Codes and Conventions of Magazine Covers

All Magazines Covers Must Have:

• Mast head
• Main image
• Tag line - positioning statement - tag line above title
• Issue number - date
• Bar code
• Bold font
• Buzz words
• Cover lines

Mast Head - always big and usually at the top or left hand side of the cover
                      bold eye catching, brand name font/typography must be unique

Issue Number - so we know how many of the magazine has been published

Price - reflects the content of the magazine - how much the production costs

Bar code - technical way of selling

Central Image - the largest image on the cover page.
                           direct mode of address, the central image is looking at the audience, reflects
                           the atmosphere of the magazine, usually feature a medium close up.
                           images show a hint towards some of the stories that are in the magazine
                           the main image can be of either male or female

Cover Lines - lines of text advertising what will be in the magazine

Colour - mast head - stays the same throughout every edition of the magazine
               reflects the attitude of the magazine and what will be featured.

Codes and Conventions of Content Pages:

• Columns - small text, no bigger than 11 point
• Sub-headings
• Illustrations
• Page numbers -along side the subheading
• One main image - reflects the main story/double page spread
• Images - eye catching