To easily transfer a coloring matter of a coloring matter-donor element by forming a coloring matter layer containing a polymer bonding agent and a coloring matter represented by a specified formula on a substrate.

In forming an image by transferring a coloring matter from an area in which a coloring matter-donor element is heated selectively, a substrate having a coloring matter layer containing a polymer bonding agent and at least one kind of coloring matter formed on the substrate is contained in a coloring matter-donor element, and as at least one kind of coloring matter, the coloring matter represented by the formula I is used. In the formula, X is presented by N-R or the formula II, R2 represents NR3R4 or the like, R1 represents NR3R4 or the like, R2 represents hydrogen or the like, Y represents a substituent, for example, SH, OH or the like, A represents alkyl or the like, G represents CN, R19-C=B or the like, Z represents halogen or the like, G and Z together with the atoms bonded with them represent atoms required for forming alicyclic, aromatic or aromatic heterocyclic ring.