how do i make cover art stands out from the rest?

i am new to making cover arts and graphics,tips and/or guides would be much appreciated!!!

make it unique honestly its not that fucking hard

Same boat here, I had some graphic design/cover art classes in the past.
The most important principles are always the same: variety, coherence and immagination.
It depends on the artist you're working for.
Let's take a music band for example: Babymetal. I'm a sucker for them. So, I did a homework based on their song "Megitsune", featuring a fox (kitsune) and the singer wearing the mask. My professor really appreciated.

Take inspo and Ideas from other artist you see and like. Don't copy them completely but sorta morph multiple styles / ideas into one unique look. Nothing is original anymore - we all take inspo from others doing the same.

I'd like to follow this thread. Interesting topic. F.

Just follow your thoughts, i honestly think any creator should be able to make their own

My teacher taught me to moodboard a lot first. It helps put your vision and the customers vision into place, or else research the given artist / genre and go from there