1. The codes and conventionsThe codes and conventionsThe codes and conventionsThe codes and conventions
Of regional magazinesOf regional magazinesOf regional magazinesOf regional magazines
2. Front coversFront coversFront coversFront covers
Codes and conventions I’ve found from my research;
• Masthead located mainly across the top with a few exceptions from being in top corners of the
magazine.
• Having a specific colour scheme.
• Sell lines, for more information about that specific issue of the magazines.
• Basic fonts and colours of them.
• The image tends to be a landscape of the region of the magazine is based on.
• Tend to use a lot of banners.
•
•
3. Kent LifeKent LifeKent LifeKent LifeThe masthead, big white writing on a
dark blue sky background, makes it
stand out and catch the readers
attention. It also identifies the
magazine straight away as being a
magazine about the county of Kent.
Colour yellow contrasts to grab the eye of
the target audience. The colour of the font
corresponds with bright colours in the main
image mainly the sun, creating a more
colourful and bold looks to gain readers.
Simple layout, easy navigation and to
read for the older audience as this is their
target audience.
Date informs the costumers of the date the
magazine was released.
Use of landscapes as the main image to
represent the region of the magazine and
for the target audience to recognise these
landmarks so they become intrigued and
feel more obliged to buy.
Sell lines to entice readers about other
features within the magazine. Differing
fonts, usually white coloured. Different
sizes to grab attention.
Strapline in a stand out colour to grab the eye of the reader and to
increase an audience. This stands out from the rest of the magazine due
to the usage of bold colours, as well as using an unusual image, which
makes the reader focus on what that part of the magazine is about.
Barcode and price; situated at the
bottom of the magazine, informs the
costumers of how much it costs and the
barcode to be able to purchase it in store
The second images allow for a wider
audience as it shows more of the content.
And special offers that come with this
specific magazine issue Situated on the
banner and the top of the page.
4. DorsetDorsetDorsetDorset
The image is typically unusual because a
regional magazine cover image usually
includes a landscape of a person. The image is
again the main focus of the page and they
have burred out the background to make the
snow and squirrel stand out.
Barcode and price is situated at the bottom
of the magazine, informs the costumers of
how much it costs and the barcode to be
able to purchase it in store. Issue number
would also be provided here, this follows
the codes and conventions of magazines.
The second images (along with the text
describing the pictures) follow the codes and
conventions of a typical magazine by being
located on the banner at the bottom of the
page.
The colour scheme of this
magazine is mainly white and red.
I believe this is to symbolise winter
time in Dorset as the image is of a
squirrel in the snow, therefore this
really fits with the theme of this
particular issue of the magazine.
The sell line is very basic
highlighting some words in
different fonts, colours and sizes.
Through the text a lot of
describing words are used to bring
attention to the reader. Some of
the words also relate to the theme
‘glittering’, ‘magic’ etc.
The masthead (white text against a
dark background) makes it stand out
and will attract the readers attention. It
bold and large writing also follows the
codes and conventions of what
mastheads usually look like, again with
it also being at the top in the centre of
the page.
Banner at the top highlighting that by the
purchase of the magazine the customers
could win a holiday. The word ‘win ‘has been
emphasised by being bold to bring the attention
straight to the top of the magazine.
5. Surrey LifeSurrey LifeSurrey LifeSurrey Life
The Masthead text is white
against the background to make
it visible . Font size is large and
situated across the top of the
page .
The image contains a landscape of the
region the magazine is about, this is
usually very colourful and effective as it
would grab the readers attention, to be
able to stand out from other competing
magazines.
Barcode and price is situated at the
bottom of the magazine, informs the
costumers of how much it costs and the
barcode to be able to purchase it in
store. Issue number would also be
provided here, this follows the codes and
conventions of magazines.
Date informs the costumers of the
date the magazine was released.
The second images allow for a wider audience as
it shows more of the content. And special offers
that come with this specific magazine issue
Situated on the banner and the top of the page.
cover lines to attract potential
audiences, including the most important
information of what will be featured in
that specific issue of the magazine. The
writing is in white and the fonts are very
basic with some words emphasised in
bold font to attract the audience to that
specific article.
The colour scheme for this magazine
is mainly pastel sky colours, green and
white. The contract of having
colourful background makes the white
in the fonts much clearer and brings
out more attention to it.
6. Time Out LondonTime Out LondonTime Out LondonTime Out London
The main image grabs attention of the
reader, as it is seen as very unusual,
because of the colours and everything in
the mise-en-scene. The model in the
image is Lady Gaga, who is an icon for
many people and will bring more
audience from her fans. Direct mode of
address is used for audience to receive a
personal feel (uses and Gratifications
theory)
Recognisable masthead, as it’s the same
on every issue. The background of the
text is in Red and black as it makes the
font stand out as it’s white. The font is
modern, showing their target audience is
for a younger generation.
