The document discusses codes and conventions used on magazine front covers. It provides examples and analysis of various magazine covers. Some key points made: - Mastheads are bold and eye-catching to stand out from the background. Images typically represent the target audience or key locations. - Information is generally laid out clearly in a list-like structure for easy reading. Larger text draws attention to important parts. - Font choices, image styles, and language used provide clues to the target audience. Serif fonts imply sophistication while sans-serif suggests younger audiences. - Color schemes, models, and topics of interest are tailored towards the magazine's demographic, often middle-class women or younger readers.

1. Codes
&
Conventions
Front Covers

2. General Codes & Conventions.
– Mastheads are all bold, eye-catching and stand out from the background.
– The image used either is a model reflecting the target audience (most I have looked at tend to be
female) or represent a key location within an area.
– The barcode is either in the bottom left or right corner, is usually quite small and kept out of the
way – doesn’t distract.
– Images taken are usually long shot and give the audience a lot to look at.
– Text is usually list like and structurally formed, there isn’t too much information crowding the
image.
– Typically it is a serif font used – for a more sophisticated tone, however some are san-serif and
boulder (absolute)
– Audience are usually middle class/working class and female, however some do target the younger
generation also.
– Text variates in size and colour in order for certain parts to stand out – subheadings stick out more
and look brighter.

3. Add on – very popular on regional
magazine. And stands out against the
rest of the imagery and colour
scheme
San-serif font used which would
suggest that the target audience is
younger, the title is bold which may
also suggest it’s a more masculine
audience. Text is all equally aligned.
Dark image allows the text to pop and
stand out against the back image,
creates a contrast. The image also
sticks within the colour scheme of the
article.
Story of winner will intrigue the
reader and make them want to
reader
Large text stands out and shows
importance.Serif font shows that
although this may be for
a younger audience it still
holds sophistication.
Structures text allows the reader
to easily see information, it is
appealing to the audience in this
linear format and follows typical
codes and conventions.
The Long shot allows you to
see a wide amount of scenery
and therefore the audience
can indulge the image and
allows them to connect more
personally (uses & Grats)
Magazine is free and
there is no barcode on
the front.

4. Preferred reading – shows Kent in a peaceful
and aesthetically pleasing.it allows the
reader to pander on the picture.
Add on – this stands out as it uses
bold colours that stand out against
the colour scheme, this will attract
the reader.
‘wild swimming’ This makes you ask
question and intrigue the reader to
find out more. (Hermeneutic code)
‘Taking the plunge, is bolder which
automatically will draw the readers
attention, it also is vague, but
intriguing which will lead the reader to
want to find out more.
Larger text draws attention to specific
important parts of the article.
The long shot allows the audience to see a really detailed image and observe the
Masthead is bold and stands out, but
doesn’t distract the reader from the
image, this helps as the image is placed in
front of the text. There is a simple serif
font which will reflect there audience of
an older target audience. (Barthes)
Small parts of information, that allows
the reader vague pieces f information –
this information is laid out in a linear and
structured fashion, this will appeal to the
target audience and is also convenient
for the reader. (fulfils needs)
Having more than one picture
shows the variety of articles and is
pleasing for the reader to see.
The darkened image allows the
white text to stand out and creates contrast between colours.
surroundings which allows them to feel
more personally connected with the
image (Uses & Grats)
Barcode is placed in a conventional
place(bottom right) & doesn’t stand out too much.
Image keeps within the hegemonic
norm and doesn’t challenge the regional
magazine conventions.
Colours are quite sophisticated (gold)

