By Charles Veilleux and Sarah M. Davis
The overall design phase was deeply focused due to the complexity of the subject and the attention to detail to ensure the end result was a befitting tribute to the sports legend.
When basketball star Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, and seven other people died in a tragic helicopter crash in January 2020, the team at Speedy Transport Group Inc., a Toronto-based transportation carrier and shipping company, knew they wanted to create a special memorial. The sudden loss of nine lives was devastating, and the company’s CEO, Jared Martin, wanted the tribute to serve as a reminder to spread love, appreciate each day, and recognize one’s impact, just as Kobe Bryant did. To this end, the team turned to Saint-Georges, Que.-based fleet vehicle wraps specialist Turbo Images and its sister company, Turbo Studio, to create a unique wrap for one of Speedy Transport’s trailers.
From sharing a history to making one
Turbo Images is a strong supporter of local sports teams and has a deep commitment to giving back to the community. Its long-time customer Speedy Transport shares a similar pledge to social responsibility and a passion for sports. Further, the vehicle graphics company had previously produced and installed a commemorative wrap, designed by Turbo Studio, for Speedy Transport to mark the historic win of the Toronto Raptors in 2019. Recognizing their professional history and mutual appreciation for basketball, the companies set out to honour Byrant’s attitude, passion, determination, and energy as an exceptional athlete. They also wanted to reflect his kindness and compassion as a father and family man. Bryant was special, and the teams wanted that to shine through in the design.
