Making Tube Map Art Prints

Making Tube Map Art Prints: Music Maps, Plot Maps and More

I work from my studio in East Sussex, where I constantly research and create Music Maps and Plotline Maps that represent the musical journeys of bands and solo artists, as well as film narratives and political events. My music research 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.

Selecting the Subject: From Music Icons to Cultural Narratives

When creating tube map art prints for music subjects, I select artists with extensive discographies and significant influence on music and culture. Often, fans or family members of the artists request these maps, adding a layer of personal connection. I focus on plots and historical moments for films and political events that lend themselves well to visual representation.

Making Music Maps and More: Gathering and Organising Data

Research is a key part of the process. I begin by compiling a list of the artist's studio albums for music maps. 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.

The Design Phase: Precision and CAD Software

Once the research is complete, I begin plotting the map using 2D CAD software. This approach, although uncommon in art, allows for the precision required in my maps. Each line represents a connection between musicians, plot points, or political events, while intersections mark significant moments, such as album releases, character interactions, or key political shifts. Every element is drawn individually to ensure accuracy, and the layout is designed for visual appeal and clarity.

Mapping Film Plots: Translating Stories into Visual Form

When mapping movie plots, I focus on translating the story structure into a visual format. Characters often have their own lines, with significant plot points or twists becoming intersections. This method ensures the narrative remains clear, even when dealing with complex or non-linear plots. The challenge lies in maintaining simplicity without losing the story's key elements.

Final Output: Tube Map Art Prints, Made to Order

After completing the design, I offer the maps in two sizes, A2 and A1, plus the US equivalents 24 x 18in and 36 x 24in. Each is a museum-quality Giclée print on 230gsm premium fine art paper with a textured matte finish, archival and acid-free for long-term colour stability. You can order the print on its own, or ready to hang in a handmade Italian solid wood frame in black, fully assembled out of the box. Full details are on my print and frame specifications page.

Great feedback from customers and from named artists keeps me motivated, along with knowledgeable input from fans who know the records inside out.