ABOUT MIKE BELL

Mike Bell - Tube & Underground Bands & Plots Map Designer

I’ve always been captivated by the stories that connect people, places, and events. Growing up, I spent countless hours exploring maps, letting my imagination wander through the streets and landscapes they depicted.

But it wasn’t until later in life that I realized maps could be more than just a way to navigate the world—they could also chart the intricate paths of music, film, politics, and culture. This revelation led to the creation of Mike Bell Maps.

My Background

I’m Mike Bell, a designer and mapmaker based in Lewes, East Sussex. Originally (and now, occasionally) a set designer, I shifted focus with lockdown after all my show design evaporated. I now blend a love for storytelling with a passion for design, crafting unique tube-style maps that chart the histories of bands, the plots of films, and much more.

My maps aren’t just about lines and connections—they’re about bringing complex stories to life in a way that’s visually compelling and easy to understand.

The Problems My Maps Solve

In a world overflowing with information, it’s easy to lose track of the connections that make stories rich and meaningful. Whether you’re a music lover trying to understand the evolution of a band, a film buff exploring the intricate web of characters and plots, or someone keen on deciphering the complex interplay of politics or sports, traditional ways of presenting information can often feel overwhelming and disjointed.

My maps solve that problem by distilling vast, intricate histories into something visually engaging and easy to navigate. They bring clarity to chaos.

How My Maps Resolve These Problems

Each map I create transforms complexity into clarity. Imagine tracing the history of your favorite band as though you were following a tube line—each stop representing an album, making the story both easy to follow and deeply engaging. For film enthusiasts, my maps turn sprawling plots into a visual journey where each character and event is connected in a way that’s as intuitive as it is insightful.

“People often tell me that my maps have helped them see their favorite stories in a whole new light. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that something I’ve created can have that kind of impact.”

The Next Phase

Looking ahead, I’m excited to expand my collection of maps, delving into new genres and topics. Whether it’s charting the intricate world of classic literature, exploring the evolution of a sports team, or mapping out the influences in political history, I’m always looking for new stories to tell. With greater availability through my online shop and global shipping, I’m thrilled to share these maps with an even wider audience.

So, if you’re ready to see the world—and the stories within it—in a whole new way, I invite you to explore my maps. They’re more than just art prints—they’re a journey waiting to unfold.