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Why Our Products Are Not AI Art or Dropshipping

In a time when technology takes over our daily lives, we are flooded with AI-generated art, mass production, and fast dropshipping models. It may sound appealing, as everything is automated and products arrive quickly at your home, but it raises an important question. Where does authenticity remain?

As a creative entrepreneur, I take a very different approach with Sylluna. Our products are more than just an item in a webshop. They tell a story, carry symbolism, and are created and delivered with care and attention. In this article, I explain why we choose authenticity and how that is reflected in our art, our working process, and our quality.

What Is AI Art, and Why Do I Choose Not to Use It

AI art, or art generated by artificial intelligence, has grown enormously in recent years. Although this technology is impressive, AI art lacks something essential: a personal signature. Every design and illustration at Sylluna is hand-drawn. They come from different moments of inspiration and contain emotion, symbolism, and a story. This cannot simply be replicated by an algorithm.

I understand that AI tools can be useful, and I will not deny that. In my view, however, they can never replace the human expression and dedication that an artist puts into her work. When you buy a Sylluna product, or something from another illustrator or artist, you know it has passed through their hands and has not been assembled by a digital robot. For me, that is the essence of authenticity. I find it important to keep the magic of the illustrations pure, so they tell a true and human story. My inspiration, time, emotions, and symbolism are in them, something a robot cannot do.

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Printwork, a Conscious Choice for Local Businesses

Another aspect of our approach is the choice to work with Dutch printers and companies. We collaborate as much as possible with Dutch and otherwise European businesses, because I believe in supporting our own economy and reducing our ecological footprint. Local printers not only provide high-quality work, but also make it possible to better control production. This allows us to guarantee that the final product meets our quality standards.

By working with Dutch companies, we stay close to our vision: quality over quantity. Sylluna products are unique, not one of a thousand items with generated images.

What Is Dropshipping, and How Do We Work

Dropshipping is a business model in which a seller offers products that they do not keep in stock. When you make a purchase, the seller orders the product from a third party who ships it directly to the customer. This may sound efficient, but there are also drawbacks:

  • Lack of quality control: Because the products never pass through the seller’s hands, it is difficult to ensure quality unless strict agreements are in place.
  • Little personal contact: Customer service and customization often fall short, because the seller is not directly involved in the process.
  • Mass import: Many dropshipping products are produced in low-wage countries, which can affect fair labor and sustainability.

In our approach, this is not an option. We personally check all products and print work before they are sent to the customer. We package the orders according to our own vision and make it as personal as possible. An extra gift, a thank-you card, all part of the Sylluna magic.

The only exception in this process is our birth announcement collection. For these, we work with a fixed printer whose quality we know and trust. The cards are then sent directly from the printer to the customer. Birth announcements often need to arrive quickly, which is why we have arranged it this way.

 

Quality and Involvement, Our Promise to You

Authenticity and quality come first at Sylluna. At Sylluna, you will not find endless mass production, AI-generated art, or anonymous dropshipping items. All products are carefully designed and made (as much as possible in the Netherlands) and are packaged with love and a touch of magic. With this approach, you know that you are not only buying a unique product, but also supporting our dedication and passion.

In a world full of fast trends and superficial choices, we want to offer a counter voice. I believe that people value products that are real, products with a story, with genuine symbolism and human emotion.

I also try to support other artists and makers as much as possible. This way, together we can choose quality and authenticity instead of the fast way. That is what makes each product truly special.

0064-02 The Making of Triskelion Illustration
0030-01 Tree of Life: The Making Of – Levensboom Art Sylluna
0076-01 The Making of Mother Earth Illustration – Sylluna

How to Recognize AI Art

For those who want a better understanding of AI art and how to spot false authenticity, there are some useful indicators.

Unnatural or Inconsistent Details

  • AI art often contains unnatural or inconsistent details that are difficult for humans to replicate. Think of illogical shadows, strange facial features, or geometric shapes that are slightly off, such as eyes that are not properly aligned. Look closely at the faces, hands, and clothing of characters to spot these kinds of deviations.

