Traveling artist new to the forums!

[dazednconfused]

Howdy! I'm a 22 y/o artist gal from Texas who has been lurking the forums for a while. I'm not new to road life, I spent the majority of 2015 doing some hard traveling around the country in a little Ford Focus with a traveling folk band at the time. (That was a lot of us in a tiny car!)
These days I bought myself a used minivan and I am absolutely stoked by how much space I have to work with! (especially as opposed to traveling in the Focus prior)

I've decided to spend the winter where I call home to work to make money to put into the vehicle and save whatever else I can before I take off with my dog around the spring when the weather gets warmer.
Although I'm incredibly minimalist, especially when I'm traveling, I truly enjoy seeing all of your beautiful vehicle conversions! 
As for me, I have been slapping stickers all around the interior that have both been gifted from other traveling bands and friends along my journeys, along with some custom ones that I've made. I've set down a rug, a bean bag chair, and I'm working on making some curtains now.
You know, for atmosphere. 
Although it isn't much, I feel like it's all coming together quite simply, just as I wanted it.

I'm not really a hog for personal space (I often tend to travel with lots of people), but I am hoping to do some solo traveling in the spring. Just me, my dog, and some paint & canvas.


I'm really excited for what the future has to hold. 
Please, introduce yourselves! I'm curious, does anyone else like to travel with lots of people? Caravanning and the sort.
What would you consider a necessity for your vehicle during long term traveling?

Also, if anyone has any pictures of your art or conversions I'd love to see! I might possibly be able to post some soon as well.

 

[cyndi]

Dazednconfused! Welcome to the CRVL forums! we have at least afew artists on the forum. Look for links in the bottom ofpeoples' posts. Aminivan will be a mansion compared to your focus! Enjoy all that space!

To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips & Tricks" post lists some helpful information to get you started. We look forward to hearing more from you.

 

[djkeev]

Welcome to the site!

Travel with LOT'S OF PEOPLE!?!?!?!

Oh please, just stick a red hot poker into my eye, it would be far less painful!

To me, people I don't know I view with suspicion...... What Do they WANT from me? (I've been badly hurt by supposed "friends" that I placed trust in over the years).
To my Son-In-Law, the World is full of exciting people he hasn't yet had a chance to meet!
We don't always agree about family events and outings......... 

I shun groups, he is drawn to them.

Give me a quiet secluded space, just my Wife, maybe a good friend or family member would be welcome but please, no groups!

Dave

 

[Queen]

Welcome, dazednconfused! Hope to see some pics of your work sometime. I have zero artistic ability, but love viewing art.

 

[dragonflyinthesky]

Welcome dazed, this is my camper I lived in for a year and painted along the way. I sold it a few months ago.

I haven't set on a theme for my new old camper.

Dragonfly

 

[Vanholio]

Oh, I'm definitely not one to travel with lots of people. My greatest joy in vandwelling is sitting out in the woods somewhere for days on end, just me and the dogs. But I'm a writer; that's how we roll.

For me, the only thing that's an absolute must for long-term vandwelling is a warm, comfortable bed in a secure-feeling vehicle. Getting great sleep and being comfy in bad weather is a must. When I tried to make do with backpacking mattresses and hammocks, I was miserable and ended up spending money I couldn't afford on motels and cutting my trips short.

 

[rvpopeye]

Welcome aboard dazednconfused!
I spent a lot of my life traveling with bands.
I built a camper on my pickup after a few years because I was tired of crappy motel rooms and the all night partying. Things improved a lot after that. A second truck camper and then an old class A RV that I completely restored to it's old glory.,,,,I had a lot of musicians wishing they were me ! Even bribes to switch my rig for their room.....never happened!

But that improvement was nothing compared to when I decided to quit all that and travel with no itinerary. I lost the class A and all my stuff in a fire and now have an old class C that I'm slowly fixing up as income allows.

Lately I am taking care of my mom in her old age and just hanging out here with the tribe.
But a life of travel knows no end so I'll be back out there some day.

This is a great group for learning how to build a van home from.
Don't be shy .
Ask all the questions you want .
You'll get some good responses from those that have done that , been there.

Happy Trails

 

[muddy]

Welcome!

Where are ya in Texas, if you don't mind me asking?

 

[WriterMs]

Welcome. As far as traveling or camping with others, you'll find there are a few organized get-togethers throughout the year. The major one is the Rubber Tramp Rendezvous in January. There is a tab near the top of the website for Gatherings.

But in addition to those, lots of members of "the tribe" informally camp together now and then. People come and go from an area where several might be gathered. Last year after RTR, for example, I know there was a group who wanted to visit the Slabs and they took off to do that in a little caravan.

So I think you'll find lots of opportunities to connect with other nomads when you want. Most of those here seem to alternate solitude with gatherings. Just read through some older threads or watch for new ones where folks discuss their next destinations.

 

[VanKitten]

Welcome!

You must be a very tolerant person....traveling with a large group, and in a small space too! Wow

Here I am trying to figure out how Mom and I will be able to share a small class C. Share the secret.

 

[dazednconfused]

Hey everyone, thanks for the replies! Sorry that I haven't been able to reach out in a while. Life has been keeping me very, very busy.
Took the van in to the shop to fix a few last minor details, and dare I say she should be ready for her first trip out on the open road. I'm planning for New Orleans on Halloween

djkeev & vanholio: I feel you guys on that one. There are times where I've felt vulnerable with lots of people, so I can see why others wouldn't feel comfortable. I'm very comfortable traveling alone as well, just me and my dog. (or for instance, last year when I was traveling with my pet rat ^_^ ) As I mentioned in my original post, I'm actually hoping to do some solo traveling come springtime

dragonfly: That looks great! and so cute. I love the little raccoons What kind of paint did you use for that?

rvpopeye: sorry to hear about the fire sounds like you're a very handy and creative person and I'm sure your class C will turn out looking wonderful

muddy: deep south tx! border region

WriterMs: Thanks for the tip! It sort of sounds like a few folk festivals I've been to, where after it's over, people kind of just start shooting off in different directions together. It definitely ought to be interesting, and I'll keep a look out for those

RoamingKat: your screen name reminded me of a friend of mine who goes by Roaming Bear and I suppose I can be quite tolerant, although honestly when you're in a small space for extended amounts of time with multiple people, you're bound to start growing weary of each other eventually. (again, think ford focus with 5 people 3 dogs, a rat, and all our gear. that was the max I could ever fit lol. so cramped.) Of course, none of us had oppositions to camping outside once we would reach our destination. Admittedly, it was sort of a shitshow at some times. Sort of like a clown car haha but if I had the choice to do it all again, I certainly would. So many memories made I can totally understand how most people wouldn't be comfortable, but I love sharing my space with other travelers. I can only speak for myself, but man, I can't imagine what I would even do with a class C vehicle xD

 

[wagoneer]

always travel with paint and canvas sell them at the flea market I tend to keep the size down and common as to be able to buy frames at the thrift stores and flea markets win win Welcome fellow painter