I work from my studio in East Sussex, where I constantly research and create Music Maps and Plotline Maps that represent the musical journeys of bands and solo artists, film narratives, and political events. My music research is unique in that it brings together information from scattered and often overlooked sources, details that have never been compiled in one place before.
By connecting data from interviews, fan forums, album liner notes, visual aesthetics, and historical context, I uncover hidden relationships and cultural patterns across artists and genres. I then translate this research into transit-style maps that tell compelling stories through visual design, turning complex musical histories into accessible, engaging journeys for the viewer.
Selecting the Subject: From Music Icons to Cultural Narratives
When creating music maps, I select artists with extensive discographies and significant influence on music and culture. Often, fans or family members of the artists request these maps, adding a personal layer of connection. I focus on plots and historical moments for films and political events that lend themselves well to visual representation.
Making Music Maps and More: Gathering and Organising Data
Research is a key part of the process. I begin by compiling a list of the artist's studio albums for music maps. I then researched the credits for each album to identify the musicians involved. This often requires sifting through multiple sources and cross-referencing to ensure accuracy. Once I have the necessary data, I begin correlating it to lay the groundwork for the map. For films, the process involves breaking down the plot into key points, characters, and their relationships. For political maps, I track significant events, alliances, and shifts in power, organising the data to create a logical and visually coherent design.
The Design Phase: Precision and CAD Software
Once the research is complete, I begin plotting the map using 2D CAD software. This approach, although uncommon in art, allows for the precision required in my maps. Each line represents a connection between musicians, plot points, or political events, while intersections mark significant moments, such as album releases, character interactions, or key political shifts. Every element is drawn individually to ensure accuracy, and the layout is designed for visual appeal and clarity.
Mapping Film Plots: Translating Stories into Visual Form
When mapping movie plots, I focus on translating the story structure into a visual format. Characters often have their own "lines," with significant plot points or twists becoming intersections. This method ensures the narrative remains clear, even when dealing with complex or non-linear plots. The challenge lies in maintaining simplicity without losing the key elements of the story.
