Codes and Conventions of a magazine cover

1. Codes and
conventions
of a magazine
front cover

2. Masthead
It is always placed at the top of left side of a front cover
Usually about music
It is always written in an unique font

3. Barcode
Barcodes tell us how much the magazine is worth
Usually has the issue number
It may also have the date it was issued

4. Coverlines
Coverlines relate to the contents
They are always spaced out around the main image on a magazine front cover
They give out information to the audience to attract readers

5. Banners
They attract audience

6. Magazine title
Let's the audience know who's made the magazine for example the fan base of
the magazine
It is usually one or two words that are easy to remember so there name can be
spread about and heard of to attract readers

7. Main image
The main image is the direct mode of address
It is always a median close-up/ close-up

8. Splash / Puff
Makes the information stand out

9. Main Coverline
Always relates to the main image
Bigger font than coverlines

10. Simple Background
Makes the text stand out
Doesn't distract the audience from the main image

11. Positioning Statement
It's about the magazines place in the market

12. Quotes
Quotes are used from other bands/artists

13. Buzzword
Buzzwords are used to attract audience

14. Name of Band/ Artist
Stands out
Might be written in a different front