2. FRONT COVER
The codes and conventions for a typical music magazine font cover would
begin with every page having a masthead located at the top of the page, with a trade
mark (unique) font. The masthead would usually take up the width of the page or be
located in the left hand corner typically being a single word or two words that are shot
and quick to say, identifying the magazine quickly.
Each photo that is used as the main image usually links to the main
article, being a close up, mid shot or medium close up. The main feature articles that are
specific to that issue magazine is placed around the edge of the page and image almost
creating a board for the centre image. The front over image is generally a studio
shot, which is used in the majority of magazine genres including Pop Rock which is what I
shall base my magazine on. Other factors of the magazine that are just important such as
the bar code, issue number and sometimes price is located in the bottom left hand
corner of the page, therefore when buying a magazine most people look in the same
place, together due to the fact that they are all key pieces of information that relate and
are more informative rather than for entertainment. Other key pieces of information
include the website address, price and occasionally social networking addresses which is
placed close to the masthead so it is easy to find and the price being the second piece of
information the audience will look at having the masthead as the first piece of
information alone with the sell lines and features that is included. These pieces of
information is usually in an easy to read block font, being size 11 font roughly.
Strap lines can include the freebees to draw in the readers which again
links with the main article or a well known brand that links with the type of person that
will buy the magazine as well as genre. ‘Buzz’ words such a ‘Free’ and ‘Exclusive’ are
usually in a bold font to make sure they stand out and link with the main feature.
Cover lines are the lines of the text that are designed to attract the
audiences attention, making them pick up the magazine. The Main Cover line, is the
second largest text on the page, anchoring the meaning of the image, underneath is a
smaller sub line giving more information about the article. The less important or not the
feature cover line typically is one or two words long, being a short phrase representing
the story inside as well as intrigue the reader.
4. CONTENTS PAGE
Within every magazine, the contents page is typically one page or a double
page, involving pictures as well as informative text. The title of contents pages can
vary depending on the type of magazine as well as the type of audience that reader
the magazine. The colour scheme used within the page is often used within the front
over and will continue through the magazine, having a consistent theme. On every
contents page is the issue number which is at the top of the page usually alone with
the date, this is usually close to the contents page title. The title ‘contents’ is
prominent allowing people to be informed it is the contents page and its purpose is to
give the readers information on the articles that are enclosed and where they can be
located. The word ‘contents’ differs in font, colour and style depending on the
magazine and what they want to convey for example; some well-known magazines
use abbreviations not needing to use the full word just the first letter another
example is that the lay out can change for example having the work spilt up or broken
down. It can symbolise the fact that the magazine likes to stand out from the rest of
the magazine, so it looks different and the reader will be more intrigued.
The main image on the contents page is usually the picture that is used to
portray the main article of the magazine liking with the front cover and double page
spread. Typically it is located in the middle of the page or towards an edge being
framed with the headings and articles around it with the page numbers etc. Every
magazine stereotypically places the title in the top left hand side of the page
sometimes with a background box colour to make it stand out further and frame the
page, looking more professional. Every magazine breaks down there articles to make
them easier to find in certain categories for example ‘regulars’ ‘exclusive’ etc. these
are in columns with the headings being in a large, mainly bold text. Each article having
a brief phrase underneath, this allows the reader to have more insight into the articles
before reading them. Other key information such as subscription details, editor’s note
and contact information is also shown in the contents page usually towards the
bottom corner of the page. Each page number is at the beginning of the article on the
left, being easier to read and in order, the numbers are in a different colour or font to
stand out further compared to the articles. Linking with the numbers each heading is
a small phrase being simple and convenient.
Moreover, small copies of the front covers can be shown with the
subscription to show previous products drawing in the reader. Finally, each picture
within the contents page that is used links to an article therefore can involve a quote
near the picture with a page number therefore being an aid to the column of text
because some readers may feel the pictures are better at attracting readers.
6. DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD
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The picture within the double page spread can be used as a studio image or action
depending on the type of magazine that is used, however within my chosen magazine
the picture could be either yet the artist within the picture will be looking directly into
the camera, addressing the audience, using the uses and gratification theory that they
feel a personal connection with the artist. An important quote from the article or
interview is sometimes used as the headline or placed with the picture in a bold font to
attract the reader. It helps break the article up and sometimes can be seen as shocking or
controversial to stand out and grab the reader’s attention. Furthermore, another code
and convention of a double page spread is to have the artists name in bold close to the
title to make them seem important and stand out as celebrities. Every article included an
introduction paragraph which briefly explains the article that is in front of the
reader, allowing them to identify the artist if it wasn’t obvious from the pictures used.
Typically within every article the font size is 11 or 12 in Arial meaning it is easy
to read however some articles can change their font to convey their chosen genre. Some
double page spreads have a picture that can take over half the page or have feature
pages and so make the articles more visual, this makes it more eye catching and easier to
read. Furthermore, within these exams they also use the artists first name as a block
letter faded in the back ground to prompt who the article is about.
In all the pictures used within the article the artist or model is not smiling and
has a serious look on their face which also conveys the genre and that the magazine is
serious about music compared to Top of the Pops which is based more on celeb gossip.
Due to there usually being so much writing the text is in column and the background is
white, therefore having a black and white theme with one bright block colour to make it
stand out on the page as well as looking professional.
The introduction paragraph is usually a brief explanation about the rest of the
article yet also introduces the reader if they want to carry on reading. For the heading it
usually takes up a quarter or third of the page in a large, block easy to read font.
Plus, the title is usually a brief catchy sentence that is easy to remember and would make
the reader want to carry on. Typically articles within serious music magazines such as
rolling stone, have interview articles that are mainly based on there music and careers
rather than their clothing and up to date gossip.
Pictures are used to break up the text, as well as large letters when starting a
new paragraph or bright quotes highlighted within the text that is put in the chosen
block colour. This is created to not put the reader of from all the text but to break it up.
In every article the celebs name is placed at the top of the article and is
repeated through out all the pages to do with the main feature article.
