2. MY
FAVOU
RITES
I liked these Big Issue front covers as they are very appealing to the eye through a broad use of colours,
images and phrases. I’m exploring the codes and conventions of the Big Issue. I especially like direct
address in the second one.
3. CELEBRITY
COVERS
CODES AND
COVENTIONS
The masthead generates a consistent design usually
seen in homes on newspapers etc.
The text (typography) and colour of the title is bold
and simple, probably to mirror the boldness of the
celebrities pictured in these front pages.
Strapline: For Sam Fender, the strapline is ‘Britain's
most wanted’, implying his popularity and making
him seem like a criminal to fit the typical attractive
‘bad boy’ concept.
Sam Fender is also pictured in a seemingly casual
area with an old van in the background and a brick
wall and his body language is pretty casual too –
maybe suggesting how normal he is as a celebrity.
For Declan Mckenna, the strapline is ‘unstoppable
gen z icon’ – suggesting that he is someone to be
admired for our young generation of people.
Direct mode of address from Sam Fender to help
viewers connect with him.
Sam Fender has kind of an intimidating expression in
his face – possibly reflecting back to the idea of him
seeming acting as a criminal for more of a female
gaze.
Declan Mckenna has a curious expression – like he is
4. POLIT
ICAL
COVER
S
The masthead generates a consistent design
usually seen in homes on newspapers etc.
The text of the title is bold and simple, probably
to reflect on the importance of these people,
pictured in these front pages.
Strapline: For Queen Elizabeth and King Charles,
the strapline is ‘ our vendors and the Queen’.
This is simple and yet conducts another message
of importance to viewers. The use of ‘our’ also
gives a sense that we are part of something
bigger.
For Liz Truss, the strapline ‘are you listening
prime minister?’ almost plays her out to be a
fool/embarrassment. Its giving a political idea
that the prime minister chooses to ignore the
issues our country is facing which can be quite
amusing and relatable to some readers/viewers.
This appeals to target audiences that have
conflicting opinions on the current political
events.
CODES AND
COVENTIONS
5. SEASONAL COVERS
CODES AND CONVENTIONS
The masthead is mostly consistent across all three examples I have found. The bright colours
express the happy feeling of Christmas especially. The text and the colours of the title are
bold and simple.
Strapline: ‘Together we stand’ suggests that especially in this holiday period, we are all part
of something bigger and this inclusion will coerce people into purchasing the BIG ISSUE,
appealing to the target audience (in this case, most people who celebrate these holiday
periods).
Another strapline, ‘Have a
merry Christmas’, is a very
common phrase, associated
with joy – therefore inviting
the target audience to be a
part of this good feeling and
buy the magazine. Direct
mode of address from Santa
– a very kind expression -
gives a warm approach to
readers, where they’re
almost being invited to be in
this joyful atmosphere.
6. ROCK
BAND
S
CODES AND
CONVENTIO
NS
The text of the title is bold
and simple, probably to
mirror the boldness of the
celebrities pictured in
these front pages. For The
1975, the strapline is
‘bringing hope to anxious
rock fans all over the
world’ – suggesting that
he is someone to be
admired for our young
generation of people who
are interested in rock
music and can use it as
some sort of escape from
their anxieties. For The
Killers, the strapline IS
‘Bringing sexy back’ –
reinforcing a
For Arctic Monkeys, the strapline is ‘Exclusive’, ‘never-
before-seen photos’ – suggests that Arctic Monkeys are
important and people should buy the big issue to not
miss out on this exclusive content.
Direct mode of address from The 1975 and The Killers
helps to connect reader with artist more effectively.
The Killers – quite a provocative pose – wants the
female gaze. Reinforces Van Zoonen’s idea of the ‘male
gaze’.
