Larger Than Life

Vehicle graphics sit on a spectrum of requirements that spans branding and decorative effects. Branding can also help the vehicles which wear it to convey a sense of personality and mission too. That is an idea personified in a recent work by Andover based BP Rolls. Its work transformed a bus nearing the end of its commercial role in life into a focal point for the youth of Andover.

It's called The Life Bus.

The Life Bus gives young people in Andover somewhere to go, something to do, and someone to talk to. It's upper-deck makes a gaming system, big enough for the player and spectators, available to its visitors. Downstairs is more of a hangout with a kitchen, seating and a café-like atmosphere.

The vehicle was gifted to the cause by Stagecoach and replaced a bus that could no longer be patched up and repaired. So Life Bus now has a new place to call home, and it can continue to play its role as a focal point for young people in Andover.

Life Bus called upon Andover based livery specialist BP Rolls to transform its unadorned bus into the antithesis of itself with a colourful new set of clothes. The paint on the bus was in great condition and so a total coverage wrap was not needed. Instead the team delivered a work of abstract and very colourful graphics with the Life Bus logo rendered in similarly abstract terms and outlined for legibility.

Metamark is among BP Rolls' materials suppliers and provided the MD-Class digital media the BP Rolls team used to produce the Bus Life livery which occupies spaces on the bus normally used by out-of-home advertisers to promote the brands and advertise events.

The new vehicle is currently in the final stages of preparation for its continuing ministry and of course subject to prevailing conditions in force for managing the pandemic. It will soon be on the road again and continue in its good work. One thing seems certain - it will be hard to miss.