One Spring day in 2008, a prize-winning photographer was introduced to an NBA player who was new to Los Angeles.
They were both humble, yet accomplished; guarded, yet warm. They struck up a friendship that led to an idea. They would collaborate on a one-of-a-kind book about the ordinary life of this extraordinary athlete. Lori Shepler, recipient of three team Pulitzer Prizes in spot news photography at the Los Angeles Times, and Pau Gasol, a former Rookie of the Year and 2-time NBA champion for the Los Angeles Lakers, spent four years working on the project. The endeavor inspired Lori to start CTK Publishing in order to produce the book under her brand, In November 2013, CTK Publishing released "Life-Vida," an intimate look of Pau Gasol's life off the court, which created immediate buzz and drew widespread praise for its exquisite photography, smart writing, and expert design. Shortly after its release, CTK Publishing, with support from Nike, held a book signing that attracted a crush of media and hundreds of loyal fans who stood in line for hours to get their books signed by Pau. With its first book a resounding successful out the gate, CTK Publishing exploded onto the book scene.