In 2007, Swiss bag maker FREITAG invited designers, illustrators and anyone with a pen to participate in the first FREITAG Design-A-Truck Contest. The topic: «Transit». Over 3’000 contenders from 70 countries all over the world signed up. But like Christopher Lambert said: «There can be only one!»

The jury, made up of the renowned designers Stefan Sagmeister, Michael Diebold, Martin Lötscher, Wolfgang Weingart, Martin Woodtli and the Freitag Bros. had the tough job to select the top three, as well as the one design that they’ve put on a PLANZER Truck. The tarp will now circulate on European Highways for five years and then turn into a special edition of FREITAG bags.

Third place: Anna-Paula Henschke (Weimar, Germany) was applauded for what was found to be a lively piece of typography between tech-art, graffiti and an ironic take on the messages that usually adorn commercial trucks.

Second place: André-Alexander Giesemann (Hamburg, Germany) was awarded for lines which led the jury to speculate about the origins of chaos and the universe and reminisce about the scratches, cuts and dents that are part of every tarp’s life in the streets.

And – TADAA - first place goes to Chris Gray from Manchester, UK! Chris’ vision of a truck going back and forth between destinations like a swing goes back and forth on a school yard, struck a strong chord. Combined with his straightforward minimalist, yet appealing style, he managed to convince the jury.

A big hooray for Chris Gray! The guys at FREITAG look forward to thoroughly cutting up the lovely lady in 2013…

Go Truckspotting: If you see the truck somewhere, snap a picture and send it to . The first photo in their inbox wins a FREITAG bag.

Click here to view the Gallery of the 30 best designs. 

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