LOST THE PLOT IN A STREAMING SHUFFLE? .. Reveal band discographies and movie plots like never before with Mike Bell's tube-inspired unique art maps!
Find your way through albums, artists, film characters, storylines.
These tube maps make perfect gifts for fans of bands, performers and plots, tracing bands' journeys and films' twists from unique angles.
TUBE MAPS - BANDS
"Your work is very cool and smart .." - Dr Susan E Rogers, PhD, | Prince's Studio Engineer/Producer
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BILLY BRAGG
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BLONDIE / DEBBIE HARRY SOLO
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BOB MARLEY & THE WAILERS
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BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN / E STREET
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TUBE MAPS - FILM PLOTS & FACTS
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BACK TO THE FUTURE (1985)
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BLADE RUNNER (1982)
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DIRTY DANCING
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JAMES BOND DINNER PAPER PLACEMATS X 4
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JAMES BOND FILMS
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TUBE MAPS - ALL THE OTHERS
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BORIS JOHNSON'S FIRST 1,000 DAYS & PARTIES
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LIZ TRUSS VS THE LIFESPAN OF A LETTUCE
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UK PRIME MINISTERS 120 YEARS OF SCHOOL TIES
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FORMULA ONE - F1 2019 SEASON
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FORMULA ONE - F1 2020 SEASON
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MAIN TUBE MAP COLLECTIONS
Q&A - The Creative Process Behind Mike Bell's Unique Tube Maps
1. Why did you start this?
I started creating these maps out of a deep passion for music, film, and data visualization, combined with my professional background in show and event design. The initial idea was born during lockdown, serving as a creative outlet and a way to reconnect with my interests in a unique format. It was also a response to my ongoing neurological condition.. talking of which..
2. How does your brain work?
My process involves immersing myself fully into the subject matter, whether it's the discography of a band or the storyline of a film. This deep-dive helps me uncover intricate connections and pivotal moments, which I then translate into visual narratives. It's a blend of creativity, research, and precision.
3. Isn't this 'just' Pete Frame's Rock Family Trees?
While intrigued by the concept of interconnectedness found in Pete Frame's family trees, my maps extend beyond, showing not only band members, but also the huge number more of contributing artists across any studio album. My tube / underground band maps are not only about showcasing relationships, but also about telling stories through a distinct visual medium that combines the complexity of a subject with aesthetic appeal.
4. How long does a map take to plot?
The time to plot a map varies significantly depending on its complexity. It can take anywhere from a few days to a week. This includes thorough research, design iterations, and the meticulous use of data filtering and then Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to ensure accuracy and visual impact.
5. Do you do commissions?
Yes, I do sometimes take on commissioned work. My Levellers and Dire Straits maps were produced for specific band members as gifts from their families. Whether it's a personal favourite band, a beloved film, or another subject of interest, I enjoy working closely with clients to bring their visions to life in the form of unique, detailed maps.
6. Do you have a bit of software that does it all for you?
No .. although I wish I did! While I use CAD software to plot the maps and ensure precision, and spreadsheets to filter data research, the software is just a tool. The creative process, from research to design conception and the selection of elements that tell the story, relies heavily on manual effort and artistic intuition. There's no software that automatically creates these maps; each one is the result of a hands-on, detailed process.
MIKE TUBE MAP BLOG POSTS
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Strings and Solitude: The Parting Chords - An A...
The stage is set with two chairs facing each other, a dim spotlight on each. Between them, a small table holds two glasses of water. The backdrop is a simple...
Strings and Solitude: The Parting Chords - An A...
The stage is set with two chairs facing each other, a dim spotlight on each. Between them, a small table holds two glasses of water. The backdrop is a simple...
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That Difficult Third Album - The Smiths: A Jour...
In the landscape of modern music history, the trajectory of a band's career often teems with milestones and adversities that carve their enduring legacy. Particularly, the release of a third...
That Difficult Third Album - The Smiths: A Jour...
In the landscape of modern music history, the trajectory of a band's career often teems with milestones and adversities that carve their enduring legacy. Particularly, the release of a third...
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Navigating Steely Dan's Labyrinth: A Map Like N...
In the ever-evolving narrative of rock music, few stories are as compelling as that of Steely Dan, the band that turned the conventions of pop and rock on their head....
Navigating Steely Dan's Labyrinth: A Map Like N...
In the ever-evolving narrative of rock music, few stories are as compelling as that of Steely Dan, the band that turned the conventions of pop and rock on their head....
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Liam vs Noel: Post-Oasis Sounding Off
The Gallagher brothers, Liam and Noel, not only embarked on successful solo careers after Oasis but also collaborated with a diverse array of musicians, enriching their music and showcasing their...
Liam vs Noel: Post-Oasis Sounding Off
The Gallagher brothers, Liam and Noel, not only embarked on successful solo careers after Oasis but also collaborated with a diverse array of musicians, enriching their music and showcasing their...
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