AN up-and-coming artist at the University of Reading has been named as a finalist in a UK-wide art and design competition run by the National Express.

Third-year student, Tom Scott, is up against seven other finalists to win the chance of seeing his work come to life across the side of a 14-metre-long coach.

If his design wins, it will feature on the coach for an entire year.

The 20-year-old said he was delighted to have been shortlisted in the competition.

He said: “It would be amazing to win.

“Carrying out a project like this would be an experience that would be incredibly enjoyable and fun.

“It would be great for my future and certainly a project that I would learn a lot from.”

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Artists were given free rein to showcase their individual styles in their entries, which were then whittled down to a final eight.

Speaking of his design, Tom said: “My goal for this project was to create a design that was positive and fun for those who would get the chance to see it on their travels.

“The design features carefully selected and digitally edited paintings from a series of my work. The original artworks are painted onto wood and consist of acrylic paint and chalk.”

The final designs are now open to a public vote on the National Express website which will close at midday on Monday 15 July.

Chris Hardy, Managing Director at National Express, said: “I am extremely pleased with the high standard of entries we have had in for this competition.

“Shortlisting them down to just eight was a tricky task.

He added: “We are a big brand with a national reach, and we want to use this to give young talent a platform that they can be proud of.”

Along with the main prize, the winner will also receive a free 12-month coach pass, £500, two tickets to Hampshire’s Boomtown Fair in August 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.

To vote for Tom’s Driving Design entry visit: www.nationalexpress.com/en/driving-design

You can also view Tom’s work here https://tomscott.pb.studio/ or visit Instagram: @Tomscottpainter