Codes and conventions research

2. The masthead is a bright red
lowercase form, and it stands
out and is recognisable.
There is high key lighting used
here.
This is direct mode of
address – the relationship
between audience and
artist.
This image of her creates a
personal relationship with
the audience – sexual
image – makes expression
more visual, it catches eyes
of the viewer.
The plain background
allows the image/subject
to stand out.
Artist’s name is in
bold, with a
contrasting colour –
Stands out -
Three colour house
style – Red, white,
and black; these are
gender neutral
colours.
Subtitles – bold –
contrasting
colour – attract
fans
Hermeneutic code
– raises question -
Bold badge, stands
out and it is easy to
read. As it’s
different it attracts
the eye.
Draws audience in
due to the shocking
subtitles
Insight into article
which intrigues
audience.
Positioning statement (uses and gratification)
hypodermic needle theory – audience needs to
find out, attracts the audience, cannot resist.

3.  The masthead is in lower case format unlike most other magazines
however it stands out whilst catching the attention of the
audience, as it is recognisable and clear.
 The image of the artist is clearly the attraction on the cover as it
always takes up the majority of the page making it very
prominent. It also overlaps the masthead, which further relays
this. I am considering using this in my magazine.
 Subtitles are in black and white bold text which stands out on the
background and attracts the reader to the text. Hermeneutic codes
like ‘ready for a comeback?’ have been used to lure readers in,
which is a common convention is enticing the reader, which is
effective.

4. Masthead – different,
stands out – the
backwards ‘a’ which is
a reflection of the ‘s’ is
eye catching -
symbolises the
meaning of the word.
Direct mode of
address – creates
personal
relationship – (uses
and grat)
Model – prominent –
takes up majority of
the cover
High key lighting
used to highlight
image – stands
out – background
as well as image
contrasts.
Colours aimed at
males – general
theme is male
focussed colours –
creates an event that
encourages social
influence
Hermeneutic code –
creates questions as
to what the content
consists of –
intriguing for the
audience.
Insinuates cannot be
found anywhere else
– hermeneutic code
Artist name – clear –
bold – different
text/font style- outlined
to stand out, draws eye
– attracts fans.

5.  The magazine has a simple white, bold masthead that remains the same in the
majority throughout all issues of the magazine. This means it is consistent which
allows the audience to recognise the masthead and create a specific image. This
convention is commonly used throughout music magazines, for this reason I am
using it also.
 The house style of the magazine front cover only uses three colours (pink, white
and black) this too is a widely used convention in other magazines and it makes it
recognisable. Id more colours were use then it could be overpowering.
 Subtle tones used to counteract the common convention of bold bright colours on
the magazine to attract the audiences eye.
 The magazine cover is plain and simple as there is not much writing around the
image of the musician, which is actually unusual considering most have a heavy
amount of text around the image to lure people in.
 The artist/model is the subject of the front cover, which is a common convention as
the main feature is usually what attracts an audience, as it is the first thing they see,
for this reason I will have my model the main focus of my front cover.

6. Image placement – in
front of text
House style – black,
purple and grey –
gender neutral
colours.
Hair stands out on black
and grey –keeping with
the colour scheme.
Vibration on colour in
subtitles – stands out – draws
eye – intrigues audience to
text
Direct mode of
address –
[personal
relationship –
uses and grat
Hermeneutic
code – question
– how ‘itunes
invades Mexico’
Strapline – about
magazine – draws
attention Black masthead –
stands out – colours in
letters – unique – eye
catching.
Shapes –
separating text –
makes text stand
out
Main cover line –
artists name – bold –
entices fans – anchors
image
Insight into article –
intrigue readers –
hermeneutic code –
why ‘she doesn’t wear
pants’
Mid shot – Body
Language emphasised
Costume – Black –
plain – keeping with
house style
Background –
simple – plain –
gender neutral

7.  Mastheads are block text, bold and often in capitals, however this
magazine is in lower case which is unusual, however because of
this I feel it is more recognisable and therefore effective.
 The masthead changes between black and white in different issues
of Billboard magazine, this is dependant on the colour of the
background this is practical, however I wouldn’t be able to
incorporate this into my own magazine as I will not be making
more than one issue.
 The use of shapes between the lines of text breaks the text up,
allowing it clearer to read by the audience as the audience’s eye is
drawn more to the text below the shapes. This is a unique
convention and I would like to have this on my front cover.
 The colour scheme consists of black, white, grey and purple, they
are subtle colours compared to the colours used in other
magazines, and they still maintain the attention of the audience.

8. o Bold, simple mastheads, usually in block text and
capitals at the top of the page, in the left hand corner or
across the top.
o The image on the front cover is usually either mid shot
or a close up which creates a personal relationship
between the audience and the artist ( uses and grat).
o Large, bold text near/on image to anchor image.
o Bold subtitles to catch the audience’s eye and attract
readers.
o Different fonts/colours used to attract attention.
o Hermeneutic codes to create tension and entice
audience.