What is Hildegard Trusted?

Hildegard Trusted is a UK-based certification service for creative works. We provide a “Trusted Human Art” badge that confirms, to the best of our professional judgment, that a work was created by a human artist rather than generated by AI.

How does the certification process work?

Certification is a two-step process:

1. Artist Certification – We speak with the artist, review their process, tools, and approach, and ask them to sign a self-certification confirming their work is human-made.

2. Work Certification – Each specific work that uses the badge is registered in our database with a unique identifier (UID).

Only certified artists may submit works for certification.

What does self-certification mean?

Artists are asked to confirm that their submitted work is primarily created by them, through their own skill and creativity, and not generated by AI. We allow the use of digital tools (such as Photoshop, Procreate, or digital brushes), but the creative decision-making must remain human-led. Random spot checks may be carried out to ensure ongoing integrity.

What if an artist has used AI in some way?

We understand that many artists may experiment with AI tools. Certification is about whether the final work was primarily human-made. We take a reasonable person standard approach — if a reasonable observer would see the work as human-led, it may still qualify. However, pure AI-generated works cannot be certified.

How does the badge system work?

Each certified work receives a Trusted Human Art badge with a unique identifier (UID). The badge can be displayed on covers, promotional material, or packaging. The UID should also appear (e.g. on an inside cover) so consumers can check the Registry. Badges may not be copied, reused, or applied to works that have not been certified.

How can publishers or consumers check a badge?

By visiting our online Registry, anyone can enter an artist’s name or a UID. This will return the certified work(s) associated with that artist, along with any social links the artist has chosen to share.

How do spot checks work?

We may randomly request additional proof of process, sketches, or working files. Failure to respond may result in suspension or revocation of certification.