1. Is the person clearly fictional?
Do not request or present the image as a real person, celebrity or private individual. If the result resembles somebody you recognise, generate another option.
2. Could viewers mistake it for proof?
Look at the complete page. A realistic portrait next to a name, quote or business claim may imply a real identity. If that implication is untrue, change the presentation.
3. Is the disclosure visible where it matters?
Use plain language such as “AI-generated fictional portrait.” Place it close to the image or in the caption when identity could be misunderstood. A disclosure hidden in distant terms is not useful to the person viewing the portrait.
4. Have you checked visual artifacts?
Inspect eyes, teeth, hair, glasses, jewellery, clothing seams and background objects. View the file at full resolution and in its final crop. Reject images that contain distracting or misleading details.
5. Does the caption stay honest?
Do not attach fabricated achievements, endorsements or personal experiences to a fictional face. For a design mockup, use neutral sample copy that is clearly illustrative.
6. Is the use appropriate for the setting?
High-stakes contexts deserve extra caution. Avoid using a fictional portrait to imply a real medical professional, financial adviser, legal expert, witness, employee or customer. Never use it for identity documents or verification.
7. Can you explain your decision?
Keep a short record of the creative purpose, the disclosure used and the person who approved publication. A simple review trail encourages better decisions and makes later updates easier.
Final review
Ask someone who did not build the page what they think the portrait represents. If their answer includes a real identity or endorsement you did not intend, the layout needs more context. The safest synthetic portrait is not merely labelled—it is used in a way that remains truthful at a glance.