The standard applies to the conception, design, development and meaningful creative creation of work represented as human-authored.
THE MAKER VERIFIED STANDARD
A published standard for meaningful human creative authorship.
The Maker Verified Standard explains what human creative authorship means, what is evaluated during certification, what falls outside the scope of review and the principles that guide every certification decision.
WHAT THE STANDARD COVERS
A defined scope, applied consistently.
The standard separates the creative decisions that define the work from the administrative tools and business systems that support the artist.
The Creative Process
Not Business Operations
Administrative uses of AI or software are outside the scope when they do not contribute creative content to the work.
Consistently Applied
Every applicant is reviewed against the same published requirements for human creative authorship and truthful representation.
PURPOSE AND SCOPE
We evaluate authorship, not the artist's business.
The Maker Verified Standard establishes the requirements an artist must satisfy to represent themselves as Maker Verified. Its focus is meaningful human creative authorship and the truthful representation of the artist’s creative process.
The work itself is the focus.
We review how the artist conceives, designs, develops and meaningfully creates work represented as human-authored. Accounting, marketing, business administration, website creation, customer communications, inventory management, research, grammar assistance and general productivity software are not evaluated by the standard.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Four principles guide every certification decision.
These principles define both the responsibility of the creator and the public meaning of Maker Verified certification.
01
Human Intent
Human creative intent originates with the artist.
02
Creative Control
Meaningful creative decisions remain under the artist’s control.
03
Truthful Representation
The artist truthfully represents their creative process.
04
Buyer Transparency
Buyers deserve transparent information about authorship.
WHAT IS INSIDE THE STANDARD
A clear line between creative authorship and business support.
The standard evaluates the creative decisions that determine the work. Supporting activities remain outside the scope when they do not generate or materially direct creative content.
The Standard Evaluates
Creative intent and original direction
The ideas, vision and expressive purpose that define the work.
Meaningful creative decisions
Composition, design, development and judgments that determine the work’s final form.
Human creative control
The artist remains responsible for the creative process and does not present AI-generated creative work as their own.
Truthful disclosure
The artist accurately describes relevant tools, collaborators, automation and working practices when requested.
The Standard Does Not Evaluate
Accounting and bookkeeping
Marketing and customer communication
Business administration and scheduling
Website creation and maintenance
Inventory management and shipping support
Research, grammar assistance and general productivity software
HUMAN CREATIVE AUTHORSHIP
The artist remains the author.
Meaningful creative authorship exists when the central creative vision, artistic judgment, composition, design decisions and expressive direction originate from the artist rather than being generated by artificial intelligence.
The standard does not require work to be made without tools, software, machinery or repeatable processes. It requires the human creator to remain responsible for the decisions that determine the work’s identity.
ARTIST REQUIREMENTS
Certification begins with truthful disclosure and continues through compliance.
Applicants are responsible for accurately describing their creative practice and continuing to meet the standard throughout the active certification period.
01
Apply Truthfully
Complete the application with accurate information about your creative process.
02
Sign the Declaration
Formally attest that meaningful human authorship originates with you.
03
Participate in Review
Complete the review process, including the brief interview.
04
Provide Support
Provide reasonable supporting information when requested.
05
Remain Compliant
Continue to comply with the published standard while certification remains active.
THE PUBLIC MEANING OF CERTIFICATION
A defined claim, with defined limits.
Certification communicates a specific conclusion about the creator’s disclosed process. It does not make broader claims about every work, transaction or creative result.
What It Confirms
The artist completed the Maker Verified review process and was found to comply with the published standard at the time of certification.
What It Does Not Confirm
Certification is not a statement regarding artistic quality, originality, commercial value or the separate inspection of every individual work.
Why Current Status Matters
Certification may be suspended or revoked if an artist knowingly misrepresents their process or no longer complies. Buyers should confirm current status in the public directory.
GOVERNING DOCUMENTS
Read the documents behind the certification.
01
Maker Verified Standard
The published requirements used to evaluate meaningful human creative authorship and truthful representation.
02
Human Authorship Declaration
The formal declaration each applicant signs to attest to their authorship, disclosure and continuing compliance.
03
Certification Agreement
The agreement governing certification status, authorized Mark use, renewal and continuing responsibilities.
UNDERSTANDING THE STANDARD
Clear answers about what the standard does and does not require.
The standard is intentionally focused on meaningful creative authorship. These distinctions help artists and buyers understand its practical boundaries.
Does the standard prohibit all technology or software?
No. Artists may use ordinary tools, equipment, software, machinery and repeatable processes. Administrative and business uses of AI or software are outside the scope when they do not generate or materially direct the creative work.
Does certification apply to every individual artwork or product?
No. Maker Verified certifies the artist or maker based on their disclosed creative process and working practices. It does not separately inspect or certify each artwork, edition, product or collection.
Does certification evaluate artistic quality, originality or value?
No. The standard addresses meaningful human creative authorship and truthful representation. It does not rank artistic quality, establish financial value or guarantee that a work is original in the legal or commercial sense.
Can certification be suspended or revoked?
Yes. Certification may be suspended or revoked when a creator knowingly misrepresents their process, no longer complies with the published standard or fails to disclose a material change that affects eligibility.
HUMAN CREATIVITY. VERIFIED.
A standard artists can meet and buyers can understand.
Maker Verified gives artists a credible way to demonstrate human creative authorship and gives buyers a clear way to understand what certification means.