STRIKING SURREAL ART LICENSING

Ready for Covers, Posters and Wall Art

Your project deserves surreal digital art that demands attention. My work blends dark surrealism with explosive color, creating cover arts, posters, and wall art pieces that linger in the mind. regardless if you’re a metal band, a fantasy author, or a filmmaker, my colorful and emotional designs turn stories into visuals that cut deep. Why license my art? Because my art screams and so will your project. Every piece is a ready-to-use, high-impact solution with no vague briefs and no endless revisions. Just cover art licensing that’s as bold as your vision.

Because if your project needs to stand out, I’ve got you Covered.

Surreal Digital Art Ready For Licensing

Simple Cover Art Licensing Process

  1. Pick your piece. Explore my surreal digital art gallery or ask for recommendations.
  2. Choose your license. Need it for an album? A book? Prints? We’ll define terms in plain English.
  3. Get the files. High-res, print-ready artwork delivered with clear rights.

Optional: Need minor tweaks? I can adjust colors or composition to better fit your project in some artworks.

Elevate Your Project with Colorful Dark Surrealism

Each piece is available for art licensing as album covers, book jackets, posters, or wall art prints – but not limited to that! Here’s why they work:

  • They’re emotional. These aren’t just images; they’re doorways to the subconscious. Perfect for cover art that needs to stick.
  • They’re flexible. License as-is for speed, or request tweaks to align with your project’s vibe.
  • They’re tested. My art has graced music albums, all kind of novels, and film campaigns: it works.

Ideal for:

  • Bands who want cover art licensing that matches their intensity.
  • Authors needing surreal digital art for fantasy, thriller, or horror.
  • Filmmakers who crave visuals that aren’t afraid to bleed color.
  • Wall Art businesses looking to expand their product line with bold dark surrealism.

Digital Art Licensing, Tailored to Your Next Project

Why Choose Art Licensing Over Custom Commisssions?

Custom cover arts are great—but cover art licensing might be your answer if:

  • Your deadline is tighter than a drumhead.
  • You want dark surrealism or colorful symbolism without the custom price tag.
  • You’ve seen my gallery and thought, “This one’s perfect.” (It probably is.)

Sometimes, the right surreal digital art already exists. My job is to help you claim it. Licensing my surreal digital art isn’t just transactional—it’s borrowing a fragment of my world to amplify yours. If a piece here resonates, trust that gut feeling.

Fantasy custom book cover designs by Mario Nevado, showcasing dark surrealism artwork - Book cover art licensing

For Music and Book Cover Arts

Your album or novel deserves art that’s as bold as your vision. Skip the endless commissions and grab a license and slap my dark surrealism or colorful surrealism on your cover tomorrow. Need a cosmic nightmare for your metal band? A dreamlike tease for your fantasy saga? Surreal digital art, pre-made and primed to stun. Easy. Fast. Unforgettable

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For Ad and Film Posters

Ads and films should wreck attention spans… politely. My surreal digital art does just that. License a premade cover art piece with just the right dose of weird: Think Lynchian mystery or neon dream chaos. No waiting, no pleading with designers. Just high-res art licensing magic, ready to haunt eyeballs and conquer audiences.

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For Wall Art and Wholesaling

Wall art shouldn’t be boring. License my dark surrealism for moody cafes, or colorful surrealism for spaces that need a jolt. POD companies and wholesalers: My digital art licensing = your shortcut to “Wait, where’d you get that?!” reactions. Files are prepped and my terms are flexible, so let’s flood the world with bizarrely beautiful prints!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is art licensing, and how does it work for your surreal digital art?

Art licensing lets you legally use my existing digital art pieces for your projects—like album covers, book jackets, or posters, among others. You pay a fee based on usage (e.g., print run, territory), and I provide high-res files with clear rights. No custom work, no waiting.

Why license your premade art instead of commissioning custom?

Cover art licensing is faster, more affordable, and perfect if you’ve found a piece that already clicks with your vision. My surreal digital art is designed to be adaptable, so you can tweak colors or crop it to fit your needs.

Can I see examples of your art in use for [books/albums/posters]?

Absolutely! Check out my portfolio page to see how my dark surrealism has been licensed for music albums, books and novels, and film campaigns.

How much does it cost to license your cover art?

Pricing depends on usage (e.g., a indie book cover vs. a major-label album), print-run, etc. I offer non-exclusive licenses (budget-friendly) and exclusive licenses (sole rights for your industry). Contact me with your project details for a quote.

