In January I will start taking a graphics design class at Austin Community College. Later down the road I will take a studio art class. Over the summer I will attend driving school. This is merely phase one in preparing me for my ultimate goal: being a digital artist while living in a van.
After getting my driver’s license I will get my first car. Probably an old Corolla or something of that ilk. Once I have saved around eight grand I will begin the search for a Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia (preferably a 4×4 Synchro model). It won’t be easy as I have to find the right one. Once I’ve found and purchased the van I will spend the following months making it livable; documenting the process here along the way. Once it’s livable I will move into the van full-time. I will attend work and school while living in the van.
Walmart has an open boondocking policy. This means I have a place to park overnight. I will be getting a gym membership so I have somewhere to shower.
The van is gonna need work. I’ll first replace the fuel lines as they are old and worn out and modern fuel will further add wear and tear which leaves the risk of fires. I’ll also add an extinguisher tube over the engine bay for good measure.
The mattress will need to be replaced probably. I’m thinking memory foam, but it might be too expensive.
Lastly, I’ll need to set up the electrical system. Gonna need some solar panels. Also gonna tear out the side-loading fridge and replace it with more storage. I’ll get a top-loading one and put it between the two front seats. Side-loading fridges use too much electricity because they need to recycle every time you open them.
I think that’s all I’ll need to do to make it livable.
The van will probably cost between three and six grand. Making it livable will be another couple thousand. Over time I’ll be adding to it. I wanna make it ready for overlanding/offroading. I’m expecting to spend twenty to twenty-five grand on the project overall. Keep in mind it’ll all be done over the course of many years.
Over the course of the next few years, I will build my online portfolio as a digital artist, taking commissions along the way.
Once I have completed college I will begin my journey. I intend to travel everywhere and work while I do so. I’m expecting it’ll cost between $900 and $1,200 a month. This is a very affordable lifestyle, and my job as an artist will pay for it and more. I’ve had this dream for many years and I’m finally on my way to making it happen.
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