MIKE BELL MAPS - CREATOR OF MUSIC MAPS & MORE

Mike Bell Maps is an 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.