When LIFT selected the winning design of its nationwide aircraft tail livery competition late last year, one artwork stood out to voters, for the feeling it evoked as much as the way it looked. Warm, upLIFTing and unmistakably South African, the design, now flying on a LIFT Airbus A320, belongs to Alyssa Reyersbach, a 24-year-old graphic designer and content creator from Durban.
Chosen and voted for by the public from nearly 3,000 submissions, LIFT said Alyssa’s design reflects the energy, diversity and vibrancy of South Africa. Drawing inspiration from the country’s people, landscapes and cultural rhythms, the aircraft tail has become a moving canvas and one that celebrates unity, connection and a shared sense of pride.
A lifelong creative, Reyersbach has been making and creating for as long as she can remember. With a natural eye for colour, a passion for illustration and photography, and a love for all things design, she pursued art throughout high school before completing her BA in Graphic Design at Vega School. “Growing up in Durban, I draw constant inspiration from the city’s rich culture and heritage, influences that continue to shape my work today. I currently work as a graphic designer at Lemonade Design Co. I’ve been part of the team for over three years, where I design through my own perspective and imagination, making magic wherever I possibly can,” says Reyersbach.
At the heart of her concept was the idea of movement and connection: “I thought about how travel brings people together, and how LIFT acts as a bridge between places, moments and memories”. Using warm, energetic colours and iconic symbols inspired by South Africa’s natural landscapes and everyday life, the design was thoughtfully crafted to translate from a digital canvas to the scale of an aircraft tail.
“My inspiration came from the energy and warmth of South Africa. Our people, our landscapes and the symbols that make us who we are,” says Alyssa. “I wanted the design to feel alive and optimistic, and to tell a story of unity and pride that people could connect with. My goal was to visually celebrate how they all come together as one, celebrating South Africa as an inclusive, welcoming nation.”
Designing at aircraft scale presented a new and exciting challenge for Alyssa. While working full-time, she worked on her design in the evenings, spending close to three hours each night over the three weeks leading up to the competition deadline. Although she entered the process with a clear vision, refining the final artwork required patience and several rounds of trial and error. “It was a demanding but deeply rewarding experience as the elements gradually came together,” she adds. The win has since opened new personal and professional doors, giving her the confidence to dream bigger and reinforcing that there is space for local South African designers to create work that lives on a national scale. It has also encouraged her to embrace illustration more fully, a long-standing passion she now feels inspired to prioritise as part of her creative journey.
For Haydn Halim-Henning, LIFT Brand Manager, Alyssa’s work captured the essence of both the airline and its travellers. “Alyssa’s design feels authentic, optimistic and proudly South African,” he says. “It reflects the sense of connection that defines LIFT and the creativity of the people who fly with us. And of course we are incredibly proud of and impressed by Alyssa for this significant achievement at such a young age and so early in her design career!”
Seeing her work take flight marks a meaningful milestone in Alyssa’s creative journey, turning a personal passion into a nationally visible expression of pride and belonging. As the aircraft travels across South Africa, the tail livery stands as a quiet but powerful reminder of what’s possible when South African stories, talent and imagination are given room to soar. “I hope they feel a sense of familiarity when they see the design, like a small reminder of home before they even step onboard. Whether it was excitement, comfort, or simple joy, I wanted the design to spark a positive emotional connection and make people feel seen, represented, and welcomed. I’ve had so many messages from friends and family overseas saying that when you look at it, you feel homesick, and I think that really stuck and made me feel like I had achieved something,” she explains.
Alyssa explained that the experience is a reminder to back yourself, “Even when doubt crept in, I designed with honesty, and trusted my instincts, and this proves just how powerful one brave step can be.” While the final artwork may look effortless, it was shaped by countless small decisions and moments of refinement, making the win less about a single design and more about growth, persistence and the belief that the sky truly is the limit.
LIFT, known for its colourful collaborations and over the past few years, has built a reputation for creative, culture-led partnerships and standout brand moments – from its much-loved collaborations with The Walt Disney Company Africa and Checkers Sixty60, to surprise in-flight experiences celebrating local authors, fashion and theatre. This distinctive approach has also earned international recognition, including being named Best New Airline Brand, South Africa by Global Brands Magazine, and becoming the youngest airline in Africa to win a Skytrax World Airline Award – affirming LIFT’s commitment to innovation, experience and proudly South African storytelling.
