Artist Massimo Cravich's workbench during the creation of a family tree drawing

HOW TO DESIGN AND CREATE A FAMILY TREE

Personalized design and creative dialogue

Each family tree follows a customized creative process. It may originate from:

a graphic proposal conceived by the artist
a collaborative design process with the client
or a clearly defined design idea provided by the client

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.

Diagram depicting a family's genealogical lines prepared for the creation of the relative family tree

(Actual example of material provided by the client, ready for development)

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.

This is the rearrangement of the data provided by the client (see previous image) within a logical and graphically feasible structure, with a clear definition of all the ramifications of the family lines.

The workflow may include sketches, revisions and refinements until the final composition is approved. The objective is to achieve the best balance between readability, visual richness, aesthetic coherence and personal taste.

At this stage of the design process, the appearance of the decorative elements is chosen (each name appearing in the tree is always drawn in a fictional context and, if possible, with references to real events related to the depicted figure). Here, the image approved by the client is a sketch I made during a vacation in Strasbourg.

Every artwork remains a unique, non-replicable piece.

A concrete example of a sketch created in the initial stages of creating a family tree

First sketches of a family tree design created by Massimo Cravich for the client

Development of a family tree design in the initial stages of its planning

Preview of the visual elements during the conception of a family tree design

Sketches created in the initial stages of visualization, to verify the feasibility of a family tree with particularly complex branching

Sketch by Massimo Cravich created in the preparatory phase of drawing a family tree

Picture above – In the background, the executive sketch. Once approved, the work officially begins.

Techniques, color and levels of complexity

Artistic family trees can be created:

in black ink
in color
using mixed techniques

The use of color and more complex techniques implies a significant increase in production time and overall cost, due to additional design complexity, execution phases and materials.

For this reason, technique selection directly affects budget and delivery time.

The drawing is entirely in pencil; the smallest details are not yet defined.

In the second step, the pencil drawing is overlaid with ink, only at the outline level. All the details are drawn. The work is now ready to move on to the final phase: hatching.

F.A.Q.

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 “The Great Rock and Roll History?

I initially tried, but it was so complex that I decided to adopt a completely different strategy. You can find all the information about “the making of the Rock and Roll History” 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.

How to commission a family tree

Explore M.L. Family Tree

Explore M.B. Family Tree

Back to Family Trees Page

The Making of an Artistic Family Tree

HOW TO DESIGN AND CREATE A FAMILY TREE

Personalized design and creative dialogue

Techniques, color and levels of complexity

Recommended solution: the ink tree structure

F.A.Q.