Lesson Plan
Course Title:
Graphic Design & Illustration
Session Title: CD Cover Design
Lesson Duration: Approximately 2 weeks
[Lesson length is subjective and will vary from instructor to instructor]
Performance Objective:
The student will be able to produce an original, full-color illustration with the necessary
references.
Specific Objectives:
1. Define physical specifications of project.
2. Establish creative standards for project.
3. Sketch ideas for project.
4. Refine sketches into a single idea.
5. Develop idea into a final design.
6. Transfer final design to illustration board.
7. Render illustration.
8. Evaluate project and reflect on experience.
Preparation
TEKS Correlations:
130.88 ( c) (1) (A)
The student applies academic knowledge and skills in art and design projects. The student is
expected to: apply English language arts knowledge and skills by demonstrating use of content,
technical concepts, and vocabulary; …and composing and editing copy for a variety of written
documents such as brochures, programs, posters, flyers, and magazine covers;
130.88 ( c) (2) (A)
The student understands professional communications strategies. The student is expected to:
adapt language for audience, purpose, situation, and intent such as structure and style;
130.88 ( c) (11) (F)
The student develops an increasing understanding of graphic design and illustration. The student
is expected to: employ a creative design process to create original two- and three-dimensional
projects by;
(i) creating designs for defined applications;
(ii) applying elements of design;
(iii) applying design principles and typography;
(iv) using good composition
(vii) creating a project by applying color;
130.88 ( c) (11) (H)
The student develops an increasing understanding of graphic design and illustration. The student
is expected to: apply art elements and principles to multimedia applications.
Interdisciplinary Correlations:
ART: 117.52 (C)(1) – Perception. The student develops and organizes ideas from the
environment.
(B) compare and contrast the use of art elements (color, texture, form, line, space, value) and art
principles (emphasis, pattern, rhythm, balance, proportion, unity) in personal artworks and those
AAVTC: Graphic Design & Illustration: CD Cover Design
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
1
of others, using vocabulary accurately.
Instructor/Trainer
References:
- http://www.teachingarts.org/visualArtsQuestions/stories/storyReader$97
- Landa, Robin (2001). Graphic design solutions (2nd Edition). Canada: OnWord Press,
Thompson Learning Division.
Instructional Aids:
 CD Cover Lesson Plan Slide Presentation
 Student Reflection Worksheet
 CD Cover Project Rubric
 Compact disk covers from various recording artists
 Various color media samples showing illustrations in the media
Materials Needed:
 Illustration board
 Various color media
 Tracing vellum
 Pencil
 Plastic acetate or jewel case
 Masking tape
 Photographic references as needed
If a computer is used in this assignment, select a software program to suit your needs.
Equipment Needed:
 Computer optional for the assignment (internet research and/or final design work)
 Internet access
 Scanner
 Printer
Learner
None.
Introduction
MI
Introduction (LSI Quadrant I):
Say or write on the board:
“You can’t tell a book by its cover.”
Explain:
“While this adage is true, the cover of the book is designed as a marketing
tool to capture the attention and interest of the viewer. Like the cover of a
book, a CD cover must also capture the viewer’s attention, as it will identify
the artist/s and the music genre and provide a style symbol for the recording
artist/s.”
Say: “In this lesson, we will be judging the book by its cover.”
AAVTC: Graphic Design & Illustration: CD Cover Design
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
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Outline
MI
Outline (LSI Quadrant II):
I. Physical Specifications (Requirements):
A. The front cover must be 4.75" high and
4.75" wide with a resolution of 72 dpi.
B. The tray card (back cover) must be 4.62"
high and 5.87" wide with a resolution of
72 dpi. The left and right ¼" will become
the spines.
C. The front cover must include the title of
the CD and the name of the artist (place
them in the top third of the overall cover).
D. The back cover should include the
names of the songs and indicate the
playing order.
E. Each spine must include the name of the
recording artist/s and the title of the CD
(refer to the CD example for the
standard direction of text).
F. If using photo software save the file in
.psd format and as a high quality jpeg
when completed.
II.
Instructor Notes:
 Have samples of
professionally produced
CDs available for viewing.
 Encourage the students to
create a CD template from
the measurements, and to
follow the measurements
precisely for the best
result.
 If working with an oversized format, have the
students calculate the size
in direct proportion to the
reduction of the enlarged
work (use a printer’s
Proportion Wheel, or
calculate in percentages to
the most precise size in
direct proportion).
Creative Standards
A. Create a strong, graphic message and
keep the design simple and concise to
communicate clearly.
B. Impart an appealing message about the
contents of the CD.
C. Elements to include on the CD cover
include the title, the name of the
recording artist/s, the recording label,
and a logo or trademark for the recording
artist/s that you create for this
assignment.
D. Background research is needed for the
CD cover design. Visit a retailer with a
collection of CDs and examine CD
covers in various music categories. Note
the graphic style differences and
common factors between categories of
music.
E. Choose an existing recording artist/s and
a title release from that artist/s.
