A short note is enough — genre, audience, where you are in the manuscript. I read every inquiry myself and reply within two business days with availability and a quote.
Most single covers take three to six weeks from the first conversation to print-ready files. Series projects run six to twelve weeks depending on book count. I never quote a date I can't keep.
I read sample chapters and a synopsis on every project. For series work I usually read at least the first book in full. Cover design that ignores the actual book tends to look like cover design that ignored the actual book.
No. Every illustration is painted by hand, every typeface set or drawn deliberately. The studio's whole reason for existing is the opposite of generative shortcuts.
Two rounds of revisions are built into every project, and we agree on the visual direction before any final illustration begins — so it's rare to land somewhere you don't love. If we ever genuinely can't get there, we end the project at the sketch stage and I refund the balance.
Yes — sometimes. Whether the original designer is involved, what files are available, and how flexible the brief is all matter. Send the existing covers along with your inquiry and I'll give you an honest answer either way.
You get full commercial rights to use the cover for your book in every format and territory, in perpetuity. I retain the right to show the work in my portfolio. Original source files (layered PSDs / Procreate files) can be purchased separately if you need them.
Occasionally — by referral or direct inquiry from an art director. Most of the studio's work is for indie authors and small presses, which is the work the studio is built for.