Terms of Use

TERMS OF USE

By purchasing or utilizing any artwork or designs created by Joelle Cottle, you agree to the following terms:

1. Ownership & Licensing

a. Joelle Cottle retains full ownership of all original assets and designs produced, including but not limited to AI-generated art (with appropriate commercial licenses), stock assets, digital illustrations, renders, photo edits, and fonts. All third-party materials used maintain the ownership rights of their respective creators.

b. Clients are granted a non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use the completed design for its intended purpose. This license is valid indefinitely but does not permit the extraction or separate use of individual elements (e.g., fonts, images) outside the context of the final design.

c. It is the client’s responsibility to ensure that any licensing agreements from third-party providers cover their intended use, especially for print runs exceeding 500,000 copies, which may require extended licenses.

2. Client-Provided Materials

a. If you provide any artwork or materials for inclusion or reference, you affirm that you possess the necessary rights, licenses, or permissions for their use. You also confirm that all required consents from relevant copyright holders have been obtained. Joelle Cottle is not liable for any copyright infringements arising from client-provided materials.

3. Exclusivity

a. Due to the use of non-exclusive elements such as stock images, fonts, and AI-generated art, exclusive rights to the design cannot be granted. However, each completed design will be sold only once, ensuring a unique combination for each client.

4. Commercial Use & Limitations

a. Upon purchase, clients receive commercial usage rights for the entire cover design and delivered artwork. However, the resale, redistribution, or modification of individual elements (e.g., fonts, images) outside the context of the final design is prohibited.

b. Source design files (e.g., PSD, AI) will not be provided. Clients may request minor text or layout adjustments, but extensive revisions or access to source files may incur additional fees.

5. Usage Restrictions

a. The artwork must not be used in any context that is unlawful, defamatory, obscene, or otherwise offensive, including but not limited to adult content, hate speech, or graphic violence.

6. Portfolio Rights

a. Joelle Cottle reserves the right to showcase completed designs in her portfolio, on her website, and for marketing purposes, unless a separate agreement is made in writing prior to the project’s commencement.

7. Proofing & Liability

a. Clients are solely responsible for thoroughly reviewing and approving all files before printing or publication. This includes verifying spelling, layout, and visual elements. Color variations may occur due to differences in monitors, printers, and production methods; exact colour matching is not guaranteed.

b. It is strongly recommended to order a test print before proceeding with a full print run, especially if colour accuracy is critical.

c. Joelle Cottle is not liable for any discrepancies, including colour shifts or errors, that appear in the final printed product once a file has been approved. Clients bear any legal implications arising from the use of the artwork. No refunds or remedies will be provided for issues discovered after the publishing process or after files have been sent to print.

8. Limitation of Liability

a. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Joelle Cottle shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use or inability to use the artwork, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.

9. AI-Generated Content Disclaimer

a. Some visuals may be generated using AI tools under appropriate commercial licenses. Any resemblance to real individuals, living or deceased, or actual events is purely coincidental.

10. Refund Policy

a. Due to the digital nature of the products, all sales are final. No refunds or exchanges will be provided once the files have been delivered.

11. Attribution

a. Attributing the cover design to “Cover design by Joelle Cottle” is appreciated but not mandatory.

12. Revisions Policy

a. Each pre-made cover design includes 1 round of minor revisions (e.g., text, placement, minor colour tweaks). Additional revisions or major design changes may incur extra charges and will be quoted as needed.

b. Each commissioned cover design includes 3 rounds of revisions. Additional revisions or major design changes may incur extra charges and will be quoted as needed.

c. Revision requests must be submitted within 7 days of delivery of proof. After this period, the project may be considered complete.

13. Turnaround & Communication

a. Estimated turnaround times are provided at the time of purchase. Delays may occur due to revision cycles, holidays, or unforeseen circumstances and will be communicated when necessary.

b. Clients are expected to respond to proofs or requests for feedback within 5 business days. Extended delays without communication may result in the project being rescheduled or placed on hold.

14. File Delivery

a. Final files will be provided in the format best suited for their intended purpose:

• Digital Covers: All eBook covers are delivered as digital front covers only. Two images are included: one with the provided title, author name, and subtitle, and one without text. Standard format: 1600 px wide by 2560 px high, 72 dpi, JPEG, RGB.
• Print Covers: Files will be formatted according to the specifications provided by your printer.
• Other Projects: Files will be delivered in a format best suited for their intended use, unless otherwise discussed.

b. Files will be available for download for 15 days after delivery. It is the client’s responsibility to download and back up all files. Re-sending files after this period may incur a retrieval fee, or may be unavailable.

16. Custom Work
    Custom commissions are made-to-order and combine licensed resources, AI-generated elements, and digital editing. Final artwork consists of one or more AI-generated images selected and arranged by the Designer.
17. Acceptance of Terms

a. By using any artwork or designs created by Joelle Cottle, the client acknowledges having read, understood, and agreed to these Terms of Use in their entirety.