In this blog post, I want to address “the creative.” A word that best defines you: unconventional. I should know. I am one myself! But is this not how God created all of us? To be set apart, to not follow society norms. To follow his lead even when others around us shake their heads in disapproval? I have always been one for nonconformity. On that note, what is conformity? Let’s look at what Webster says.
action in accordance with some specified standard or authority
“Conformity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conformity. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
So, of course, naturally, this side of me would come out on my journey as a writer. The first move in this direction was becoming a self-published author, going against the norm of choosing traditional publishing. Although I am open to that possibility, if God so leads. I have friends who are hybrid writers. I think most people understand that there is a protocol that needs to be followed when you go with a traditional publisher.
Many Authors choose a traditional publisher for what they offer. They want a team around them to help them with the different aspects of publishing, like designing a cover. Self-published authors are a little more independent. Don’t get me wrong, as a self-published author you still have access to a team. The difference is you get to hire each member of your team, such as Editor, Proofreader, Story Developer, Book Cover Designer, Illustrator, etc…
However, if you are artist inclined, you can forego hiring a Book Cover Designer & Illustrator and do it yourself. You just need a bit of imagination, some knowledge, of course it helps to have God’s insight, a few tools, and software.
Illustrations
So far, my media of choice has been digital for My ABCs & God. Watercolor for Luna Goes Exploring. For my WIP, The Clumsy Lizard I’m considering chalk pastels.
What do you need if you are considering doing your own illustrations?
- A Photoshop license ($24.83 a month)
- A Digital Drawing Tablet (The digital drawing tablets vary in price and size.)
- For an extra perk: Canva
Once you have your supplies and your apps, the fun begins.
Cover
What do you need if you are considering doing your own cover?
- A Photoshop license ($24.83 a month)
- A Digital Drawing Tablet (The digital drawing tablets vary in price and size.)
- For an extra perk: Canva
The beauty of creating your own cover is its uniqueness. It doesn’t blend in with the rest and gets noticed, good or bad. There’s always going to be someone who doesn’t like your cover. Heck, I don’t like a lot of the traditional ones because they look like they came off an assembly line. I first create my cover design on paper. I then take a picture of it and then work my magic with the help of my digital tablet. Once my graphic is done, I bring it into Canva and work on my cover.
Conclusion
The important thing is to go with God. If God is leading you to create your own illustrations and cover, trust God and do it!
Your book is your baby. You decide how you want to raise it! Go with God not the status quo, for it’s God who promotes us in due time not man.
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. I Peter 5:6 (KJV)
I hope to have a class soon that will show the steps to self-publishing. If you are interested, join my mailing list and you will be one of the first to hear the news when this class is available.
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Resources for Use Your Artistic Skill to Transform Your Book Into a Piece of Art
If you are planning on self-publishing with KDP –
