For Authors Who Aren’t Ready for AI (And That’s Okay)

Let’s get this out of the way first: if you’re not ready for AI-assisted covers, I hear you. I get it. And I fully respect your choice.

There are loud voices on TikTok and other spaces who feel strongly opposed to AI in art. The truth is, art has always been personal—and for many creators, the idea of using AI right now doesn’t sit well. That’s not something we push against here. We respect it. We embrace it. And we actually love working with the organic approach to cover design.

What We Offer Instead

If AI isn’t your vibe, we’ve got you covered—literally. Our non-AI packages rely on:

• 3D rendering & animation tools

• Professional graphic design techniques

• Licensed stock images (always cleared for commercial use)

The result? A stunning, organic cover with its own unique style and personality. These covers have a classic, polished look that can be just as eye-catching as any AI-assisted design.

The Honest Difference

Here’s the part where I’m straight with you: non-AI design usually takes double or even triple the time of AI-assisted design. Why?

• Finding just the right stock images (sometimes hunting for hours)

• Purchasing licenses for those images

• Modifying them so they feel like your characters and your world

• Layering in effects, typography, and finishing touches

Because of that extra time and cost, these covers are priced similarly to what you’d see from other professional graphic designers in the field.

Let’s Talk Characters & Worlds

One thing to keep in mind: with stock-based designs, we may not always be able to capture an exact replica of your character’s face or fantasy creature. And honestly? That’s not a bad thing. Readers often imagine characters in their own unique way—and that little bit of flexibility keeps covers approachable and relatable.

If you’re working in very specific fantasy worlds or with unusual creatures, there may be some design limits—but we’ll always talk through those during the process.

Copyright & Licensing

The good news? These covers are still unique pieces of art and can be copyrightable. You’ll own the final design, and it’s safe to use for publishing, marketing, and distribution.

One thing to note: most stock image licenses cover between 500,000 to 1 million sales before an extended license might be needed. For most indie authors, this threshold is rarely an issue—but if you hit it, congratulations, you’ve got a bestseller on your hands!

Why We Love This Approach

Even though AI has its place, there’s something timeless about an organic design process. The little quirks. The unique textures. The way stock, 3D elements, and graphic design come together to create a look that feels classic and handcrafted.

We enjoy creating these covers just as much as the AI-assisted ones—and we’re proud to offer both paths, so every author can choose what feels right for them.

✨ Bottom line: If AI isn’t for you, we get it. We respect it. And we’re here to create something breathtaking and completely your own, using stock, design, and good old-fashioned artistry.

Because whether it’s AI-assisted or 100% organic, the goal is the same: a cover that captures your story, wows your readers, and belongs entirely to you.