The colour scheme of the magazine is very
unusual in comparison to other magazines
codes and conventions. They have made
the model look very unrealistic and as
much as alien like. The colours they have
used are black, white, pink, blue and red.
The hectic placing of these colours creates
a certain tone towards the magazine, which
may intrigue an audience to buy the
magazine. The main image also links to
this tone of the magazine.
The sell line (‘Plus), once again grabs the
readers attention as it conveys that there is
a lot of articles in this issue of the
magazine, even besides the main focus
(Lady Gaga), to be able to target to
customers who might not find Lady Gaga
appealing. This means the magazine has
tried to target to people with different
preferences.
‘Free’ is used as a buzzword offering readers
extra with the magazine, this encourages them
to buy the magazine as it comes with other
advantages and showing them that the
magazine is worth the price.
Barcode and price which informs the
costumers of how much it costs and the
barcode to be able to purchase it in store.
Issue number would also be provided here,
this follows the codes and conventions of
magazines.
7. Contents PagesContents PagesContents PagesContents Pages
The main codes and conventions of contents pages from my research;
• Included logos or the masthead of the cover page for greater recognition and continuity.
• Many images to make the contents more interesting and eye catching.
• Page numbers and subtitles for easier navigation through the magazine for the audience.
• Having columns for again easier navigation.
• Colour scheme which tends to be bold and colourful to help break up the text.
• The font tends to be ‘sans serif’ which is easy to read
• Popular page numbers are given in large font, in order to locate certain pages easily and it helps the
reader to differentiate between the different information the magazine provides.
•
8. Logo to establish
brand image for
better recognition
which can cause
brand loyalty
Everything is coordinated into columns
this is to create simplicity and easy
orientation for the target audience.
Page numbers, inform
the readers what page
which specific article is
on. They are bold and
red and are easy to
indicate.
Extra information about
when the next issue of the
magazine comes out
Consistent colour
scheme of black and
white, sticking to
house style. This is so
the images don’t
contrast with the
colour scheme so its
very plain and simpleSimple and easy to read font for
an older target audience. The
names of articles are in bold to
stand out from the excess
information below.
Includes details about
the magazine and the
publishers of it, this
may include an article
from the main editor
about the magazine
from a personal point of
view.
Colourful images to
entice readers, this will
also bring attention to
specific articles
Brief summaries for
more of an
understanding of what
the articles include, in
this issue, this can bring
attention from the reader.
9. Page numbers for easy
navigation through the
magazine
Once again, simple and easy to
read font for an older target
audience. The names of articles
are in bold to stand out from the
excess information below.
Colourful images to entice
readers. Main image is of the
region the magazine is about, this
will attract the target audience as
that is one of the main reasons
they have purchased the magazine
Brief summaries for more of
an understanding of what the
articles include, in this issue,
this can bring attention from
the reader.
Date, for the customer to know
when this specific issue came out
Consistent colour scheme of
black and white to stick to
house style, this also will let the
reader to focus on the images
first when opening this page
Website included at the bottom
for any enquiries and other
information for the magazine.
Usually that’s where customers
are able to subscribe to the
magazine
Everything is coordinated into
columns this is to create
simplicity and easy orientation
for the target audience. In the
colours there are more
segmented articles, showing
local event, lifestyles, ect.
10. Logo to
establish a brand
image
Pages numbers for easy navigation through the magazine, on
the photos these are in a larger for for better indication, where
a on the right-hand side they are smaller as they show less of
importance.
Includes ‘10
things’ this shows
the 10 main
articles this the
reader can focus
on and shows that
they are important
in that specific
issue
Consistent colour
scheme of black
and white to stick
with house style,
just like the
previous content
pages of other
regional
magazines.
Easy to read fonts
for an older target
audience, clear
indication of
articles and a
small amount of
extra information
just below the
name of the
specific article
Colourful images to entice readers. This contents page
uses more images than the rest, as a double page contents
page there is more space to include eye catching images
for the readers to gain more interest .
Incudes a website
for the readers to
access any
information from
the magazine
online, as well as to
receive recognition
online.
Date, for the
customer to know
when this specific
issue came out
11. The images and very
colourful, this will make
them the main focus when
the audience look at the
contents page. They have 3
images over all, in different
sizes showing the importance
of each article. This
emphasises the importance
of each article.
