Peer Pressure & MotSG Cover Design

A cover is the first impression a reader has with a book. For my latest release, Mysteries of the Southern Gothic, I decided to design the cover myself. Admitting that I designed my own cover wasn’t easy. In the author community, there is a certain expectation to hire professionals. Sharing my self-designed cover meant opening myself up to criticism.

Unfortunately, the contentious topic of AI has led to what can only be described as a witch hunt. It’s disheartening the fear that AI will overshadow human talent has created a climate of mistrust.

Let me be clear, zero AI was used in the creation of the cover (or the work, which should go without saying). I’ve seen so many accusations by other creatives, I felt peer pressured into disclosing my process.

Having said that, creating the cover for Mysteries of the Southern Gothic was a labor of love, and I believe it adds a personal touch that readers can feel.

How it was made:

The backdrop features oaks from Safety Harbor’s Phillipe Park. I edited the photo in Prequel to add an inked effect and papery texture.

The statue is a literal figurine purchased off Amazon and photographed on my iPhone. It was edited in Canva.

Roses are stock and edited for color and grouped together.

It was all brought together in Photoshop. I made a reel on Instagram describing the process. Check it out here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8aoxgHAVv-/?igsh=ZWlhem1uN2p4MTM0