Front cover

• 1. Code and Conventions of amagazine front cover AS Media Studies Abigail Cardwell

2. Code and conventions are the things in whichwe expect to find within a set genre.There are set code and conventions in whichmagazine designers must follow in order for the magazine to be successful. 3. Masthead The code and conventions of a magazine front cover indicate that the title should bepositioned top left aligned and either completely covers the top of the magazine or top lefthand 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 tostand out. If the magazine is well known then images can partially cover the title as buyersare aware of the magazine name. Also the positioning statement is allocated within themasterhead usually above or below the title, the positioning statement it the magazine line of promotion for its ethos. 4. BarcodeThe barcode is usually found at the bottom right andcan either be displayed horizontally or vertically. Thebarcode also indicates the price of the magazine, the issue member, date issued and a web address. 5. Main ImageThe code and conventions of a front cover magazine consist of having one main imagethat dominates the page, the main imageusually 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 facialaspects of the image as the image is whatsells the magazine. 6. Smaller ImagerySubsidiary images are found on the front cover thatlink to either stories inside the magazine or coverlines. Smaller images frame the main image. 7. Main CoverlinesThe code and conventions of a magazine front cover shouldinclude one main cover line, this coverline anchors the mainimage 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. 8. Cover LinesCover 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. 9. Sub LinesSub lines are part of the code and conventions of amagazine from cover as it adds detail to the coverline which can make the cover line moreunderstandable to readers however this is notalways the case. 10. Colour SchemeThe 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 red, black, white. 11. Background Colour The background colour in which is used on the magazine front cover is usually a plain colour sothat it enables theimage stands out.Background colour; light blue. 12. Font There should be only afew fonts used, the two types of fonts include; Serif Font (with hooks) and Sans Serif (plain font, usually Times New Roman or Arial). 13. Buzz WordsBuzz words are apart of the code and conventions as theyare used in order to suggest special features to theparticular magazine for example new and exclusive. Thisenhances sales of the magazine as it have unique features that may appeal more to the reader.