How to Draw & Write Up a Family Tree
- 1). Draw the trunk of your family tree. The center of your picture and core of the family tree design is a large tree trunk. The branches of your family tree will represent each part of your family. Your direct family will be on one side of the tree with your cousins, aunts and uncles on the other side of the tree each having their own branch with smaller branches for their children.
- 2). List your name at the bottom of the tree and draw a branch connecting you to the lower part of the tree trunk. Above your name write the names of your mother and father. Next to your name write the names of any siblings you have, including half siblings.
- 3). List the names of your mother's parents above her and your father's parents above him. Next to each of your grandparents list siblings of your grandmother and grandfather. Depending on how detailed your family tree is going to be, this may be the top of your tree. If you still have room and would like to continue the tree, add the names of your grandmother's parents and your grandfather's parents at the top of the tree.
- 4). Add names to the opposite side of the tree. Branches for your great aunts and great uncles should come down on the opposite side of the tree from your direct family. Expand this side of the tree by including the children of your great aunts and great uncles. These relatives are often your second or third cousins and are more difficult to find information on for many families.
- 5). Draw a second draft of your family tree. Now that you have a good idea of all the relatives you would like to include, it is time to start at the top and work your way down. Re-drawing your tree gives you the opportunity to draw in large family branches and smaller children branches that fit your family needs. On the second draft, it is easier to space out relatives and include spouses and second marriages where necessary.
- 6). Proof read your family tree with a relative. Go over the details of your family tree drawing with a parent or other family member knowledgeable of all the family details. Ask for feedback. It may be necessary to construct a third draft of your family tree if there were any omissions in your second draft.
Source...