FAQ - The Creative Process
FAQ - THE CREATIVE PROCESS
1. Why did you start this?
I started creating these maps out of a deep passion for music, film, and data visualisation, combined with my professional background in show and event design. The initial idea was born during lockdown, serving as a creative outlet and a way to reconnect with my interests in a unique format. It was also a response to my ongoing neurological condition, talking of which.
2. How does your brain work?
My process involves immersing myself fully into the subject matter, whether it's the discography of a band or the storyline of a film. This deep dive helps me uncover intricate connections and pivotal moments, which I then translate into visual narratives. It's a blend of creativity, research, and precision.
3. Isn't this 'just' Pete Frame's Rock Family Trees?
While intrigued by the concept of interconnectedness found in Pete Frame's Family Trees, my maps extend beyond, showing not only band members but also the vast number of contributing artists across any given studio album.
My tube / underground band maps are not only about showcasing relationships, but also about telling stories through a distinct visual medium that combines the complexity of a subject with aesthetic appeal.
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.
4. How long does it take to plot a map?
The time to plot a map varies significantly depending on its complexity. It can take anywhere from a few days to a week. This includes thorough research, design iterations, and the meticulous use of data filtering, as well as Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software, to ensure accuracy and visual impact.
5. Do you do commissions?
Yes, I do sometimes take on commissioned work. My Levellers and Dire Straits maps were created as gifts for specific band members from their families. Whether it's a personal favourite band, a beloved film, or another subject of interest, I enjoy working closely with clients to bring their visions to life in the form of unique, detailed maps.
6. Do you have a bit of software that does it all for you?
No, although I wish I did! While I use CAD software to plot the maps and ensure precision, and spreadsheets to filter data research, the software is just a tool. The creative process, from research to design conception and the selection of elements that tell the story, relies heavily on manual effort and artistic intuition. No software automatically creates these maps; each one is the result of a hands-on, detailed process.
ABOUT MIKE BELL
Mike Bell Maps is my expanding collection of art prints of music maps, film plots line maps and other subjects - from politics to places and F1 too.
Each art print transforms the rich, complex history of bands, films, and more into beautifully designed art prints that combine storytelling, research, and design.
From Live Design to Visual Storytelling Art print Design
I spent years designing live experiences for major brands and cultural events. When the live events industry paused during lockdown, I channelled my creative energy into something new - visualising the music I love. What began as a personal experiment quickly evolved into a full-time project uniting design, research, and cultural storytelling.
Roots in Live Music
Before show design took over, I worked in live sound - hauling flight cases, climbing PA stacks, and working with some very interesting cliche roadies. Those early years gave me an insider’s perspective on music and collaboration. Now, instead of loading speakers, I load up maps of bands and albums, each filled with the same spirit of energy, history, and connection.
The First Music Map Art Print
My first music map, charting The Fall’s album line-ups, went through sixteen versions before it felt complete - refined with input from band member and producer Simon Rodgers. That dedication to accuracy and detail still defines everything I make. Every map blends primary research, fan archives, liner notes, and interviews to uncover stories that even die-hard fans might have missed.
Turning Data into Art
Each Mike Bell Map transforms this research into a tube-style visual journey: albums become stations, musicians form connecting lines, and stories unfold across decades. Whether it’s a band’s discography, a film’s plot, or a political history, my maps turn complexity into clarity - transforming information into art that invites discovery.
A Global Creative Project
What began as a lockdown brain exercise to manage a minor neurological condition has evolved into an international art print business, shipping worldwide. Each piece is made to spark curiosity, inspire conversation, and celebrate legacy - helping people explore the stories behind the music, movies, and cultural moments that shape our lives.
Mike Bell Maps is where research meets design, and every map tells a story worth tracing.
