Please excuse me if this post is all over the place but my brain is in overload ATM

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For as long as I can remember I've always looked at books (especially fantasy/sci-fi and dare I say it, Romance) and wished that one day I might be able to create artwork good enough to grace their covers. Well. Whilst this dream is a little way off yet, I thought I could start looking into what's involved with being a Cover Artist. Thing is I'm not quite sure where to start?
My list of confusion starts with stock. Obviously I'd have to rely on stockists willing to allow their images to be used outside of DA. But what if I can't find what I'm looking for on DA? Find another stock site, which usually involves paying $$. Now, I'm not adverse to the idea of paying for stock but what is considered reasonable?? I mean, I've seen stock for US$400 and up -

WTF?? Then there's the whole argument that if I am going to create individual artworks then I want one-off stock that no-one else is using. Does this mean that I then have to hire a photographer and model? I guess spending all this money is fine if I have a commission. But I couldn't afford to do this just for the fun of it.
Then there's the million dollar question 'How much should I charge for my services?' and do I need a course certificate/degree behind me. It all sounds a bit scary. Of course if I was able to get a job with a publisher they might take some of the load off. I've searched the web briefly for any info on the secret realm of Cover Artists but can't find much useful info. Then there's the whole copyright thing, which believe me, goes waaaaaaay over my head (thick as two planks, I am

), and I guess I'd want a web page (ha ha just add another plank why don't we) ........ Ppppppfffffftttttttttttt ....

there we go. OVERLOAD!!!
Oy .. I think I need a lie-down

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Would love to hear your thoughts/suggestions/experiences on any of this.
CLUBS:
:thumb41460940:


for CSS Template
[link] - a great little page telling you the ins and outs of copyright.
You don't have to register something with a copyright company in order for it to be covered by the copyright law, but it's just peace of mind, and help in the courts should anything happen. They'll provide a certificate as proof that they are holding the work that the person created under their banner. You have to be careful though, as some companies expect the rights to be transfered to them.
Hope that breaks it down a bit for you!
Well I don't know if it would help much.. but you're always welcome to request stock photos from me on