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Help me get a van-- An art studio / home on wheels!
11 years ago
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ETSY: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheAtomicSoul
StorEnvy: http://theatomicsoul.storenvy.com/
3D Print Store: http://www.shapeways.com/shops/thea.....ul?sort=newest
Link Edited out.
My living situation is changing, and not all for the better. After having new health issues begin over the past two years I am no longer able to work in a customer service or call center environment-- the only type of jobs I've had in the past twenty years. Combined with preexisting health conditions I find myself in a situation that has forced me to look at making extreme changes in my life.
Rather then give in to these problems I am trying to make a way to keep working on creative projects in a manner that will allow me to make small living. I am always trying to move forward, I always want to keep going and I want to continue contributing to society.
The first step, however, is the longest one. To begin I will need to purchase a Cargo Van.
If I can acquire a Cargo Van I will be able to convert it into what is commonly referred to as a Vandwelling, Stealthcamper, or a campervan. This essentially requires insulating the van, adding electrical wiring for power, setting up unconventional bathroom accommodations and a bed.
For me as an artists this is enough space to both live and work in; I've been doing it in a 10x10 room for the past five years and being creative I'm sure I can use the space to it's fullest potential!
Cancelled the fundraiser due to family related issues. (I won't go into details.)
My living situation is changing, and not all for the better. After having new health issues begin over the past two years I am no longer able to work in a customer service or call center environment-- the only type of jobs I've had in the past twenty years. Combined with preexisting health conditions I find myself in a situation that has forced me to look at making extreme changes in my life.
Rather then give in to these problems I am trying to make a way to keep working on creative projects in a manner that will allow me to make small living. I am always trying to move forward, I always want to keep going and I want to continue contributing to society.
The first step, however, is the longest one. To begin I will need to purchase a Cargo Van.
If I can acquire a Cargo Van I will be able to convert it into what is commonly referred to as a Vandwelling, Stealthcamper, or a campervan. This essentially requires insulating the van, adding electrical wiring for power, setting up unconventional bathroom accommodations and a bed.
For me as an artists this is enough space to both live and work in; I've been doing it in a 10x10 room for the past five years and being creative I'm sure I can use the space to it's fullest potential!
Cancelled the fundraiser due to family related issues. (I won't go into details.)
Once things are set up I'll be able to figure out what I can do in the long run (I've got several ideas) including an animated series and web series. If I go that route I might start a Patreon then, but as is I don't feel I have the right things to offer for that service. :)
You're right about getting yelled at; people complain about having to talk to call center employees but most don't realize how bad it is for the person on the other end of the line. While they get angry and aggravated for their 30 minute wait and 30 minute conversation, they don't realize the person they are talking to may have been feeling just as aggravated as for their entire eight hour + shift.
I want to find something I can do too, but it's hard when you can't even be sure you'll be able to function for the day until after you wake up... and even then it's questionable.
I can't really think of any jobs where you can just show up at the times and days you want though perhaps if you don't mind manual labor you could clean people's houses. My sister does that kind of work and she can occasionally change her schedule to fit her needs as the clients like her and she communicates with them. Her income is pretty low for now as she doesn't have all her slots filled up. She's her own employer though and can deduct quite a few of her daily expenses from her tax return at the end of the year.
I'm in one of those "Damned if you do, damned if you don't" situations when it comes to any job I try to get now.
Thats why I'm trying to make a drastic change by living in a van so I can try to do art for a living. I think I can manage if the only bill I have are car insurance (under $100), a cell phone ($50), and food and gas, which will vary. That is less then what I am spending on my "Rent" right now.
The biggest hurdle after getting a van will be "letting go" of the concept of what a home is and adjusting to the change. I honestly fear not knowing what I would do given the opportunity to go anywhere in the country with nothing holding me back, no worries over where to go for work or being on time to something that I don't enjoy... but that I believe is also the best thing for me right now.
Thats why I'm planning to build a Stealthcamper / Vandwelling. Vans are everywhere and you cannot see inside them if done correctly. So long as no one is in the front (The only area visible from outside) and you're not making a lot of noise inside most people don't give them a second thought.
Further, getting a standard height van allows you to park in a parking garage, something you can't do with an RV or similar vehicle.
The trouble with "in the woods" is no different then in the city; someone claims ownership of every piece of land. The only place that isn't own is gov owned land like parks, and they usually close those at night.
I fully expect to have to park in a new spot every night to keep from looking too conspicuous.
Got one for now, but not yet for when I travel; I plan to get a Post Office box (at one of the places that does it like a street address) so I can show a permanent address if I need things shipped.