It’s getting harder to tell what’s real. Between AI filters and mass‑produced designs, a lot of what we see online looks “hand‑drawn” but isn’t. At Howly Dogs, every scribble, floppy‑eared doodle, and awkward little dog you see is drawn by me. No bots. No templates. Just my pen, my ideas, and sometimes a strong cup of tea.
Here are 10 ways to spot truly hand-drawn art and why it matters.
1. Imperfection is the giveaway.
Real lines wobble. Shapes aren’t symmetrical. Dogs look delightfully lopsided. Those quirks are what give hand‑drawn art its personality.
2. Every doodle has a story.
When I draw, it’s never random. I’m usually thinking about my own dogs, a funny idea, or something I want to say. That connection makes the art feel alive.
3. Variety is a sign of human hands.
No two Howly Dogs are identical. I change up styles, try new moods, and experiment — some work, some don’t. That’s the beauty of human‑made art.
4. Texture over polish.
AI and digital tools can mimic hand‑drawn styles, but they rarely capture the organic, slightly rough texture that comes from pen on paper (or a tablet in real hands).
5. Mistakes become features.
Smudges, extra whiskers, slightly too‑big eyes — I leave them in on purpose. Those “mistakes” are what make a doodle interesting.
6. Humor that feels real.
My dogs aren’t just shapes. They have moods. They sulk. They grin. They pout. That kind of humor comes from actually sitting there, pen in hand, laughing to myself.
7. You can sense the artist’s mood.
Happy day? The doodle feels lighter. Grumpy day? Hello, sulky dog. Each drawing carries a bit of me in it — that’s something machines can’t replicate.
8. Slow, thoughtful work.
Hand‑drawn art takes time. It means sitting down, sketching, erasing, redrawing, and only stopping when it feels right. That effort shows in the details.
9. No two pieces are “perfect.”
And that’s the point. You’re not buying a template. You’re buying a moment in someone’s creative process — a one‑of‑a‑kind piece of art.
10. It feels personal.
Because it is. When you support Howly Dogs, you’re backing a real person making real art — not a faceless brand cranking out designs.
Why It Matters
Buying truly hand‑drawn art isn’t just about owning something unique. It’s about valuing creativity and supporting artists who pour themselves into their work. It’s about saying “yes” to human‑made things in a world of auto‑generated content.
That’s why I keep drawing my Howly Dogs — because I believe in art that feels like it came from somewhere real.
Want to see more of my doodles?
If you’ve enjoyed these 10 ways to spot truly hand‑drawn art and why it matters, why not join the Howly Pack? You’ll get first dibs on new designs, behind‑the‑scenes peeks, and a little weirdness in your inbox. No barking. No spam.
Would you like to see more of my doodles?
Then please join the Howly Pack and get first look at new designs, behind‑the‑scenes peeks, and the occasional bad dog pun. No barking. No spam.