5. Add on stands out as is in front of
text and is a bolder colour than
the rest of the colouring
Masthead is very bold and stands
against the background, but also
doesn’t distract from the
aesthetically pleasing background
and bright colouring. The large G
shows that this may be a
recognisable symbol for the
magazine. The simple serif font also
relates to the target audience.
(Barthes)
This close up shot allows the
audience to really see the
beautiful scenery in detail
Using the serif font shows that
there is a level of sophistication
throughout the magazine and
this connects with the ideology
of the target audience
Showing more than one image
shows the variety of articles,
with the close up images which
allow you too see what's
included.
Bolder and bigger font used for
certain writing follows the
normal conventions of magazine
and draws the readers attention
to these certain areas.
List of what is included is easy to
see and read, this is therefore
easy for the reader to read and
navigate. The text is also
structured well which will please
there target audience.
Barcode in conventional bottom right
corner. Blends in with colour scheme
Using the pink for this and the add
on draws your attention to these
parts as they stand out, the colours
used throughout the magazine
would suggest a female audience.

6. Image colours tie in with the colour
scheme of the magazine. The white
text stands out against these colours.
The style of font used is more
sophisticated and warm which would
appeal to an older audience, the
colours used throughout the
magazine are also more
sophisticated subtle colours and not
bright colours that may be
associated with a younger or female
audience.
Larger L used makes the
masthead stands out and may be
easily recognised.
Using these multiple images
allows the reader to see the
variety within the magazine, this
will attract the reader.
Using words such as ‘you’ addresses
the audience and therefor creates a
relationship with them and makes
them feel personally connected to
the magazine (Uses & Grats)
Hermeneutic code is used here
by creating questions that the
reader wants to know the
answers to.
The way this text is laid out is a
typical convention, it is structured
like a list which allows the audience
to read easily and navigate
straightforwardly.
The mid to close up show
allows the reader to see
clearly and easily what the
image is.
Banner makes the text seem
more important as it is bold and
stands out, but still keeps within
the colour scheme.

7. The sans serif font used here suggest
that this may be for a younger
audience, the boldness of the title
also suggests that it is trying to appeal
to a more masculine/male audience.
Add on is a colour that stands out
from the rest as red isn’t used
throughout the colour scheme, this
draws attention to the add on and
makes it seem important, Uses
language like ‘what’s hot now’ which
will intrigue the reader, using the
word ‘hot’ also suggests that this is a
younger audience as it is a more
trendy word that wouldn’t appeal to a
sophisticated older audience.
Having the text ‘small spaces’ In a
bigger bolder text than the
masthead is unusual to other
magazines, this would suggest that
this could be a younger audience as
they are more likely to accept this
edgy style.
The larger text draws attention to these
words and puts exaggeration on these
words, this is a style that would
probably more typically suited for a
younger audience also, due to this
being a less conventional style‘does this place exist’ creates questions (Hermeneutic code)
The yellow highlighted text
makes these precise words stand
out, especially around the darker
background, this will draw the
readers attention.
A lot less writing on the front of this
page than a conventional regional
magazine, the text also isn’t very
structurally laid out or linear which
would suggest that it is more about
the look and lay out of the
magazine, which would inforce that
the target audience is younger.

8. Masthead is the biggest text on the page,
It is in a bold block font which is mostly
associated with a young audience, this
therefore suggests to us that this is there
target audience. This blends in with the
colour scheme at the same time as
sticking out from the rest of the page.
This is informative and tells the reader
what is inside the magazine, the big
bold writing allows it to be easily seen,
this is useful to the reader.
Colour scheme is strong and pops with
bright colours, these colours are fun
and edgy so are more likely to attract a
younger audience. From this colour
scheme it may suggest a female based
audience.
This creates questions in the
readers mind as they want to know
‘the future of fashion’ the reader
wants to be up to date and in the
know which will encourage them to
read the magazine.(hermeneutic
code)
Although blocked fonts are used
throughout (sans-serif) there is also serif
font used for certain which shows that
although this may be a fun magazine for
younger people, there is still elements of
sophistication within.
Keeping information short and sweet on
the front page makes the reader want to
know more, but intrigues them.
The model is younger, this means
that the target audience would be
able to create a connection with the
model, she is also making eye
contact, this enables the audience
to form a relationship with the
model and will encourage them to
read more. The model is also being
sexualised (male gaze) the model is
showing a large amount of skin this
is typical for female models.

