How I Create My Maps: The Art and Technique Behind Every Design

I work from my shop and studio in Lewes, East Sussex, where I design detailed tube/underground-style maps that represent the musical journeys of bands and solo artists, film narratives, and political events. Each map is the result of meticulous research and careful planning, combining precision with creativity to produce something visually striking and data-driven.

Selecting the Subject: From Music Icons to Cultural Narratives

For my music maps, I choose artists with extensive discographies and significant influence on music and culture. Often, these maps are requested by fans or family members of the artists, which adds a layer of personal connection. For films and political events, I focus on plots and historical moments that lend themselves well to visual representation.

The Research Process: Gathering and Organizing Data

Research is a key part of the process. For music maps, I begin by compiling a complete list of the artist’s studio albums. I then research 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 major events, alliances, and shifts in power, organizing 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 is uncommon in the art world but allows for the precision required in my maps. Each line represents a connection—whether between musicians, plot points, or political events—while intersections mark significant moments like album releases, character interactions, or key political shifts. Every element is individually drawn to ensure accuracy, and the layout is designed for both visual appeal and clarity.

Mapping Film Plots: Translating Stories into Visual Form

When mapping film plots, I focus on translating the story structure into a visual format. Characters often have their own “lines,” with major plot points or twists becoming intersections. This method ensures that 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.

Political Maps: Charting the Complexity of Power Dynamics

For political maps, I track the evolution of political events, figures, and alliances. This involves organizing the often complex and shifting data into a format that’s easy to follow. These maps allow for a clear, visual understanding of political movements, highlighting key turning points and connections between influential figures or events.

Final Output: High-Quality Art Prints

After completing the design, I offer the maps as high-quality art prints. These are available in a variety of sizes, from A5 cards to A1 prints. Each print is created with attention to detail, ensuring that it meets the highest standards of quality.

About Me: From Event Designer to Data Visualization Specialist

Hi, I’m Mike Bell, a UK-based show and event designer. I started creating these tube-style maps during the lockdown, when my work in event design was temporarily put on hold. The first map combined my past experience in live music with a growing interest in data visualization. Since then, I’ve continued to create maps alongside my work in event design, and the two disciplines now form the core of my creative output.