
Today, with the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, identifying the authenticity of a piece of art can be a real challenge. This issue is not confined to a single art form but is seen across all disciplines, including cartoon illustrations. If you’re a cartoonist, you’ve likely encountered clients questioning whether your work is original. Such inquiries can be frustrating, especially when you know your creations are genuine. On the other hand, as an art buyer, you should be aware that powerful tools—like AI—are now readily available to those looking to profit from deception. These tools can easily alter authentic artworks, presenting counterfeit pieces as originals.
Whether you’re an artist or a collector, understanding how to determine authenticity is essential. By sharing our experience, we aim to help you gain the knowledge needed to verify the originality of art and make more informed decisions.
1-Researching the History and Artistic Style of the Artist
Every artist has a unique style that serves as their artistic signature. For example, Pablo Ruiz Picasso is known for his Cubist Style and the distinctive use of lines and angles in his paintings. These features are so recognizable that even without a visible signature on the piece, one can tell it’s his work. In essence, an artist’s signature isn’t just their name—it’s embedded in the very details of their style and technique

To assess the authenticity of an artist’s work, start by reaching out to the artist directly. Ask them to provide additional samples of their work in the same style so you can analyze the details and consistency of their artistic approach. Additionally, searching online and exploring social media platforms can offer valuable insights into the artist’s background and portfolio.
Platforms such as Dribbble, ArtStation, Behance, Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook are excellent places to view artistic portfolios. Request that the artist share their online profiles and samples, then carefully review these works.
Artists who have previously created multiple pieces in a specific style usually demonstrate consistency in quality and detail. Significant differences in execution or quality among the pieces may indicate potential forgery. Some forgers combine works from different artists and make modifications using tools like Photoshop. Such manipulations often result in inconsistencies in linework, unnatural variations in colors, or discrepancies in design details.
Authentic artists typically follow consistent patterns in their use of line thickness, color intensity, and design details within their chosen style. Be cautious if an artist refuses to provide additional examples of their work in that style, as it increases the likelihood that the piece in question is not genuinely theirs.
In today’s world, artificial intelligence has introduced new challenges. Many individuals use AI tools like Midjourney or DALL-E to generate or alter artwork and present these pieces as hand-made originals. In these cases, consulting an art expert or a knowledgeable specialist can be highly beneficial. Their expertise can help determine whether a piece is genuinely handmade or AI-generated.