9. These issues are all similar as they have a very minimalistic style, this is very unusual for a regional magazine. This does however
mean that the bold font and brightness of the masthead against the background sticks out and will catch the readers eye
immediately.
Tells the reader
what is inside, easy
to see and read
All models are female, which will
allow the target audience( mostly
female) to create a relationship.
Issue number
and date.
Male gaze – will
attract male
readers.
The simplistic style is edgy and
unconventional which would
suggest a younger audience.

10. The background and image follows the
colour scheme throughout this article,
this background behind the title adds
extra detail and imagery to the
magazine, this is unusual for a
magazine and breaks codes and
conventions.
Informing text laid out in a
structured way will appeal to this
target audience as it is easy to read
and navigate, this follows general
codes and conventions.
Using these close up images on
the front cover, shows the reader
what else is going to be within in
the article, this will persuade the
reader to buy this.
The title is bold and stands out
against the background, the font
used is also not the same
throughout which is more of an
edgy style to take, although it is
elegant it takes a trendier approach
and is likely based at a younger
audience.
The fact that pink is used as a
main colour throughout the
magazine suggests its mainly
aimed at women.
Using a close up image shows
exactly what it is and allows the
reader to see detail in the image.
The colours also tie in well with
the colour scheme.
Minimal text is used on the front
cover.
This larger text draws attention
and shows the importance of
this text. The font is also more
sophisticated and classy which
could be linked with a female
audience.

11. The masthead is perfectly contrasted
within the colour scheme of the
magazine, the colours of the image and
the writing all blend well with each
other. The masthead is the largest text
on the front, this is a typical
convention and will catch the viewers
eye. The fading white and silver texture
also is very eye catching a
different/edgy.
Colour scheme creates a real sense
of luxurious style and elegance. This
mixed with the style of fonts used
creates a sophisticated feel to the
magazine, using a serif font and
some words being italic produce this
ethos for the magazine
The elegance and attitude of the
magazine encourages the idea of this
magazine mainly being aimed at
young women. Due to this the model
being female will be able to create a
strong relationship with the audience
and entice them into reading. The fact
the model is creating eye contact also
allows for a relationship to be built.
Barcode, blends in and fits right in the
corner not taking up to much room.
Sub titles draw attention and the
fact they are in larger writing shows
the importance of the text.
Issue number/date
Banner is within keeping of the
colour scheme, but however draws
the reader this part of the page as
it sticks out from the other writing.
Text is laid out less in a list format, but
still in a structurally clean way, it is
easy to navigate and read, this is
visually satisfying for the reader.

12. The Masthead sticks out to the
audience as it is the biggest piece of
text on the page, it flows well with the
colour scheme also. The masthead is
also a recognised colour throughout
the whole of the magazine and brand
which allows the audience to recognise
it.
The serif font used on this magazine
gives the magazine a classy, elegant
and sophisticated vibe, which
suggests that it is more likely for an
older audience..
The magazine uses colours, furniture,
fashion and design in order to make
this magazine seem very elegant and
will most likely be targeting a young
adult to middle aged audience, it
would also most likely appeal to a
middle class audience as this
magazine is more luxurious and high
class.
The model is not making eye contact
with the camera which is unusual, but
from what you can see of the model
she is dressed to look very classy and
the age and style reflects the target
audience and will allow them to
create a relationship with the model
and will entice them to buy the
magazine.
Big writing stands out to the reader, the
fact it is the only black text shows
importance of this text. Giving away a
small amount of information, the
reader want to know the ‘new season
trends’ encouraging them to buy it. Barcode is small, doesn’t stick out.
Subheadings show importance
allow the reader to navigate easily
through the information, small
amount of text on the front cover.
The information is structurally laid
out and easy to read this is visually
pleasing for the reader.

