Digitally colored detail of a family tree in India ink, hand-drawn by Massimo Cravich

INFORMAL FIRST CONTACT

with requests and delivery of the family tree diagram

Initial contact exclusively by email
There’s no obligation, but it’s essential that, in addition to all the information you’d like, you include a ready-made family tree diagram, with all the names listed and clearly understandable connections between the various families and branches. Again, there’s no obligation on your part; it helps me understand that you have a solid project you’d like to discuss, and it helps me understand the approximate size of the drawing, and therefore the timeline and costs.

(The family tree diagram could look something like this example.)

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

In the same email, please let me know if you already have a specific design idea, if you’d like the classic tree structure (which will always be customized based on the history of the specific family), or if you’d prefer me to develop another idea. Also, specify whether you’d like it in classic black and white or color. As mentioned elsewhere on these pages, color doubles the time (and certainly doubles the costs).

In summary, the first email is just a preliminary survey, but it should already contain the basic information:

Complete research
Design preference
Black/white or color

And of course, ask me anything you want to know.
It will also help me evaluate more quickly.

I will reply with all the information regarding the rough estimate, timeline, and the procedure we will follow together.

ESTIMATE APPROVAL – FIRST DRAFTS

If the client approves the estimate and gives me their approval, I begin preparing very brief and concise preparatory sketches to allow me to preview what the overall look will be like. Up to this point, there is no binding commitment for the client.

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

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

EXECUTIVE PROJECT

For a fee, included in the price if the work is completed.

If one of the sketches is approved for development, I will proceed to create a simple, rough draft of the completed project, with one or more details drawn almost as if they were already finished. We’ll call this the executive proposal. For this advanced development phase, I will charge a fee based on the labor hours spent on it, and I will ask for half the estimated cost (a maximum amount will be provided in advance). The fee will be paid if the proposal is rejected and the project is halted, while nothing will be due if the final executive project is approved.

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

SIGNING OF CONTRACT

At this point, the client gives written approval for the executive project, and the actual work begins immediately. From this point on, it is no longer possible to make any structural changes to the design, such as adding new names, or vice versa. It is still possible, subject to the progress of the work, to change inaccuracies in dates or names.

PAYMENT METHODS

First third of the agreed-upon amount at the start of the work
Second payment midway through the work
Balance upon delivery

Payment preferably by bank transfer or credit card

MY COMMITMENT

I undertake to complete the work in accordance with the specifications in the executive proposal and within the agreed upon timeframe.

PRIVACY

I will always ask if I can take photographs for my personal archive or if I can use them to promote my business (with name redaction if you prefer). I will never do anything without your express written authorization.

At the client’s request, I can perform a high-resolution scan (600 dpi) for dimensions up to 100 cm wide, or arrange a photo session at the studio I use to photograph my works, obviously with additional costs. In the latter case, I can arrange for fine art prints to be made on high-quality paper as gifts for friends and family (always at an additional cost). The files, already optimized for professional printing, will be saved on a USB stick that will be delivered to you.

During the entire production process, until the final design is approved, there will be constant and ongoing dialogue with the client. The work must be at least what you hoped for, and this can only be achieved through fruitful and constant dialogue.
Hoping these notes have clarified the fundamentals, I send you my warmest regards.

Below is a table, to be taken with a grain of salt, of approximate figures for a design like those presented on these pages:

COMMON CHARACTERISTICS OF THESE BASIC PROPOSALS

Extremely high quality detail, extremely rich and customizable down to the millimeter.
Extremely customizable. The only thing in common with the other trees I’ve created is that the main subject is a tree. But a cherry tree is not a baobab
Unique 0.1 mm ink drawing with a rapidograph

Prices and lead times are purely indicative for:

50×70 cm. 3-4.000 euros few months
100×70 cm – 6-7.000 euros less than an year
140×100 cm – 8,000 – 10,000 euros, at least one year

Previsualization (only if the work is not proceeded with): 5-700 euros

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 define

Relatively speaking, this represents the most accessible option while maintaining high artistic value.

F.A.Q.

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.

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.

Back to Family Trees Page

How it’s made