Codes and conventions of a front cover

1. Codes and Conventions
of a Front Cover

2. Masthead
• Biggest font on the front
cover.
• Top of the page, aligned left.
• Is a unique font.
• Bold and eye catching.

3. Main image
• Biggest image on the page.
• Links directly to the main
headline.
• Can cover the the masthead
(usually if it’s well known).
• Usually a medium or a
medium close up shot of th
subject.
• Subject will always make
direct address with the
camera.
• Subject will have some kind
of attitude to make the
image for interesting.

4. Main Headline
• Largest headline on the front
cover, in terms of the font.
• Directly linked to the main
image.
• Positioned with the main
image.
• The most important words (a
name for example) will
usually be in a larger font
than the rest of the headline.

5. Coverlines
• Helps draw attention to the
magazine.
• Used to educate the reader
on what is in the magazine.
• Usually positioned to the
edge of the front cover,
framing the main image.

6. Positioning Statement
• The positioning statement is
used to persuade the reader
to buy the magazine.
• It anchors the masthead as it
is positioned with it.

7. Skyline
• Usually at the top of the front
cover, above the masthead.
• Can contain a coverline or a
positioning statement.
• Can relate to the cove image
or an article.

8. Barcode
• The barcode is usually
positioned in the bottom
corner of the front cover to
keep the magazines
appearance clean.
• The size of them are kept
small so they don't draw
attention away from the rest
of the magazine.

9. Price/ Issue Date
• The price is usually kept
small or positioned to the
bottom of the cover so it
doesn't discourage the
reader from buying it before
they have seen the rest of
the front cover.
• The size of them are kept
small so they don't draw
attention away from the rest
of the magazine.