Woman converted shuttle bus into classy tiny home and art studio, traveling across the country

Anne, a traveling artist and poet, has turned a converted shuttle bus into her tiny home and creative studio. This mobile space is both her sanctuary and a constantly evolving art workshop.

After living in a 35-ft school bus that proved challenging to park, Anne saw a growing trend of people converting shuttle buses for travel.

In February 2024, she purchased her own shuttle bus, which had previously been used as a ministry vehicle for a church in North Carolina. After a few months of transforming it, she was ready to hit the road in May.

The converted shuttle bus: specifications and cost breakdown

The converted shuttle bus, with a 450 V10 engine, is 25 feet long and 8.5 feet wide. Anne invested $14,000 in the vehicle, while the build-out cost around $2,000.

However, the most significant expense was solar power. Initially estimated at $9,000, Anne opted for a more mobile solution by purchasing an EcoFlow Delta 2 system, which includes solar panels that can be set up outside or stored away for travel.

The art studio on wheels: exterior and functionality

Anne’s shuttle bus has six open windows, with some hanging out to allow airflow.

The bright, bold colors on the bus’s exterior serve two purposes: to advertise Anne’s identity as an artist and to help the vehicle blend into its natural surroundings.

“It does bring attention to me, though, when I come into town. People want to know, ‘Who’s that?’ It encourages them to come check out the bus. This is my art studio. I want them to come in!” she says.

The back of the bus, still bearing the old “Calvary Church” logo, has an ample space where Anne hosts painting classes and stores artwork.

She teaches large-scale painting workshops and sells her artwork at farmers’ markets, particularly floral and zen-inspired pieces.

Interior Design: Functionality Meets Creativity

Anne has carefully designed a space inside the shuttle bus that maintains the feel of a bus while serving as a home.

She keeps the interior simple and private, especially when parked in urban areas, to prevent prying eyes. The front of the bus functions as her art studio, and the back serves as a more personal space.

She says, “I don’t want people to see in and know that someone lives here, so I keep things simple.”

The interior also includes her unique earring storage, where Anne keeps earrings she crafts from illustrations found in discarded library books.

These earrings, often used as conversation starters, are part of Anne’s trade system: in exchange for a gallon of gas, she gifts a pair of earrings to guests.

Functional and creative living: kitchen, storage, and more

The kitchen in Anne’s shuttle bus is compact but functional. She uses a mini toaster, a small fridge, and a one-burner propane stove with simple cartridges.

Anne relies on a hot pot for cooking, which she uses for everything from noodles to heating water for dishes.

She also has a 10-gallon water tank under the sink and stores her trash there.

Her countertop, one of her favorite features, is covered in a mosaic of glass pieces she created herself, with images of birds, flowers, turtles, and fish.

Anne has maximized storage in her 140-square-foot living space, using multi-purpose furniture.

Her living room area includes stackable cushions, a bench that holds art supplies and a diesel heater, and three ottomans that serve as a shower area, bed, or even an outdoor sofa.

“Everything here has more than one purpose—you need that in 140 square feet,” she says.

The converted shuttle bus as a path to healing

For Anne, her shuttle bus is more than just a home—it symbolizes freedom and healing.

Having escaped an abusive marriage, she views this lifestyle as a form of empowerment.

“I don’t care how little I have to live off of as long as I can rediscover myself, my passions, and live my own life,” she shares.

Anne’s journey in the shuttle bus has allowed her to visit national parks, collect sunrises and sunsets, and meet new people.

“To me, it’s like fishing and catching the big one,” she explains. “It’s so exciting to wake up, see the colors, and find surprises in the beauty of nature—one day at a time.”

Anne has created a mobile, artistic sanctuary with a converted shuttle bus that reflects her passion for life, art, and personal growth.

See Anne’s colorful shuttle bus turned into a tiny home and art studio and listen to her poweful poem throug the video below:

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