This document discusses the codes and conventions used on magazine covers. It analyzes covers from the magazines NME, Relix, and Q. Some common conventions identified include using high contrast color schemes of red, white, and black. Covers typically feature medium close-ups and close-ups of subjects. Mastheads are often positioned in the top left corner. Backdrops are commonly used to set the scene related to the subject's music genre. Typography is intentionally varied in placement and style to attract readers.

2. Direct mode of
address
interreges the
reader. Use and
grats
Men
standing
back to
back
implies a
amount of
rivalry.
Uses and
grats
Alex being
higher than
miles implies
a power play.
Going against
house style
making it eye
catching
Medium
close up,
enforces the
rivalry
Important
information
all in red or
white.
(house
style)

3. NME front
cover codes
and
conventions
• The masthead of the NME magazine is always in the same place, this build a
brands identify. Its in the top left as this in England is where we start reading
from. Therefore our eyes are draw straight to it. it tends to be just red or red
with a white outline depending on what artists are on the front cover.
• The feature typography is very spaced out and all over the place this is a
theme through NME. This is to attract the target audience as well as represent
the personality of the subject on the front page
• The colour scheme tend to be high contrast, red on white, red on black, red
white and black this is because NME is wanting to stand out in the shops as
well as attract the target audience.
• The subjects face isn't normally covered with text this is so NME can take full
advantage of eye contact and other facial excretions too grab the audiences
attention.
• Often there is a banner on the top of the page in yellow this is a high contrast
colour and demands the audiences attention, the banner normally includes
information about what's inside the magazine a common way to get a readers
attention.

4. Two people
combined-strong
relationship
Close up- builds
the reader into
their relationship
Use and
grats
Everything
important is
in red
High contrast
makes the
text stand out

5. Relix front
cover
codes and
convention
s
• The house style of Relix is a constant, although it may slightly alter
these alteration are not a one off and can be found on other copies.
The main thing to change from cover to cover is the colour of the
mastheads text, from white to black. This is to do with the contrast of
the text against the backdrop.
• Relix use a many different shoot types, from close up to mid shoot and
even group shoots. This is something that I like as it shows variation
within the brand. However they mostly use grey, white or black textured
backdrops something that is easy for me to achieve. The use of
backdrops alters depending on the subjects sex and what they are
wearing. Males are often put on dark backdrops wearing light clothing
giving a high contrast shoot.
• The typography on the front page isn't usually in one set place it ranges
from top right through to bottom left. But isn't normally over a person
unless in a group shoot where space is limited.

6. Classic family
photo style, give
the feeling of a
close group
Alex-direct mood
of address,
powerful
character
All important
text is in
white, high
contrast
against the
background
Large
Masterhead,
builds an
iconic house
style
Grey
backdrop
keep the
attention
on the
subjects

7. Q front
cover
codes and
convention
• the mains c over line ‘arctic monkeys’ is used as an anchoring point for the front
cover as well as making the reader fell secure in knowing what artist will be
including in this issue.
• The logo Q is very large making sure it stand out as well as being a dominating
masthead due to its size. The logo isn't always in front of the image, which give
the readers the impression that the content is more important than the name of
the magazine
• The red of the logo isn't always the same red this to me is a bad thing but on the
issues that its not the normal vivid red its due to a theme of that issue which can
be a good thing.
• I haven't found an issue of q where a backdrop isn't used which set the ethos of
this brand as a traditional one as well as the fonts they use the all tent to be san
serif fonts. This give a nice traditional but not old fashioned feel to the magazine
• The mise en scene is always related to the style of music that the subjects on the
cover play. Rock music tends to be dark and pop light (backdrops not lightting)

8. Common codes and conventions
finding
High contrast colour schemes
Low key lighting
Backdrops
Red, white and black
Medium close ups + close ups
Masthead positioning (top left)