You will complete an application, sign the required documents and take part in a 10 to 15 minute interview. We review your established creative process against the Maker Verified Standard, with particular attention to whether the defining ideas, artistic expression and creative decisions remain your own.
WHAT WE REVIEW
Be ready to explain your normal creative process.
You do not need a formal artist statement or polished presentation. We need clear, specific information about how you work and where the defining creative contribution comes from.
Your work
Describe what you make and the established practice you are asking us to review.
Your process
Explain the main steps, tools, software, machinery and production methods you normally use.
Your creative role
Identify the defining ideas, artistic expression and creative decisions that come from you.
Technology and outside support
Include relevant generative AI use, assistants, fabricators, contractors or other services when they are part of the process.
THE PROCESS
Five steps from application to decision.
Most applications follow the same sequence. If we need clarification, we will tell you directly.
Complete the Application
Tell us about your work, creative process, tools, production methods and any relevant outside support.
Sign the Documents
Review and sign the Human Authorship Declaration and accept the Certification Agreement.
Complete the Interview
Use the scheduling link sent after submission, then spend 10 to 15 minutes talking with us about how you create.
Clarify Anything We Need
If something needs a closer look, we may ask for a reasonable example connected to the process you described.
Receive the Decision
Once the review is complete, you will receive the decision and next steps by email.
INTERVIEW & CLARIFICATION
A short conversation about how you work.
The required interview lasts about 10 to 15 minutes. We may ask how ideas begin, what you handle directly, how tools or outside services fit into the work, and whether generative AI contributes to defining creative content.
If something needs a closer look, we may ask for a reasonable example such as a progress image, sketch, note, design file or source file. There is no presentation to prepare.
THE DECISION
What happens after review.
We review your application, signed documents, interview and any requested clarification together against the Maker Verified Standard.
Approved
We send your approval notice and account instructions. Your registry record becomes active and certification tools become available.
More Information Needed
We tell you what needs clarification and give you a reasonable way to provide it.
Not Approved
You receive notice of the decision. The reconsideration process is available when you believe the decision involved a factual or procedural error.