It Is Too Perfect

  • Many AI artworks have a very “perfect” finish, without the small imperfections often found in handmade art. This can, for example, be a highly stylized, symmetrical composition that feels unnatural.

Too Much or Too Little Detail

  • Some AI art contains too much or too little detail. This can range from overly detailed textures to missing texture and nuance. When an image looks too “polished” or too simplistic, it can be a sign that AI was involved in the process.

Indefinable Style

  • AI can also generate unfamiliar or hard-to-classify styles. These “artificial” styles may consist of a combination of art forms that no real human artist or illustrator would create.

How to Recognize False Authenticity

No Explanation of the Process

  • When an illustrator, artist, or company does not provide a detailed explanation of how an artwork was made, or keeps the process vague, it may be a sign that they are using AI without being transparent. Real artists often proudly explain how their work was created, including the use of traditional techniques and materials.

Extremely Fast Production

  • If an artist or company produces artworks in an unusually short amount of time, it is possible that they are using AI tools that can generate art within minutes. While not impossible, it is difficult for a traditional artist to create high-quality artworks in such a short timeframe.

Lack of Consistency in Style

  • AI art can be repetitive or show a lack of consistency in style. If you notice that an artist’s work seems to change style without a clear reason, and it appears to mimic several popular styles, it may be an indication that AI is being used rather than a personally developed style.

Lacks Real Symbolism and a Story

  • Many AI artworks lack the depth and personal connection that human artists often put into their work. If the artist or company does not offer authentic stories or emotional engagement in their work, it is possible they are using AI to create art without personal investment.

How to Recognize Companies That Sell False Authenticity

Branding and Marketing That Do Not Focus on the Process

  • Companies that do not provide transparency about their process, and instead heavily rely on marketing strategies emphasizing the “exclusivity” or “authenticity” of their art, may be trying to sell art that was actually created by AI. Pay attention to companies that only emphasize the final “look” of the artwork without any explanation of how it was created.

Illustrations and Artworks Without a Clear Owner or Creator

  • When you visit a website or platform where artworks are presented without information about the creator(s), or without a clear explanation of how the art was created, it may be a sign that they are working with AI or at least not promoting authentic human artists and illustrators.

Promotion of Generative Art Without Further Explanation

  • Some companies may sell generative art (art created by algorithms) without clearly stating that it is the result of AI or generative models. They may market it as an art form that inspires people, focusing on the final result, but without transparency about the use of artificial intelligence. You will also find no explanation of how the creation came about.

Watch Out for the Term ‘Own Design’

  • Within Sylluna, I use the term ‘own design’ because the hand-drawn illustrations are printed on products. This refers to print work and does not mean that the illustration is hand-painted or hand-drawn directly on the product itself. The original illustrations are, however, fully hand-drawn.
    Unfortunately, I increasingly see so-called ‘artists’ using AI art and labeling it as ‘own design’. However, an ‘own design’ can also be a collage of various illustrative elements, which may be handmade, but not necessarily a unique, fully self-designed work.
  • Some people also use the term ‘own design’ for AI-generated art, because they themselves decided what it should look like. Whether this can truly be called an ‘own design’ is a matter of personal opinion. I believe it should be explicitly stated when the art is generated. It is important to understand that the term ‘own design’ does not always mean that someone actually created or drew it themselves. Be careful when you encounter this term.

Tip: Ask About the Creation Process

If you are unsure whether an artwork was created by AI, ask about the process. Real illustrators, makers, and artists are often proud to explain how they made their work and which techniques they used. An AI user trying to sell false authenticity will find this more difficult. And if they lie about it and it is discovered later, they could face legal issues. If they are smart and honest, they are better off not lying.

Magical wishes

Susanne
Magical Artist by Sylluna

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