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Process

How a cover art commission works, from brief to delivery.

Step 1

Brief

You share the project brief: artist, title, release date, format (album, single, book cover), tone, references and any visual constraints. Quick async call or written brief — whatever fits your workflow.

Step 2

Concept & references

I send 2–3 directions with mood boards, color palettes and rough composition ideas. We pick one to develop further or merge elements across directions.

Step 3

Sketches

Tight pencil/digital sketches refining composition, focal points and typography placement. One round of feedback included at this stage.

Step 4

Final artwork

Full rendering with the final color, texture and detail pass. Delivered in the resolutions required by your DSPs, printer or publisher (Spotify, Apple Music, vinyl, CD, book covers, hardcover wrap, etc.).

Step 5

Revisions

Two rounds of revisions on the final artwork are included. Additional rounds and large scope changes are billed at an hourly rate communicated up-front.

Step 6

Delivery & licensing

You receive the master files plus all required formats and crops. Licensing terms (exclusivity, territory, duration) are agreed at the start of the project and included in the deliverable bundle.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a cover art project take?
A typical single cover takes 2–3 weeks from brief to final delivery. Full album packaging or book covers usually take 4–6 weeks. Rush turnarounds are possible with a rush fee.
How much does a cover cost?
Pricing depends on usage (territory, exclusivity, formats), complexity and timeline. Single covers for independent artists typically start in the low-to-mid four figures USD; major-label and publishing projects scale accordingly.
Do you work directly with labels and publishers?
Yes. I have ongoing collaborations with Penguin Random House, Sony Music, Universal Music and independent labels in the US, Canada, Argentina and Europe. POs and label contracts are accepted.
What do you need from me to start?
A clear brief (artist, project title, release date, format), references you like, references you do NOT like, and any text or typography that needs to be on the cover. A short call helps but is not mandatory.
Who owns the artwork?
I retain authorship and the copyright on the original artwork. You get the agreed usage license (typically exclusive for the cover usage, non-exclusive for promotional adaptations) for the duration and territory specified in the contract.
Do you handle merch or extra deliverables?
Yes — vinyl wraps, gatefolds, lyric sheets, single cover variants, social media assets and merch adaptations can be quoted as part of the project or added later.
Can you match an existing visual identity?
Yes. If the project belongs to an established visual world (recurring artist palette, band identity, book series), I work within those guardrails. Otherwise I propose a fresh identity tailored to the release.
How do I get a quote?
Send a short brief via the contact form including release type, timeline and reference links. I usually reply within 2 business days with availability and a ballpark.

Ready to start?

Send a short brief — release type, timeline and reference links — and I’ll reply within 2 business days.

Send a brief