Designers adeptly integrate author branding elements into a book cover mockup by strategically placing them in non-intrusive areas, such as the spine or back cover, ensuring they complement rather than overshadow the main design. Techniques for creating realistic shadows and highlights involve adjusting opacity, layer blending modes, and using soft brushes to mimic natural lighting effects. Additionally, designers utilize advanced editing tools to simulate different printing finishes like matte or glossy by adjusting texture overlays, applying appropriate filters, and adjusting reflection angles. For a diverse range of book cover mockups with customizable features, explore the collection available on Pixel Buddha: https://pixelbuddha.net/search?text=book+cover+mockup .

Incorporating author branding elements into a book cover mockup without overshadowing the main design is definitely a delicate balance. The techniques for creating realistic shadows and highlights you mentioned are invaluable for achieving that authentic look. I'll explore the book cover mockup options available to enhance my designs effectively.