The document discusses the design elements and layout of music magazine covers, examining elements like mastheading, color schemes, and image positioning in relation to industry conventions. It highlights how buzzwords and font variations can attract readers while maintaining brand identity through consistent color usage. Differences from typical codes and conventions are noted, such as barcode placement and the arrangement of cover lines and images.

1. The issue number is under the masthead, this goes against the codes and conventions of music magazines, as it is usually placed by the barcode in the bottom left hand corner. The website is situated under the logo under the ‘R’ this gives the reader another way to access the information in the magazine. The buss words for this magazine are in the top left hand corner, the word ‘exclusive’ suggests to the reader that the CD is a one off, which complies with the codes and conventions of front covers. The masthead is positioned behind the photo, which normally happens when the magazine is established the title is bold and stands out from the white background. The font is also very clear so you can easily see what the title says. The colour scheme for Rocksound, is green, yellow, black and white, these colours are good as they show up well next to each other. The colour scheme is also very simple and does not clash , The font sizes on this cover change a lot, along with the fonts of the cover lines and sub lines. I think that the difference in fonts makes it seem like there is more on the page. The difference in font is a way to indicate to the reader that stands out more. Using words on an angle takes up more room on the front cover of the magazine, therefore sometimes this is used if the magazine front cover is looking quite empty. The image used on this cover is a good image as it is in medium long shot, with direct address from all members of the band. The band members positioning will reflect that of what it is like when they perform normally with the lead singer at the centre of the image. The image is in front of the masthead, therefore there is no text over any of the band members faces. The other images on the front cover will relate to stories within the magazine, therefore they will have been strategically placed. The barcode is on the bottom right hand corner of the front cover which fits with the codes and conventions of music magazines, there is also the price, and date of issue on the barcode.

2. Cover lines – the main cover line is the biggest out of them all, it is anchored by the main image and the others are in the same colour scheme as the rest of the magazine. The cover lines are all together in one corner of the magazine which isn't the same as a lot of other magazines. I think the cover lines have been placed like this so that the main image is not covered or compromised in any way. The bar with magazine contents across the top is something I like and I would consider for my own music magazine. The barcode does not fit with the codes and conventions as it is in the bottom left hand corner, this is a difference between this magazine and most others. Next to the barcode, is the issue number, the price, and normally the date and possibly the website. The barcode is somewhere the reader will always look, to see how much the product is. The main image complies with the codes and conventions of magazine front covers, because there is no text over the face, as this is the main part of the image. Also this shot has been taken in a close-up as is also in medium address, this makes the image a lot better and with the photo shopped colour editing, I think the cover is very good. This shows buzz words . These make the reader think that they are getting extra things for their money, the fact that these buzz words are in a different colour to the background, therefore it stands out a lot better. Also the word ‘Free’ is in bold which helps to draw the readers eye to it. The colour scheme for Under The Radar, is purple, pink, lilac and white these colours are plain, but they compliment each other very well. They also stand out when mounted on one another.The cover overall does have a plain background, but the photo shopped rainbow style wash of the overall image makes it more eye-catching. This can be positive as it makes the magazine stand out from others when it is on the shelf. However it can also be a negative as the readers eyes are drawn towards the bright colours, they may not be as intrigued to read the cover lines which is where they will see the information that the editor wants them to see, as this is what makes the reader buy the magazine, for the content is has in it. The masthead for this magazine is in the corner, therefore it is over the corner of the image. The masthead houses the magazine name and the positioning statement which is under it. The masthead fits in with the colour scheme and the codes and conventions of magazine front covers as it is large, bold and in a unique font to the rest of the front cover.

3. The layout of this issue of Q magazine is very simple and effective because there is a lot of writing on the edge of the cover, therefore keeping the rest of the cover simple, keeps the cover organised and not messy. The layout houses key messages and information to entice the reader by simply positioning things on the cover well. The front cover image is in medium long shot, using direct address. The shot is a simple shot and the body language shows the laid back attitude of the act that is in the picture. No9 words are covering the artists head therefore the image complies with the codes and conventions of music magazine front covers. There are no subsidiary images on the cover of this magazine, which are present in others. This also keeps the layout simple. The buzz words, the obvious buzzwords on this is ‘Plus 145 albums to discover’ this gives the reader an idea on what they can get information on in the magazine. Also, this front cover is part of a 25 part collectors edition being sold throughout November 2011. each cover varies to show the attitude of the artist. Again, not only does the picture suggest that Noel Gallagher has a laid back attitude and approach to music, but so does the layout. The colour scheme for Q magazine is red, black, blue and yellow, these colours are simple and do not clash, and are used throughout the magazine. The colour scheme is consistent throughout the cover and the magazine, therefore it makes the reader know the brand. The masthead is in the top left hand corner, inline with every other Q magazine. The red box and the white Q is something that is widely recognised now, as it is a simple yet effective and memorable logo.The barcode is in the bottom left hand corner which differs from the codes and conventions of a typical music magazine. It also has the issue number and price, and this is displayed clearly next to the barcode. The fonts on this cover differ. There are only 3 main fonts used on this issuecover all of which are slightly different. The main font is used for the main cover line, and this is an edgy ‘hand written’ effect font. This looks good on the page as it is interesting, and stands out well compared to the rest of the front cover. The second most used font is the one used on the list of artists. This is the list of artists that are featuring on the 25th edition covers, therefore the magazine will want people to know about them as this is the emphasis of the magazine at the moment. This is also the font used in the buzz words, therefore the reader should be able to see the clear link. The other font is the one used in the cover lines, this is a very bold font, therefore it stands out from the rest of the text, and the text that has been used in this font will be important to the image on the front of the magazine.