleagues that she could enter, she decided to take 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”.

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.”

After a judging panel shortlisted five finalists, the designs were published online for public voting. The overwhelming support she received was affirming.

“Just seeing all the love online, I didn’t even need to win. Family and friends overseas shared it and said when they looked at it, they felt like they were home. That meant everything”.

Recently flown to Cape Town to see the aircraft in person, the moment left her emotional.

“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”.

A creative from a young age, Reyersbach knew by the age of 10 that she wanted to pursue art and design. From Grade 11, she attended The Vega School at Emeris uMhlanga Open Days, determined to study towards an IIE Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design degree.

“The Vega School has shaped the designer I am today,” she said. She was hired by Lemonade Design Co. shortly after the company had seen her portfolio at The Vega School’s annual Student Showcase - an industry facing event where final year students present their strongest work to professionals and potential employers.

“I received an email, soon after Student Showcase, inviting me for an interview. They said my illustrations and use of colour stood out. Looking back now, it’s been such a full circle moment”.

If she could give her younger self one piece of advice, it would be simple: take risks.

“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”.

For Reyersbach, entering the competition has proven that sometimes, the sky truly is the limit.