13. This front cover has a lot more
information on it, than other
magazines I have looked at. The
information however is still laid
out in a list and structural format,
it is easy to see and read.
The banner at the top of the page,
uses bright colouring in order to stand
out on the page, sticks out from the
colour scheme. Explains to the
customer what is within the
magazine, this is informative to the
reader.
The add on stands out as well of
the banner as they both variate
from the colour scheme. This
draws the readers attention.
Using language such as ‘Make
your own’ will involve the reader
and create a connection, it will
also intrigue the reader into
reading more
Subheadings draw attention, follow
the colour scheme and make it easy
to navigate.
Long shot allows the audience to
see a wide amount of scenery and
detail, can entice the reader.
‘easy summer favourites' makes the
reader ask questions and want to
know more. (Hermeneutic code)
Larger text draws attention and
points out important parts of
the text.
Colour scheme is
continued throughout .
Masthead sticks out as it is in a
different colour to the rets of the
scheme, it uses a simple/sophisticated
serif font, that would relate to the
target audiences wants.
(older people)

14. The masthead is a recognisable colour
as they use this style throughout the
issues, it sticks out from the
background image and the other text,
this draws attention to the magazine.
Small amount of text on the front
cover, this allows the reader to see a
small amount of information, but still
leaves them asking questions and
wanting to know more (hermeneutic
code)
Serif font - Classy,
sophisticated and elegant
font – this will relate to the
audience.
Barcode is in the bottom corner, is
out the way and doesn’t take up to
much space.
The image is classy and elegant, the
model relates the target audience
which will allow them to create a
relationship. The image shows
expense and glamour which shows it is
more likely to be for a middle class
audience. It is also more likely to be
fore women, this shows through the
style of font, language used and the
model.
Layout is simplistic, but works very
well as it allows you to see the image
clearly. Colours are bright and eye catching in
the layout and the image.

15. Masthead keeps within the colour
scheme, but still stands out against the
rest of the image and text. The gold
colour used here adds a strong sense of
class and elegance to the magazine as
gold is associated with expense and
class, the font is bold and therefore
may be aimed at a younger audience.
There is also serif fonts used on the
front cover which brings a mix of
young and sophistication to the
magazine.
The text on the front is laid out in an
organised and structured manor, the
subheading draws attention to the text,
the subheadings are all short and
catchy which draws the readers
attention and makes them want to find
out more. The information is also laid
out in simple way and is easy to read
which is encouraging for the reader.
The audience will be able to create a
relationship with the model, the
model is a similar age to the target
audience which will allow the
audience to relate. The models
makeup and outfit is classy and
sophisticated which matches the
character of the magazine. The model
making eye contact also helps build a
question and entice the reader.
Large bold text, draws the reader in,
makes them want to read more and
find out more. It also shows
importance of the text.
This allows people to know quickly
what is inside. (informative)
Colour scheme is soft, but
strong and creates contrast
with the text and image.

16. Large masthead stands out against the
background and catches the eye of the
reader, the font looks sophisticated
and elegant but also easily
recognisable.
Black font sticks out against the
background and catches the
readers eye and draws attention
and importance to this text.
‘how to choose the right school’
makes you want to know and buy
the magazine. Hermeneutic code –
entices the reader because they
want to know more
Red colouring sticks out and shows
against the rest of colour scheme,
draws the readers attention and
highlights importance
Interesting line, that will
intrigue the reader and make
them ask questions.
big text shows importance
and draws attention, makes
the reader feel a connection
if they are a ‘Chelsea girl’
they will want to know
more and read on.
Barcode is out of the way in the bottom
corner, common convention
The model is making eye contact
which is important in order for the
audience to make a connection with
the model. The model is also able to
collect with audience as they are
targeting a similar age group to the
model and therefore the audience will
be able to reflect and connect.