The document discusses the codes and conventions used in magazine design. It describes several elements: The front cover typically features a recognizable masthead in the top left corner along with the issue number, price, and contact information. The main image relates to the lead article. Key words are in bold to draw attention. The contents page lists articles through brief phrases and page numbers. It maintains a consistent color scheme and features the issue date and number. Article previews and images entice readers to specific pieces. Double page spreads usually have a full-page image of an artist looking at the reader. The artist's name is in bold near the title. Introductory paragraphs provide context and small text allows

1. Codes and Conventions
By Daniel Gleeson

2. Front Cover

The codes and conventions for a music magazine font cover would begin with every page having a
masthead that is at the top of the page, with a font that is recognisable. The masthead would
usually take up the width of the page or be located in the left hand corner and it can be either a
single word or two words. Each photo that is used as the main image usually links to the main article
and that picture could be a; being a close up, mid shot or medium close up etc. The main feature
articles that are specific to that issue magazine is placed around the edge of the page. Other factors
of the magazine that are just important such as; the bar code, issue number and sometimes the
price is located in the bottom left corner of the page, therefore when buying a magazine most
people look in the same place because they no it should be there. Other key pieces of information
include; the website address and social networking addresses which is placed close to the masthead
so it is easy to find. 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. Words such a ‘Free’ and ‘New’ are usually in a bold font to make sure
they stand out and link with the second largest text on the front cover page.

3. Contents Page

The contents page is typically one page or a double page spread that includes pictures as well as
text. The title of contents pages can vary depending on the type of magazine as well as the type of
audience. They keep a consistent theme of colour through out the magazine to make it more
professional. On every contents page is the issue number which is at the top of the page usually
alone with the date. 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 magazines. The main image on the contents page is usually
picture that is used to show the main article of the magazine liking so it links to the front cover and
double page spread, typically it is located in the middle of the page or towards an edge. Every
magazine breaks down there articles to make them easier to find. Each article has a brief phrase
underneath. Each page number is at the beginning of the article on the left, being easier to read
and in order. Also, 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 to attract the readers.

4. Double Page

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 so it will
look like they are looking at the reader. Also It helps break the article up and sometimes can
be seen as shocking to stand out and grab the reader’s attention. 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 artists. 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
there is small text so 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.