An up-and-coming artist from Hull has won a UK-wide design competition to see his artwork come to life across an iconic 14-metre-long National Express coach. 

Sergej Komkov beat off stiff competition from seven other finalists in an online public vote to get his ‘Driving Design’ installed on a coach that will transport passengers around the UK for an entire year. 

The striking design will be seen all over the country from today as it runs on routes taking in Hull, London, Scarborough, Derby, Felixstowe, Birmingham and Swansea.  

Chris Hardy, Managing Director at National Express, said: “Congratulations to Sergej for winning our very first Driving Design competition. The coach looks magnificent. This is the first time we offered this kind of opportunity on such a large scale, and it really has made quite an impact.

“The coach will be covering hundreds of miles while carrying large numbers of passengers across the country on a daily basis and I cannot wait to see it on the road.”

The winning coach was revealed to 27-year-old Sergej in Queen Victoria Square in the centre of Hull: “I am absolutely over the moon. To even be shortlisted amongst the other talented artists was an achievement, so I am very happy.”

“My artwork combines elements of architecture with aesthetics of line, geometry and symmetry so to see that come to life on a huge coach is a dream come true. I’ll be keeping an eye out for it in and around Hull.” 

Speaking of the competition, Sergej said: “The whole process, from beginning to end, has been amazing. It is such a big and exciting platform. I would encourage any young artists looking for a break to enter next year.”

Along with the main prize, Sergej will receive a free 12-month coach pass, £500, and a one-to-one development day with an established artist resulting in their work being showcased at this year’s High Vis Festival in Birmingham in September.

“I am excited to work with the artists from the High Vis Festival in a few weeks’ time. We are currently in talks about the project that we will be working on. I cannot wait to learn more on the day and meet some influential artists. Who knows what this project could lead to?” 

Chris said: “We are extremely pleased to be able to give young British talent, like Sergej, a huge platform to showcase their work and realise their dreams.

“This competition heavily supports our Youth Promise in many ways – the prize doesn’t end with the coach design. It actually enables us to nurture our winning artist by providing further development opportunities to them. 

“We are a well-known brand with a huge reach, and we want to use this influence to help young people get a head start in life."

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