When flipping through CDs or digital albums online, the album cover is often the first thing catching consumers’ attention. What is created often takes hours of time and energy, but the end result will remain for years to come.

This Thursday, TaVon Sampson, album designer for artists like Ne-Yo, Nas, Rick Ross, 50 Cent and more will be on campus to share his experiences in the music industry.

According to Breana Dunlap, sophomore art major and PR chair for the registered student organization Innovators of ARTistry, their new club is excited to introduce students from many majors to someone who has found success in mixing design and business.

Tessa Gillett, junior arts technology major and president of Innovators of ARTistry, said after being impressed by cover work she came across, she was able to spark up an email friendship with Sampson.

“A mutual friend of mine released some music, and his cover caught my eye. I asked him who did the cover and if he could introduce me. Of course, TaVon is all the way in New York, so we exchanged emails,” Gillett said.

Gillett explained that when she first began communicating with Sampson, she had just begun Innovators of ARTistry, and finding artists to come speak was extremely important to her.

“TaVon is a very experienced designer and art director, but more importantly, a very humble person. He was more than willing to come to ISU,” Gillett said.

Those who attend the event will get the chance to learn from Sampson’s experience, which Dunlap said will be valuable for design and art students.

“Having TaVon Sampson speak to students at ISU is a great thing because it gives students confirmation that there are great opportunities for art and design majors out there willing to follow their dreams,” Dunlap said.

The event is open to all students on campus, Dunlap explained, and those who are not art majors will also be able to gain great knowledge and motivation from Sampson.

“Even if they are not a design or art major, this relates to music business majors and anyone that wants to work for a major recording company, too,” she said.

Students looking to get involved in Innovators of ARTistry are encouraged to check out the club. They are open to students of all majors, and meet bi-weekly.

The lecture will take place in the Caterpillar Auditorium in the State Farm Hall of Business on Thursday, Nov. 3 at 7:45 p.m.

“You should come to this event if you are a creative or business-minded person looking for insight into the music industry,” Dunlap said.