F. Research the recording artist/s and the
title release of the recording artist/s. In
research, check for an existing logo for
the recording artist/s, and if one exists,
use it to provide background research for
AAVTC: Graphic Design & Illustration: CD Cover Design
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
3
the logo assignment portion of the cover
design.
G. Use the Internet to research information
on the recording label to develop an
understanding of the marketing aspects
of the CD and cover design.
Application
MI
Guided Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
1. Create ten (10) or more designs for the CD.
2. Choose the best idea to refine and work out a rough layout for an
oversized format (12” x 12”). Gather any references needed to improve
the drawing and design. Also, decide if a border is needed and apply it to
the measurement.
3. Apply the rough design of the design drawing to an illustration board with
a tracing vellum transfer (allow for a border if applicable).
4. Decide the best medium for the illustration and gather the materials.
Mask off any areas not needed.
5. Render the illustration using any medium. The art may be scanned into
graphics software program for reduction and printing purposes. Add
typography to the artwork before completing it for print.
Note: If creating an oversized CD, typography can be applied on
separate acetate overlay on the finished artwork, placed on a color
copier, and reduced for critiquing purposes only.
Tip: If using graphics software, add the typography last. Insert in a jewel
case for display, and to check the graphic impact.
MI
Independent Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
The student will render the final format of the illustration for the CD cover after
presenting the concept to the instructor for review. The student will refine the
concept to incorporate good design elements and principles as needed.
Summary
MI
Review (LSI Quadrants I and IV):
A CD cover must capture the viewer’s attention and serve as a marketing tool to
identify the artist/s and music genre, and symbolize the message of the
recording artist/s. The cover design is successful if it shows the viewer a
graphically simple original concept with a powerful impact. The design of the
cover and logo should also reflect the mood and style of the recording artist/s. A
successful CD cover incorporates good design elements and principles.
Evaluation
AAVTC: Graphic Design & Illustration: CD Cover Design
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
4
MI
Informal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III):
Review the final work in a reduced format, inserted in a plastic jewel case or
cover with acetate for comparison, and to determine the graphic impact.
Compare the work to that of an actual CD cover in the plastic jewel case.
The informal review should consider the following:
 Are the design and illustration effective in evoking emotion or feeling in the
viewer?
 Does the typography add or detract from the illustration? Is the type legible
against the background?
 Does the work have a professional look and feel?
 Is there effective use of color?
MI
Formal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III, IV):
Use the rubric for grading the final assessment.
Extension
MI
Extension/Enrichment (LSI Quadrant IV):
1. Create the artwork for the non-playing side of the CD itself. Perform your
own measurements. The CD artwork should fit thematically with the cover
artwork. Remember to leave a correctly sized cutout in the middle.
2. The student can create a book jacket cover design. Visit a local bookstore
or view them online through book selling sites. Define the purpose of the
author’s story or message. Rename the book (optional) and create a new
logo for the book or publisher. Create a visual illustration that best
communicates the message of the book.
AAVTC: Graphic Design & Illustration: CD Cover Design
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
5
Talking Points
Illustration Graphics: CD Cover
CD Cover Specifications
The front cover must be 4.75" high and 4.75" wide (if using photo software, save with
a resolution of 72 dpi).
The tray card (back cover) must be 4.62" high and 5.87" wide (if using photo software,
save with a resolution of 72 dpi).
The left and right ¼" will be the spines.
The front cover must include the title of the CD and the name of the artist/s. (place the
name of the recording artist/s and title in the top third of the cover).
Each spine must include the name of the recording artist/s and the title of the CD.
(Refer to CD example for standard direction of text).
If using photo-imaging software, you will need to save the file in .psd format. Save it
as a high quality jpeg when completed.
Graphics: Creative Standards
Create a strong graphic message, and keep the design simple and concise to
communicate clearly. Use color effectively to add to the visual interest.
Impart a message about the contents of the CD and evoke an emotion or feeling with
visuals.
Items to include on the CD cover include the title and the name of the recording
artist/s.
The typography within the illustration should be legible and effective.
AAVTC: Graphic Design & Illustration: CD Cover Design
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
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Name_____________________________
Student Reflections for
the CD Cover Project
Was I happy with my final result? Why or why not?
Could I have put more effort into the design? If yes, in what way?
What did I not like or would I have done differently?
What did I learn from this particular project?
AAVTC: Graphic Design & Illustration: CD Cover Design
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
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CD Cover Rubric
Level of competency →
Element ↓
The cover design is
original in concept.
(0-30 pts)
The size of the artwork
in the final format was
accurate in measure
and execution.
(0-10 pts)
The design of the cover
and logo reflect the
mood and style of the
recording artist/s.
(0-30 pts)
The CD cover
incorporates good
design elements and
principles.
(0-20 pts)
Technical skill in color
media evident.
(0-10 pts)
Poorly
Conceived
or Not
Completed
Some
Originality &
Execution
Original
Thought &
Required
Elements
Original &
Exciting
0-9
10-15
16-24
25-30
0-2
3-5
6-8
9-10
0-9
10-15
16-24
25-30
0-6
7-12
13-17
18-20
0-2
3-5
6-8
9-10
Points
Total__________
AAVTC: Graphic Design & Illustration: CD Cover Design
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
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