What’s included in a standard art licensing agreement?

You’ll get print/web-ready files, a license outlining usage rights (territory, duration, etc.), and optional tweaks (like color adjustments). Need merch rights? Just ask—I keep terms flexible.

What's the scope of the license for custom cover artwork?

The scope of the license varies based on how you intend to use the art. I offer different licensing options depending on factors like:

• Exclusivity: You can choose between exclusive or non-exclusive licenses. An exclusive license grants you sole rights to the design, while a non-exclusive license allows me to keep some rights to the art, such as the possibility to sell prints on my shop.

• Print Run & Materials: The license can vary based on the number of copies you plan to print. If you’re planning a limited edition release with a smaller print run, the license may be priced differently compared to a large-scale release. The license will also take into account any additional materials that might use the design, such as packaging, promotional materials, merchandise and more.

• Territories: We’ll define the territories where the design will be used. For example, a license for worldwide use will differ in cost from a limited territory license (e.g., regional or national). We can tailor this based on your distribution plans. By discussing your specific needs, we’ll ensure the custom cover artwork license is tailored to your project, ensuring you get the rights you need for your cover arts for music. Let’s chat about what works best for your release and long-term goals!

Do you offer free cover designs or discounts for new artists?

I do not offer free cover designs as each project requires a significant amount of time and effort, even if it’s for a charity project – we freelance cover artists have bills to pay and limited time as well! However, I understand the financial pressures that independent artists and new authors often face. To help, I offer flexible payment options, including installments, so you can still get the custom book cover design you need without straining your budget. Whether you’re a fantasy author looking for a whimsical illustration cover or need an iconic piece of art for your philosophical manifesto, we can work out a plan that suits your needs and ensures you get the best possible design.

Do you offer payment plans for custom cover arts?

Yes! I understand that upfront costs can be tough, so I offer payment plans for all custom book cover arts. Whether you’re looking for just a cover artwork, a set of editorial illustrations or big editorial project consisting on many entries, I’ll work with you to break down the payment into manageable installments. This way, you can focus on your writing while I bring your vision to life. Let’s discuss the best way to approach the payments based on your project!

Can you modify an existing piece for my project?

Of course. Need your colorful surrealism piece in a different palette? Or your dark surrealism art cropped for a square album cover? Minor edits are often free; major changes cost extra.

What file formats do you provide for licensed art?

I will provide artwork files, printing layouts and web media in any format you need: High-res JPEG, PDF, and TIFF (300dpi for print) as well as optimized version for web and screen showcasing. For copyright reasons, I do not share my master files (PSD, PSB, etc). 

Can I license your art for merchandise (shirts, posters, etc.)?

Yes! Just specify what items you need the art printed on when inquiring. I’ll adjust the license fee accordingly.

Do you offer art licensing in styles other than dark surrealism?

As much as I try to expand the scope of my art, what you see is what I have available. However, I’m experienced in creating a wide range of styles, from minimalistic to vintage or illustrative. If you don’t find what you need on my art licensing gallery, maybe you should consider commissioned your custom cover art. 

Will you take care of typography and layout?

Absolutely! Typography is a crucial part of cover arts. I’ll design custom fonts or choose existing ones that complement the artwork and ensure your project title and name stand out. This also applies to any new cover arts commissioned via cover art licensing, as the license includes this treatment as a courtesy on the house!

Is your surreal digital art royalty-free?

No. My art licensing is rights-managed, meaning fees depend on usage scope. This ensures fair pay for my work while keeping costs reasonable for you.

How long does licensing take to process?

Most licenses are approved within 24–48 hours. Rush service? Ping me—I’ll prioritize it for an extra fee.

What if I need to cancel or change my license later?

No stress. Upgrades (e.g., adding merch rights) are easy. Downgrades/refunds depend on the situation—just reach out.

Can I license your art for my print-on-demand store (Redbubble/Printful/etc.)?

It depends. I already sell my own prints on print on demand platforms managed by myself, such as Redbubble and Fine Art America. However, If you are an owner of a new print on demand business, I offer art licensing for businesses that sell and manage prints on their own. If in doubt, just reach out.

Can I license your art for wholesale wall art production?

Absolutely. If you’re a manufacturer or distributor producing physical wall art prints in bulk (e.g., for galleries, retailers, or trade shows), I offer scalable licensing rates based on volume and distribution scope. Contact me with your projected quantities and markets and let’s talk.

Do you require royalties for POD or wholesale sales?

