AI Policy for Handmade DFW

Guiding Principle

Handmade DFW exists to support artists and makers whose work is conceived and created by human hands.

Technology may assist a maker’s business, but it may not replace the maker in the creation of the core artwork or product.

Acceptable Uses of AI

AI may be used as a business tool or as a productivity tool, including but not limited to:

  • Writing product descriptions or marketing copy

  • Brainstorming ideas or refining branding language

  • Editing photos of physical handmade products (lighting correction, background cleanup, mockups of actual products)

  • Automating administrative tasks

  • Generating social media captions or email drafts

  • Business analytics, pricing calculations, inventory forecasting

Makers whose primary product is physical and handmade (e.g., ceramics, woodworking, fiber arts, jewelry, soap, metalwork, etc.) may use AI tools in support of photographing, marketing, or managing their work — as long as the product itself is handmade by the artist.

If AI is used to create the art itself, that does not align with our handmade standards.

Not Permitted

Handmade DFW does not accept work where:

  • AI generates the primary artwork being sold (e.g., AI-generated illustrations, prints, photography, or designs sold as finished art).

  • The core creative expression is produced primarily by AI rather than the maker.

  • The “handmade” element is minimal or incidental to an AI-generated product.

For example:

  • AI-generated digital art prints are not eligible.

  • AI-generated books are not eligible.

  • AI-generated photography sold as original photography is not eligible.

  • AI-created illustrations printed on products are not eligible.

Transparency & Integrity

We trust our members to operate with honesty and transparency. Handmade DFW reserves the right to request clarification about production methods if questions arise.

Our goal is not to police innovation — it is to protect the integrity of handmade work and the value of human craftsmanship in our community.