Hand-drawn composite images are created by a skilled artist based on descriptions provided by victims/witnesses. Victims/witnesses may be aided by reference images. Making changes according to suggestions by victims/witnesses can be easily made in the course of the drawing. The finished product will be a drawing that victims/witnesses agree approximates the physical features of the suspect. Although the drawing should be as accurate as possible, its usefulness does not require that it have photographic accuracy. An approximate likeness is sufficient to generate a successful identification. The construction of a composite image based on selections provided by computer graphics software can be useful, but it may be either too limited in its selections of features or provide so many selections that victims/witnesses become confused and frustrated. Whereas, the computer can only provide images present in the existing software, composites drawn by skilled artists are flexible and responsive to the distinctive memories of victims/witnesses. The cost of computer-generated imaging and all of the required peripheral equipment and software makes the training of a composite artist cost-efficient, and these artists can also perform other useful functions, such as the creation of demonstrative evidence for courtroom presentations, age progression, postmortem imaging, and facial reconstruction.