A London-born illustrator has been travelling across Northern Ireland in her impressive van that she has converted into an art studio.
Jasmine Hortop worked online from her van while solo travelling to India, Mexico, France, Spain and Croatia before arriving here with her rescue dog Darla.
The 30-year-old and her 'adventure partner' have been on some 'amazing hikes' in NI already, being blown away by North Coast beaches.
Jasmine told Be all about her van conversion, how it has made her outgoings low and all about her recent travels.
She said: "I wanted to take advantage of not being able to go abroad and instead experience the summer in a country I had never visited before. I had heard the North Coast being compared to Cornwall and I can totally see it - but without so many people!
"The beaches on the North Coast completely blew me away, I think I hit Castlerock at the perfect time of day, and I thought it was one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve been to! The tide was all the way out, and the way the reflection of the sky hit the water on top of the sand made it look like never ending sky, until it hits the black basalt cliffs. I had an epic day exploring Rathlin, walking with Darla approximately 12miles around the island.
"I’ve been here a month already and still have so much to see still. The Giant's Causeway, Torr Head and Fair Head are some nature spots I still want to give myself some good time to visit, and I’m really keen to explore Derry too. I also plan to get a boat tour out from Ballycastle as I’m desperate to spot some seals!
"I'll be moving onto driving the Wild Atlantic Way when I’m finally done, which will be hard as there feels so much to see here.
"I initially gave myself three months to explore all of Ireland, but I’m in absolutely no rush to get anywhere else for the moment.
"I found myself just yesterday discussing the possibility of staying over winter too... Apparently the surf is great and I’m eager to learn!"
Jasmine decided to covert a van during lockdown with the help of her dad instead of rebuilding an already converted van's layout to suit her.
She started by buying a 'reliable base van' and adding her own design, taking five weeks to strip it out and a further three months before it was ready to go.
"I also absolutely love that I now know EXACTLY how my van is put together, not to mention the skills and confidence I have picked up along the way!
"It was a great project to get stuck into and a bit of a distraction from COVID, but it was definitely super tough! Neither of us have any building experience really, apart from the odd DIY, but I loved learning the carpentry and build side from copious YouTube videos, and my dad got really into the electrics, so we made a good team!
"The hardest parts for me were the initial bits that no one sees, but that take a long time as you want to make sure they’re right. Rust treating, insulating, making sure the windows and skylights were watertight, etc.
"When I finally got the walls up it was amazing to finally feel the van come together, and make visible progress that friends could understand! The easiest bit was obviously decorating it at the end, making it feel personal and inspiring to me!" Jasmine added.
The keen traveller continues to work on her illustration projects while I’m travelling, so tends to move slowly.
"I try to minimise my adventuring in the week too much. I also love meeting new people and making connections on the road. I try to connect with like-minded people via Instagram and Facebook groups, and have met some amazing people and made great friends already here in NI!"
A great benefit of the van is after the total cost of around £9,500, it has given the 30-year-old very low outgoings each month.
"Less financial pressure as an artist is amazing, I’ve loved being able to slow down, and focus on building my portfolio in the areas I want without having to worry about making rent each month. I’ve even applied for a Masters for September." she said.
For others wanting to do similar, Jasmine says to do lots of research.
"The van life community are all super nerdy about their conversions and love to chat about it, so don’t hesitate to drop them a message. Write a list of your non-negotiables and your negotiables and use that as a basis, then I’d advise hiring a van for a night to get a feel for it. You may find you hate a converting bed (like I did) and want a fixed one instead, or you may realise you’d be happy to get on the road with a very basic set up.
"There is a book called ’The van conversion bible’ I’d really recommend."
Jasmine also told Be how this project has given her "a lot of freedom".
She added: "It’s been great for my business too now I have extra time with less distractions to put in to my work. Travelling and understanding different cultures and histories inspires me so much and I keep a sketchbook on the road always, separate from my client projects, and this grows me as an illustrator.
"It’s so amazing to see the inside of my brain surrounding me! It is entirely me, reflects so much of who I am and enables me to live a way I really value."
To keep up with Jasmine and Darla's travels, visit their Instagram page @rollinghomestudio.