Yes. My standard POD/wholesale licenses include a royalty structure (typically a percentage of sales, no lower than 10%) to ensure fair compensation as your business grows. Rates can be tiered based on volume and exclusivity. Flat-fee options may be available for limited runs—just ask!

How do you track sales and calculate royalties?

I require transparent sales reporting (monthly or quarterly) from your platform or internal records. Audits are rare but reserved for high-volume partnerships if necessary.

How do you handle exclusivity with POD or wholesale partners?

I typically license my surreal digital art non-exclusively to POD/wholesale companies, but exclusivity (e.g., “only on your platform” or “exclusive to home decor retailers”) can be negotiated for higher royalties or guaranteed minimum for territories or certain products. Keep in mind that I have dozens of licensing contracts with all kinds of businesses already, so exclusivity may be very hard to nail.

Can I edit your art to fit my POD product line (e.g., adding textures, backgrounds, or cropping)?

Minor edits (cropping, color adjustments) are usually allowed. Major modifications (e.g., adding elements) require approval—this protects my artistic integrity while giving you flexibility. But to be totally honest with you: I’d rather leave my art unchanged and marketed as it was intended.

About Mario Nevado

Cover Artist, Art Director & Designer

Hey, I’m Mario Nevado, a freelance cover artist and Art Director from Spain with almost two decades of experience in creating amazing custom cover designs. My surreal digital artworks have been published by industry leaders such as Harlequin and Hachette, and my work has been featured in exhibitions worldwide, including on the exterior walls of the MoMA and Guggenheim museums. One of my career highlights was contributing to Adobe Photoshop’s 25th Anniversary campaign “Dream On”, which featured my work alongside music by Aerosmith, premiering at the Oscars and earning several prestigious awards like 3 Cannes Lions and an Emmy Nomination.

With 20 years of experience in the art and licensing business, I am your perfect match if you are looking not only a designer for your next project, but also someone that can advise you in the music, editorial and licensing industries. Think of me as your next creative partner in crime!

Why Should You Hire Me?

Experience in Licensing

I licensed my first artwork for a cover design back in 2006 and I haven't stopped ever since. More than a hundred clients can endorse my expertise through the years!

Collaborative Approach

I work closely with every client, making sure the final design represents their narrative and style, while sharing my insights regarding best practices in the editorial, music and wall art industries.

Versatility and Innovation

No two books are alike, and neither are my designs. I create visuals that are as unique as your stories using a wide array of mediums: 3D, photography, painting... you name it!

Business Mindsent

I am not your typical tormented artist - I am a businessman first. If you are looking for a creative partnership to raise the numbers, I'm probably the man you were looking for.

Convinced? Let’s Collaborate Together!

Use the form below to get in touch for quotes and availability. Share the insights of your project with me and I will get back to you in 24-48h with a budget and schedule. Contact me at least 2 weeks for licensing or 3 months for commissions before your release date to ensure a spot into my schedule.

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First Contact

Get in touch with me with the basics of the project you want to commission or license, preferably with budget and deadline. I'll get back to you with some questions to settle a rate and a date of delivery.

Contract & Deposit

We sign a Licensing Agreement with the terms of the license alongside the payment of the deposit, either via SEPA Bank Transfer or Paypal, after we have agreed on a project briefing and direction.

Art & Design

I work on any adjustments of the licensed artwork in case you needed (such as any color corrections, adding/subtracting certain elements, etc.), and work in any layouts, typography and/or derivative materials you have requested, such as merch design or social media images.

Files & Payment

When all files are ready, they are sent you to in both print and web friendly versions. Now is your time to show it to the world!

    Looking for something else besides Art Licensing?

    cover art design for cds and vinyl by mario nevado art

    Music Cover Arts

    I create cover art for music bands with a passion. Whether you are in need of a cover that speaks for your music, or are going to release a special edition that includes detailed booklet illustrations, merch design and stage elements, I’m an expert in making images that introduce music to their audiences.

    Lore's Moving Theater: Paradise Lost - Advertising Poster Design

    Promo Posters

    My art also finds its place in poster design, especially for film and theater plays. Present your release to the world in a way that makes justice to all the hard work your team put into it, while making your audience know they are in for a true work of art before they even take a seat.

    Surreal Custom book Cover designs by Mario Nevado Art

    Book Cover Arts

    Are you an author in search of the perfect cover art for your next release? Let me introduce your vision to the world to find your audience. I design book covers, interior illustrations, jackets… you name it. Attract your readers with unforgettable cover art that will transport them to your stories.