The masthead uses a serif font, this is simple
and clear for the audience to understand the
focus of this page. Using this at the top of the
page, is much like an intro to what will the
magazine include (uses and gratification
theory)
Pages numbers for easy navigation through
the magazine, on the photos these are in a
larger font for better indication, where as
the rest are smaller as they show less of
importance.
The features are put in a separate column,
they are sectioned differently by the type
of articles are in this issue. This creates
easy navigation and professional outlook.
Serif font creates the feel that this is
aimed at an older audience rather than
younger as its plain, simple and just in
black.
This page includes the
customers to participate in
competitions this is able to
create narrative tension and
persuades them to purchase
the magazine
Date, for the customer to
know when this specific
issue came out
The colour scheme is very simple, this is
for the reader to be able to focus on the
photographs and the importance of every
article,
12. Feature pagesFeature pagesFeature pagesFeature pages
Main codes and conventions of feature pages from my research;
• Most featured interviews are on local celebrities and well known people.
• Local landscapes are reoccurring topics
• Includes a large image or multiple images on the topic the article is focused on
• Columns are used for a professional look, this is also for the consumer to be able to read the article
easier and consume all the information that is in the article.
• The image used in the article is usually large and colourful, drawing the readers attention to the pages
contents, if a person is uses in the image it usually consists of a direct mode of address from the
model.
13. The logo is placed at the
top, this will gain the
brand awareness.
The date, website link and page
number are all situated at the bottom
corner of the page, for extra
information for the reader
Includes a pull quote, from the article,
this is used in many other feature
pages, this is able to give the reader
more information on the article and
can create a personal feel as it might
give the affect as the person
interviewed is speaking directly to
them (uses and gratification theory)
The text is organised in
columns which makes
easy reading a makes the
page look neat and
organised and
professional.
The anchor text, is in a
larger font than the rest, this
is to grab the readers
attention, if the masthead
already hasn’t done so. This
gives just a little more
information about what the
article is about
The masthead is san serif
font, bold to make the title
of the article stand out more
and making it easier for the
customer to indicate what
this article is about
The main image, straight away seen
with direct mode of address for a
personal feel of the reader (uses and
gratification theory). Image takes up
most of the page, with the text around it
shown that the character in the image,
this shows that he is the main focus.
The colours of the photo are dark to
stand out from the white background of
the page.
14. There is a banner located at the
top which includes a photograph
of the writer this can create a
connection of the readers points
of view which can be personal
(uses and gratifications)
The main image is larger than the
rest, high quality image, this image is
used to attract readers when opening
the pages therefore, it stands out from
the text and the background as it’s
very colourful. Below every image
there is information in a single
sentence, this will give more
information about who is featured in
the photograph, when and where it
was taken
The anchor text, is in a larger font
than the rest, this is to grab the
readers attention, if the masthead
already hasn’t done so. This gives
just a little more information
about what the article is about
The text is organised in columns
which makes easy reading a makes
the page look neat and organised
and professional.
The date, website link and page
number are all situated at the
bottom corners of the page, for
extra information for the reader
The colour scheme in this feature
pace is white black and green which
are very simplistic for their target
audiences.
The masthead is at the top of the
page, very clear and large in
comparison to the rest of the text.
This was done to appeal in their
target audiences.
15. The masthead is at the top
of the page, very clear and
large in comparison to the
rest of the text. This was
done to appeal in their
target audiences.
The layout is very simple,
sorted into columns for the
audience to be able to read
it easier. They also help to
navigate where to read
next. the text is adjusted
around the photos to show
their importance
The anchor text, is in a larger font
than the rest, this is to grab the
readers attention, if the masthead
already hasn’t done so. This gives just
a little more information about what
the article is about
The images used in this article and
drawn rather than photographed,
this shows difference in between
other articles and can even be
aimed at a younger audience. The
character drawn uses direct mode
of address, which could create a
personal feel with this article but is
not very likely.
Includes a pull quote, from the
article, this is used in many other
feature pages, this is able to give
the reader more information on
the article and can create a
personal feel as it might give the
affect as the person interviewed is
speaking directly to them (uses
and gratification theory)
Includes extra features at
the bottom of the page for
extra information on this
specific article, this includes
social media websites. This
gives a gateway for the
reader to find out more
information on this topic
16. The images again are in
different sizes, showing the
importance of each one by size,
once again they stand out from
the rest of the page do to the
colours of white and black. This
brings more attention to the
page when the reader is going
through the page.
Includes articles on the local
area, this will be interesting
for the reader as they are news
which are happening around
them. Therefore, they can
have a personal connection to
each article. This feature page
has an unusual amount of
articles on one page as there is
usually one per page, but as
the masthead suggests these
are many articles from the
county.
