Code and Conventions of a magazine front cover

AS Media StudiesAbigail Cardwell

Masthead

The code and conventions of a magazine front cover indicate that the title should be positioned top left aligned and either completely covers the top of the magazine or top left

hand corner if the title is short. The font in which the title is made up of is unique from other fonts used on the cover page, and is presented in a large, bold font in order for it to stand out. If the magazine is well known then images can partially cover the title as buyers

are aware of the magazine name. Also the positioning statement is allocated within the masterhead usually above or below the title, the positioning statement it the magazine

line of promotion for its ethos.

Barcode

The barcode is usually found at the bottom right and can either be displayed horizontally or vertically. The barcode also indicates the price of the magazine, the

issue member, date issued and a web address.

The code and conventions of a front cover magazine consist of having one main image that dominates the page, the main image

usually includes a well know artist, the image delivers direct address (looking at its audience). Photos are generally posed, and

no text should be displayed on any facial aspects of the image as the image is what

sells the magazine.

Main Image

Subsidiary images are found on the front cover that link to either stories inside the magazine or coverlines.

Smaller images frame the main image.

Smaller Imagery

The code and conventions of a magazine front cover should include one main cover line, this coverline anchors the main

image and is a larger font than the other cover lines in order to allow it to stand out as it is the main feature of the magazine,

which helps to sell the magazine.

Main Coverlines

Cover lines are short and are generally made up of 3 or 4 words. The maximum amount of coverlines a magazine would be either

5 or 6. Coverlines are ambiguous on purpose in order to draw the reader in. Cover lines use the same font (bold and simple) and are always written in capitals. Cover lines also frame the

main image.

Cover Lines

Sub Lines

Sub lines are part of the code and conventions of a magazine from cover as it adds detail to the cover

line which can make the cover line more understandable to readers however this is not

always the case.

The colour scheme of a magazine front cover should contain a maximum of 3 or 4

colours and colours in which are used tend to be primary colours so that they do not contrast with

the magazine.

Colour Scheme

Colour Scheme red, black, white.

The background colour in which is used on the magazine front cover is usually a plain colour so

that it enables the image stands out.

Background Colour

Background colour; light blue.

There should be only a few fonts used, the two types of fonts include; Serif Font (with hooks)

and Sans Serif (plain font, usually Times New Roman or Arial).

Font

Buzz words are apart of the code and conventions as they are used in order to suggest special features to the

particular magazine for example 'new' and 'exclusive'. This enhances sales of the magazine as it have unique features

that may appeal more to the reader.

Buzz Words