Seeking joy
Donation protected
This fall I will be taking off in my 1984 Diesel van to travel the country, focusing on my art, blogging, and exploring entrepreneurial opportunities. For the past five years I have taken all kinds of small trips that have opened my eyes to the growth and creative environment of traveling and nomadic lifestyle. On the road I feel more strength, bravery, creativity, and drive-- literally and figuratively-- towards my goals. I feel empowered behind the wheel in a way that I have never felt behind the wheel of a more conventional life. Living in a van allows me to completely redesign how my days are spent. I want to take time and focus on my photography and writing, while reaching out and making the connections that will help me grow in the right direction. I want to heal my heart and mind, focus on yoga and hiking, and meet as many people as I can to share stories with. My goal is to create a lifestyle that nurtures creativity and connection so that I can make the work that I love and evolve as a photographer, writer, and person.
Along the way, I want you there with me. I want to share what I learn on the road in stories, photographs, and videos. I know we can’t all choose this lifestyle (nor do we all want it), but I want to share this experience with my friends and family as much as possible. I am moving towards doing more of what makes me happy, and I want to bring that joy to as many people as possible. I have plans for weekly blog posts, limited edition prints/postcards, as well as video content to share while I am on the road.
The process began last year when I moved from my apartment and began downsizing-- selling most of my furniture, clothing, etc. I moved in with my parents and continued working 2-3 jobs as well as freelance work for several months. I am saving as much as I can while also tackling a constant to-do list; such as remodeling the van to make it more livable, paying my monthly bills, and successfully paying off credit card debt from school. I have a small reserve to live on for a couple of months but I am hoping to create an income expanding my blog and selling prints and postcards along the way. It’s not clear how long it will take me to get things rolling, but my budget is tight and I plan to live very frugally and work very hard. Ideally, I am able to financially sustain myself with other odd jobs (remote design work, campground hosting, print sales) but some really wonderful people have encouraged me to reach out for help in case I need it.
So here I go. I will be on the road from October - December to begin with. I plan to stay as much as possible on free land, such as National forests and BLM land. My expenses will include a monthly internet bill around $100, auto insurance around $100, business expenses (such as website fees and adobe subscriptions) around $50, as well as food and gas to get me where I need to go. I am also really hoping to get a solar system for my van to make living off the grid a reality.
I appreciate any support beyond words. I will be producing so much more content while I am on the road and I can't wait to share. Your contribution is helping me take this leap into changing my life and creating a small business along the way, doing what brings me the most joy. I hope to help others do more of what makes them happy along the way.
Along the way, I want you there with me. I want to share what I learn on the road in stories, photographs, and videos. I know we can’t all choose this lifestyle (nor do we all want it), but I want to share this experience with my friends and family as much as possible. I am moving towards doing more of what makes me happy, and I want to bring that joy to as many people as possible. I have plans for weekly blog posts, limited edition prints/postcards, as well as video content to share while I am on the road.
The process began last year when I moved from my apartment and began downsizing-- selling most of my furniture, clothing, etc. I moved in with my parents and continued working 2-3 jobs as well as freelance work for several months. I am saving as much as I can while also tackling a constant to-do list; such as remodeling the van to make it more livable, paying my monthly bills, and successfully paying off credit card debt from school. I have a small reserve to live on for a couple of months but I am hoping to create an income expanding my blog and selling prints and postcards along the way. It’s not clear how long it will take me to get things rolling, but my budget is tight and I plan to live very frugally and work very hard. Ideally, I am able to financially sustain myself with other odd jobs (remote design work, campground hosting, print sales) but some really wonderful people have encouraged me to reach out for help in case I need it.
So here I go. I will be on the road from October - December to begin with. I plan to stay as much as possible on free land, such as National forests and BLM land. My expenses will include a monthly internet bill around $100, auto insurance around $100, business expenses (such as website fees and adobe subscriptions) around $50, as well as food and gas to get me where I need to go. I am also really hoping to get a solar system for my van to make living off the grid a reality.
I appreciate any support beyond words. I will be producing so much more content while I am on the road and I can't wait to share. Your contribution is helping me take this leap into changing my life and creating a small business along the way, doing what brings me the most joy. I hope to help others do more of what makes them happy along the way.
Organizer
Bailey Tann
Organizer
Independence, MO