Living and Creating with Parkinson’s: My Journey and Future Vision

Hi, my name is Mike Bell, and I’m the creator behind these tube map reinventions across MikeBellMaps- the clue's in the name ;) .

I’m a show and event designer by trade, and during the lockdowns, when my usual work dried up, I found myself looking for a creative outlet.

That’s how I began designing unique underground-style maps of band histories, film plots, and other topics.

These maps connect me with my deep interest in data visualization and my early life working with bands.

But there's more to my story now than just creating art. I live with Parkinson's disease (PD), a condition that has certainly thrown some challenges my way. I’ve always believed in pushing forward, finding new ways to stay creative and active, and not letting anything, especially PD, slow me down.

Each day, I wake up knowing that the best thing I can do is to keep moving, designing, and working. In a way, these maps have become more than just a creative project. They’ve become a lifeline, a way to stay active, keep my mind engaged, and maintain a routine that fuels my body and spirit.

The tube maps I design—whether showcasing David Bowie’s discography or mapping iconic scenes from films like *Jaws*—allow me to transform my energy, frustration, and hope into something tangible that others can appreciate and relate to.

I’m uncertain about the future of treatment, yet one thing is clear—I will continue designing, working, and pushing forward. The realm of my maps is expansive, filled with countless untold stories.

Thank you for being a part of my journey. I hope my maps—whether of music, film, or something entirely new—continue to resonate with all of you. Here’s to staying creative, staying active, and always looking ahead.