the Magic Skoolie

A “skoolie” is the name for a converted school bus rebuilt into a living space. In 2018, I created my own skoolie and named it, the Magic Skoolie because the bus is yellow and I have red hair, and I’ve always been a fan of Ms. Frizzle and the Magic School Bus.

In third grade, when asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I answered, “a bus driver.” My mom thought it was cute and my teachers probably chuckled but, hey, look at me now. I converted what was a 65 passenger, big, yellow, school bus into a functional, mobile, living space! Driving a bus is easier than it looks, and I learned to just go for it and take one mile at a time. That’s how the whole process went — going for it and taking it one step at a time.

The build process went like this: acquire the bus, take out all the seats, create a design, and build. I worked through a lot of trial and error and youtube and I loved every step of the process. I learned more than just how to design and build a skoolie — I learned how to write for grants, create a project budget, and talk to people about my creative project. The build out wasn’t easy, and I took a lot of criticism along the way. But it was one of my favorite things I’ve ever set out to do and I would do it all again!

In addition to the design/build process, I created branding for the project. I loved sharing stickers, and t shirts with folks who came to look at the bus. Images of the illustration and t shirt are included below.

After many gatherings and talks on the bus, countless walk-through tours, many cozy nights sleeping on the bus, a lot of “I can’t believe I did it!” I eventually came to the decision to pass the bus onto other amazing folks who are excited to make this bus their own. I’m already brewing on my next vehicle conversion. I cherish the hundreds of hours spent with the bus and love keeping the project alive by sharing it with others.