Research on magazines

Codes and conventions of magazine front cover

• Title is usually one word / letter or letters.
• Positioned top left of the cover and full page width.
• Unique font.
• Largest text on the cover.
• Barcode on the front - because an advert has to go on the back and it does not have to cover the advert.
• Consistent colour scheme - few colours.
• One main image - usually band or singer, usually medium close - up.
• Pictures not smiling - conveys an attitude.
• Direct address - they are looking at the reader.
• Main coverline anchors the meaning of the main image it is the largest on the page.

Codes and Conventions of Magazine Contents Pages

• The word 'content/s'.
• Spilt into sections e.g. special features.
• Simple colour scheme.
• Pictures have page numbers next to them.
• Editors letter - picture of the editor.
• Same font as the front cover.
• Two or three columns.
• Dates by the title head.
• Use headings to divide up contents.
• Main image.
• There are also smaller images.
• Page numbers on pictures anchor image to written contents.
• Sybscription details.
• White background.
• Title of the magazine.
• Arrangement - page number then text.
• Text - one or two words main line - bold / slightly larger text - subline text / smaller text.
• Regular contents / features.
• Page number, title and issue date.
• Website address.
• Contact details.

More codes and conventions
• Coverlines :-
• two or three lines.
• information about contents.
• intrigue audience.
• as few words as possible.
• Typography :-
• the look of the letters.
• consistent throughout.
• only a few fonts are used.
• Two types of typography:-
• serif (hook) = T a = Times new roman
• sans serif (without hook) = T a = Arial
• Connotations of the font reflect target audience and subject.
• Frame main image.
• Left side of cover.

*Positioning statement :- by the title.
*Issue date and price:- above or below the title
*Masthead = title, positioning statement, date and price.