The text is organised in
columns which makes easy
reading a makes the page look
neat and organised and
professional.
The logo is placed at the top,
this will gain the brand
awareness.
The masthead is serif font, bold
to emphasise the fact that on
this page there are going to be
‘County News’, therefore there
will be a specific focus on that
area. The name of the masthead
is very informative in terms of
what will be on this page.
The date, website link and page
number are all situated at the
bottom corners of the page, for
extra information for the reader
17. AdvertisementsAdvertisementsAdvertisementsAdvertisements
The main code sand conventions from my research:
•Logos are included in a style which conveys the image or the ideology of the company
•Main images for the companies to show off the product being advertised
• Include Sell lines to promote the product and/or company
•Contact details to give the target audience a point of contact to show interest
•The font is usually a sans serif font which is easy to read
18. Uses quotes from previous customers to
show that they have been satisfied with
the product and encourage others to
choose this brand over others.
The images, shows the products when
they have been built, it is persuading the
audience to feel like they can make their
houses nicer and comfier by having their
product, this has been achieved by the
photography. High quality photos reflects
on the high quality product (Barthes
Theory). This advert is also mostly photo
based this is because this product need to
be visual and have different types of
products to show to customers with
different tastes and preferences.
Includes contact
information, this is for the
customer to be able to
purchase and find out
more about the product.
This will make them feel
as they do not have to
make too much effort of
going to their store as they
can have extra support.
There is information of
the opening times of this
store located at the
bottom, this can make the
audience feel more secure
that they are able to have
personal face-to-face
advice, this rises the
professionality of the
brand. They are also able
to see the quality of the
product which makes the
customer feel safe that
their products are worth
the price.
the colour scheme is white and green
this is for the photographs to stand out
better and be simplified for older
audiences.
The name of the company is situated at
the bottom this is in white and bold, to
create brand recognition and raise the
brand image.
19. Watch advertWatch advertWatch advertWatch advert
The image is common for watch
magazine adverts as they usually just
include a close up of the watch. The
high key lighting used shows the watch
more clearly and it looks more
professional. This is standard for a
magazine advert of a watch so it
follows the codes and conventions. The
picture, much like on the front covers, is
the main focus for the reader. This is
because if the text was the main focus
people might not be as interested. Its
also very simple to bring attention to
the target audience as it’s classy and
simple at the same time.
the brand name is in a different font to
the rest of the writing for better
recognition of the brand. The font size
is also bigger than the rest of the text for
the same effect
The background is black, I’ve
noticed that whenever a piece of
jewellery is advertised the
background is plain and black
therefore it follows their codes and
conventions. This was done to
make the watch stand out and look
at the main focus as there is
nothing else is important in the
advert.
The colour scheme, being back, red
and white is symbolic to the
companies colour scheme. Also the
red in watch links all the colour
together. And the use of any bright
additional colours haven't been
used as it would break the codes
and conventions.
The use of extra text, gives more
information about the product.
But the text is quite small as it is
not as important as the image or
brand name.
20. MagazineMagazine NecklaceNecklace advertadvert (double page)(double page)MagazineMagazine NecklaceNecklace advertadvert (double page)(double page)
The brand name which is
also the logo has been
made so the colour of it
matches the necklace.
Giving the reader a
continuous feel of the
advert.
The image which takes
up most of the page is
the main focus of the
advert. The necklace is
bigger then the text
because of it importance.
The image of the
necklace contains a lot
of detail so only an
image and one word text
is used. It also stands out
from the black
background for a better
focus.
This was
advertised on a
double page to
show importance
of the product as
well as to show the
target audience as
much detail of it as
possible.
The colour
scheme for this
advert is simple
black and gold.
This gives a
profession feel to
the magazine.
This advert mainly focuses on this one specific jewellery, without any other unnecessary
information. This is because the band already has good recognition therefore the adverts can
focus on simplicity and not use heavy amounts of text
21. Bright coloured background to
catch the target audiences eye
Main images to represent the
product in an aesthetically
pleasing way
Brand logo in the top half for easy
recognition by the target audience
Title in a large font so is easily
spotted. This also creates
recognition of what is
advertised to the customer as
well as uses words as ‘beautiful’
to draw more attention to the
product being sold
The fact that kitchens are being
advertised, this will appeal to the target
audience of the magazine as they are
more likely to be purchased by that
specific age group.
Contact info so the target
audience can easily get hold
of the company if they are
interested in the product
Website so online research
about the company/other
products can be undertaken by
the target audience
Text is set out in columns and
includes brief overview about the
company, mainly consists of
basic easy to read information
