The lower part of the ink draw of a family tree by Massimo Cravich and digitally colored by the artist himself

Custom Artistic Family Trees — Hand-Drawn by Massimo Cravich

A family tree as a work of art

I create custom artistic family trees entirely hand-drawn in ink, transforming genealogical data into complex visual artworks. Each family tree is a unique commission, designed to represent family history through symbolic structures, architecture and narrative composition.

These hand-drawn family tree artworks are not simple diagrams, but original works of art combining graphic design, storytelling and fine art technique. Each project is developed from the material provided by the client, translating names, dates and relationships into a coherent and visually rich composition.

A custom family tree becomes a lasting artwork, designed to preserve memory and identity through visual language and artistic interpretation.

Go directly to the FAQs.

How to Commission

What is a Custom Artistic Family Tree?

A custom artistic family tree is a hand-drawn visual representation of a family’s structure, where genealogical information is transformed into a detailed artistic composition. Unlike traditional charts, these works integrate symbolic elements, architectural forms and narrative connections to create a unique visual story.

M.L. FAMILY TREE

2021 — 2022

Ink on cardboard, cm 140×100, rapidograph 0,1 mm

This specific tree required a particularly long time especially in the design phase, due to the particularity of the branches and the main lines, so much so that it took more time in pre-production than in the actual construction phase. The actual drawing part, from the pencil trace to the final signature, required almost 6 months of continuous work.

Enter and explore the drawing in every Detail

The first hand-drawn family tree by Massimo Cravich, over thirty years ago, was an Italian family.

M.B. FAMILY TREE

1991

Ink on cardboard, cm 140×100, rapidograph 0,1 mm

This was the first tree I ever made, in 1991. I thank the Magris Braunizzer family for allowing me to publish the images. India ink pen, 0.2 mm, on 140×100 cm cardboard.

Unfortunately all the images were taken more than 30 years ago with a rudimentary camera, the negatives have been lost and I have only bad scans of low quality left.

Enter and explore the drawing in every Detail

From Genealogy to Visual Narrative

Each family tree is developed through a process that transforms raw genealogical data into a structured visual system. Names, relationships and historical elements are translated into forms, paths and symbolic connections, resulting in a composition that is both readable and artistically complex.

Your material, my graphic design

It is important to clarify that Massimo Cravich does not perform genealogical or historical research for families.
Clients provide all necessary data directly: names, dates, relationships, documents, images, heraldic elements and symbolic references.

Starting from this material, the artist develops the visual structure and graphic design of the artwork, translating information into a clear, balanced and coherent composition.

This approach ensures accuracy, content control and full respect for the information supplied by the client.

Final sketch of the pre-conceptualization of a hand-drawn family tree.

HOW TO DESIGN AND CREATE A FAMILY TREE

From sketch to finished work: the creation process in images and video

Image of a small-scale family tree created by Massimo Cravich for a local family.

I only have a photo of an old photo of this two trees, the image quality does not allow for further enlargements. I should be able to scan the originals soon

Image of a unique hand-drawn family tree drawing by Massimo Cravich.

How to commission
a family tree

Step-by-step explanation

F.A.Q.

What is a hand-drawn custom family tree?

A hand-drawn custom family tree is a unique artwork created from genealogical data, where each element is manually designed and composed into a visual structure that represents family relationships through artistic interpretation.

Can you briefly summarize how you invent and create a drawing like this?

I made a video that you can see on this page that explains the entire process from A to Z. There is also a dedicated page with a description and photos of the entire development, from delivery of the diagram to conceptualization, to the presentation of the executive, etc. If you are interested, this is the link.

The design only features trees and houses like the ones shown?

Absolutely not. I’ve created them with the most diverse designs (ship masts, for example). If the client has their own idea, I try to make it happen.

Why do you present practically identical designs?

For two simple reasons: only three families have authorized me to show the work, and secondly, I always propose the least expensive design possible, which is the one chosen in both of these cases.

How much does it cost to create a family tree drawing like the ones in the examples?

These are the “basic models” I work with, 140 cm x 100 cm with a pre-established design (the classic tree, but never identical) and in black and white. Work of this complexity costs from €7,000-€8,000 and up.

Are they only in black and white?

Absolutely not. It’s just that creating them in color at this size with this level of complexity takes a very long time, well over a year. It also doubles the costs.

Is the image in the banner of a tree you drew in color?

No, this and all the color images you’ll find on this and related pages are colorizations of details of the trees featured on these pages, created very quickly with Photoshop and the help of artificial intelligence. Keep in mind that the quality of my color originals is exactly this, often superior. Not out of immodesty; I’ve been doing this all my life…

How long does it take to create one?

Referring to the standard 140×100 cm model, the time for a job like the one proposed is around a year.

How many projects do you work on simultaneously?

I can take on a maximum of two jobs at a time.

Are there very long waiting times?

They’re usually quite long. As of January 2026, I can’t take on any more jobs until 2027.

Are there minimum or maximum limits on the size of the jobs?

Generally speaking, no. The most common formats are 100×70 cm and 140×100 cm, depending on the complexity of the genealogy. Normally, when you have more than 100 names, you go for sizes like 140×100. But I’ve done some 50×70. The maximum size for black and white is 150×250 cm.

How does the job scheduling work?

There’s a significant initial discussion with the client, during which we discuss the design, which is obviously dependent on the amount of information provided, whether the client already has an idea, wants a classic design, or simply leaves me free rein. Anyone interested in learning more about the production process can visit this dedicated page or watch the video on this page.

What if I don’t want photos of the work I’ve commissioned taken?

When I give the OK to begin the execution, the privacy issue will have already been discussed. I don’t even take personal souvenir photos without the client’s permission. For online or other media publications, I always request permission, which is usually not granted, understandably. Only three people in 25 years of business have given me their approval, and I have them to thank for allowing me to publicize my work online.

How do I contact you to commission a job?

Initial contact is exclusively via email. Then, as soon as we enter a real discussion phase, I’ll provide other contact information.More detailed info here

Did you use the same family tree method for drawing rock and roll?

I initially tried, but it was so complex that I decided to adopt a completely different strategy. You can find all the information here.

Didn’t find what you’re looking for?

Email me; there’s no obligation, and I always respond, although I can’t guarantee immediate response times.