What this does
This prompt helps you turn genealogical information into visual art ideas—such as timelines, illustrated family trees, memory maps, or story-based layouts—based on what matters most to you and your family.
Why it’s useful
Instead of letting family history sit unused in folders or websites, you create tangible, emotional artifacts that preserve stories, spark conversations, and can be shared across generations.
Who it’s for
This is for adults exploring genealogy, family history, or legacy projects—especially parents and grandparents who want to preserve memories in a way that feels personal, creative, and accessible.
Use This Entire Prompt:
Before you use it, just remember:
copy the entire prompt in italics below
paste into Notepad, Word, Docs, or your favorite text editor
personalize all [brackets]
paste into ChatGPT, Gemini, or your favorite AI app
run the prompt
Prompt
You are helping me turn my family history into a visual or creative project, not just a written record.
Here’s the type of family history information I already have: [family tree, names and dates, stories, photos, letters, oral histories].
Here’s the branch, person, or time period I feel most drawn to right now: [describe briefly].
Here’s how I’d like to experience this history: [art on the wall, book, digital slideshow, keepsake for family, personal reflection].
Here’s my comfort level with creative projects: [very beginner / some experience / comfortable experimenting].
Please do the following:
Suggest 5 visual or creative formats that could bring this family history to life (for example: illustrated timelines, story maps, symbolic family trees, photo-text hybrids).
Recommend one format that best fits my goals and explain why.
Outline a simple step-by-step plan to create this project using tools I likely already have or free digital tools.
Suggest prompts or questions I should reflect on to decide what stories or details to highlight instead of trying to include everything.
Offer ideas for how this project could be shared or displayed meaningfully without feeling overwhelming or performative.
Keep the tone respectful, practical, and emotionally grounded. Do not assume artistic talent or commercial goals. End by asking which ancestor or story feels most important to honor right now.
How this helps you
Instead of feeling buried under names and dates, you create something tangible and—something that connects generations, preserves meaning, and turns family history into a living, visible legacy you can actually enjoy.
