The document summarizes common codes and conventions for the front cover of a magazine, including positioning the title in large font at the top left, including a barcode at the bottom right with pricing and identification information, using buzzwords to promote the magazine's content, featuring a prominent main image of a well-known person or band in a direct pose, employing a simple color scheme of 3-4 primary colors, and framing the image with 5-6 cover lines in bold capital text to entice readers.
In todays lesson we got taught the codes and conventions of music magazines. For the homework we were asked to produce a powerpoint and save it onto slideshare and post it onto our blog.
2. masthead
• Title-top left aligned
- Either goes completely across the top or top
leftish if short.
- big font, unique.
- Image can practically cover the title if the
magazine is well known.
- Positioning statement ->the magazine line of
promotion for itself/ethos either above or
below title.
3. Barcodes
- Usually at bottom right, can be horizontal or
vertical.
- Price, issue number, date and website
4. buzzwords
- Used to suggest that it is something special to
this magazine e.g. ‘news’ exclusive.
5. Images
• one main image – well known person
- Direct address used (look at audience)
- Midshot or close up, long shots used is
showing a band.
- Generally possed
- NO text on facial aspect of image
6. Colour scheme
- 3 or 4 colours maximum
- Simple colour scheme
- Generally primary colours don’t clash
7. Text
• Cover lines
- Quite ambiguous on purpose
- To draw the reader in
- Always written in capitals
- All cover lines use same font bold & simple
- Cover lines frame the image
main covers anchors the main image larger font
than cover lines 5-6 cover lines maximum
