Codes and conventions are textual elements that commonly appear in magazines. The document analyzes the codes and conventions of the front covers, contents pages, and double page spreads of Q Magazine and NME Magazine. Both magazines follow similar conventions including using large, bold logos and mastheads; images of artists looking at the viewer; pull quotes to entice readers; and consistent color schemes and layouts throughout. The purpose of these conventions is to attract readers' attention, guide them through the magazine, and engage them with the content.

1. Codes and conventions
Codes and conventions are textual elements that recur within a range of texts. These include
technical features to do with narrative, representative and audience.
Analysis of cover, contents and double page spread of NME magazine and Q magazine.
Codes and conventions of Q magazine:
Front cover:
 Logo/Masthead usually big and bold font to catch the attention ofa reader.
 The masthead is usually a short word or a few letters,which is easily recognisableand doesn’t
confuse the audience.
 The strapline is usually always underthe masthead.
 Contrasting colours are usually used to catch attention.
 The headline is used to reinforce the selling point. In other words, it is usually put
into the largest/biggest font and is frequently accompanied with a pull quote telling
something exciting or intriguing about the content’s main story/main article in order
to build Hermeneutic Code (Barthes), making the reader want to actually read the
article itself.
 The image used for the front cover is usually linked to the headline, and the picture
itself is conventionally a medium close-up shot.
 The model used in the picture for the front cover is conventionally looking at the
audience in order to establish a personal relationship between the featured
model/artist and the reader, (Uses and Gratification Theory).
 The footer is usually made to look eye catching or look like it stands out in order to
give the audience an idea/impression that magazine is filled with a wide range of
interesting content that will fulfil the audience’s cognitive needs (Maslow).
 The barcode is usually placed at the bottom right alongside with the price which is
typically high to show its an upmarket magazine.
 The word ‘exclusive’ is used very often in order to make the reader feel like that
specific magazine will be the only one to have that specific ‘ important’ and
‘exclusive’ information, which intrigues the reader and pushes the reader to read it.
 Sell lines frequently asked Rhetorical questions to once again build Hermeneutic
Code.
 Puff is usually used to give a flash of info.
 Every magazine has some type of colour scheme which continues throughout the
magazine, this makes the audience remember the brand of the magazine and they
will usually be able to easily recognise it in the future because of this, which means
they’re more likely to buy it.
 The font is usually kept simple and minimalist. In other words the whole magazine is
written in pretty much the same or a similar font throughout.
 Colours on front cover are usually plain and the sell lines are in colour to stand out.

2. Contents page:
 The title is usually placed at the top, and is put in a capitals to make it stand out.
 The magazine’s personal website or information may appear under the title in order
to increase sales/value.
 The date may appear under the title to indicate which edition it is.
 Subcategories are conventionally positioned around the magazine.
 Title, subcategories are all positioned in harmony to make reading and navigation
easier for the reader.
 The biggest image on the contents page is usually relating back to the artist featured
on the front cover and its sell line or pull quote.
 The same colour scheme from the front cover is used for the contents page.
 There are frequently arrows pointing to certain headings or pictures which
encourages the reader to actually open the main magazine itself.
 Captions suggest to the reader that the stories that they have come from are
interesting, fulfilling and entertaining.
 Usually there is an advert or subscription to make the reader want to buy the next
issue.
 The different stories indicate variety and a wide range of stories.
 The title of the main article is typically paired with main image.
 Smaller articles/titles are used to frame the main image.
 Page numbers stay within the brands identity and colours and help the reader to
navigate through the magazine.
Double page spread:
 Conventionally a large image is positioned on the left page and text on the right
page.
 The font/title may match the style of the photo e.g. vintage etc.
 A big, capital first letter is used to highlight the beginning of an article.
 Captions or pull quotes are used to draw the reader into the article.
 Text is conventionally arranged into columns.
 Main picture may use direct mode of address to establish a personal relationship
between the reader and the person in the picture.

3. Codes and conventions of NMEmusic magazine:
Front cover:
 The header bar usually includes multiple band names to give the reader the
impression that there is a variety/wide range of interesting articles for the reader to
fulfil their cognitive needs (Maslow)
 The logo or masthead is usually out in a bold and big typography to catch the eye of
the audience.
 The main headline or pull quote usually refers to/is linked to the main artist featured
on the front cover.
 The shot of the featured artist is typically in either close-up or medium-close up.
 The featured artist is conventionally looking at the audience, in other words, is using
Direct Mode of Address (Uses and Gratification Theory) in order to establish a
personal relationship with the reader.
 The headline is typically made to stand out by being in a big or the biggest
font/typography.
 The barcode is conventionally placed at the bottom right hand corner, whereas the
date and price are usually situated below the logo or masthead.
 The colour scheme of NME is true to their house colours and identity.
 Sell lines suggest exciting content which builds Hermeneutic Code (Barthes), which
encourage the reader to read that specific article.
 Rhetorical questions are used to make the reader want to find out more information
concerning the question/topic. (Hermeneutic Code)
 Sell lines are typically positioned on the right side of the magazine and they are used
to show the essential/main articles within the magazine.
Contents page:
 The title/name of magazine usually appears at the top of the page in contrasting
colours to the word ‘ contents’ in order to attract the attention of the reader.
 The text on the contents page continues to match the brand identity and house
colours following conventions.
 The main image may create a relationship for the reader so that it actually feels as if
you are part of the magazine/ inside the picture.
 Captions give the reader a sense that the stories linked to them will be interesting
and entertaining, and will fulfil their cognitive needs (Maslow).
 Typically and advertisement or subscription positioned at the bottom of the page,
will appear in contrasting colours so that it stands out, to encourage the reader to
purchase the next issue.
 Arrows are usually used to encourage the reader to turn the page and find out what
is inside.
 Page numbers are often used for ease of navigation though the magazine.
 Columns referring to other articles or information within the magazine, are used to
frame the main image.

4.  Contrasting colours are used for the subcategories so that they stand out and are
easier to identify. They are there in order to make navigation easier.
 The date conforms to the conventions as it is positioned under the title.
 Typically, the website address of the magazine will appear below the title, in order to
inform the reader about their site.
Double page spread:
 Typically, the layout consists of a large image on the left page and text on the right
page.
 Pull quotes and captions throughout the text are used to create excitement and
curiosity, (Hermeneutic Code, Barthes).
 The first letter is put in capitals at the beginning of the article, which is a common
convention of other types of magazines as well.
 Text is typically arranged into three columns.
 The artist featured on the double page spread uses Direct Mode of Address (Uses
and Gratification Theory), which encourages the article to be read.
 The image on the double page spread is typically a mid-shot or a medium-close up.
 The font used for the double Page spread is made to suit the featured artist.
ADD MORE CODES AND CONVENTIONS
MAKE A PREZI OR A SLIDESHARE
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