Victoria McGrane | Van life – What She Did Next Podcast

Running a business remotely while travelling around Australia

Victoria McGrane is the artist and textile designer behind The Scenic Route, whose distinctive illustrations inspired by Australian nature have earned her collaborations with major brands and retailers.

She’s also among a growing number of Australians who’ve traded in the daily grind, in search of a different way of life and a greater sense of freedom.

After selling their house, Victoria and her partner Darren got rid of nearly all their possessions to move into a solar-powered motorhome with their dog, Gypsy. Among their motivations for wanting such a huge lifestyle change was their love of travel, but also their environmental concerns.

Victoria now spends her days with her sketchbook under her arm and camera at the ready, taking inspiration from the plants, animals, colours and landscapes around her. It’s a far cry from her former life as a fashion designer in the big cities of Sydney and London – and with more space and freedom to be creative, her business is thriving.

In this episode, Victoria talks about making the leap to live off-grid in a van, the highlights and challenges of running a business on the road, what prompted her move away from the bright lights of the fashion industry, and her collaborations with conservation groups such as Rainforest Rescue.