The document discusses the codes and conventions of magazine front covers. Key elements include: 1) The magazine title is positioned in the top left corner in a large, bold font that stands out. Additional information like the positioning statement may be included. 2) A barcode at the bottom right indicates price, issue number, and date. 3) A dominant main image featuring a celebrity or event with no text over faces. Smaller images relate to stories inside. 4) One main cover line in a large font anchors the main image, while additional cover lines use the same bold, capitalized font to frame the image. 5) A limited color scheme using primary colors ensures images stand out against

1. Code and Conventions of a
magazine front cover
AS Media Studies
Abigail Cardwell

2. Code and conventions are the things in which
we expect to find within a set genre.
There are set code and conventions in which
magazine designers must follow in order for
the magazine to be successful.

3. Masthead
The code and conventions of a magazine front cover indicate that the title should be
positioned top left aligned and either completely covers the top of the magazine or top left
hand corner if the title is short. The font in which the title is made up of is unique from
other fonts used on the cover page, and is presented in a large, bold font in order for it to
stand out. If the magazine is well known then images can partially cover the title as buyers
are aware of the magazine name. Also the positioning statement is allocated within the
masterhead usually above or below the title, the positioning statement it the magazine line
of promotion for its ethos.

4. Barcode
The barcode is usually found at the bottom right and
can either be displayed horizontally or vertically. The
barcode also indicates the price of the magazine, the
issue member, date issued and a web address.

5. Main Image
The code and conventions of a front cover
magazine consist of having one main image
that dominates the page, the main image
usually includes a well know artist, the
image delivers direct address (looking at its
audience). Photos are generally posed, and
no text should be displayed on any facial
aspects of the image as the image is what
sells the magazine.

6. Smaller Imagery
Subsidiary images are found on the front cover that
link to either stories inside the magazine or coverlines.
Smaller images frame the main image.

7. Main Coverlines
The code and conventions of a magazine front cover should
include one main cover line, this coverline anchors the main
image and is a larger font than the other cover lines in order to
allow it to stand out as it is the main feature of the magazine,
which helps to sell the magazine.

8. Cover Lines
Cover lines are short and are generally made up of 3 or 4 words.
The maximum amount of coverlines a magazine would be either
5 or 6. Coverlines are ambiguous on purpose in order to draw
the reader in. Cover lines use the same font (bold and simple)
and are always written in capitals. Cover lines also frame the
main image.

9. Sub Lines
Sub lines are part of the code and conventions of a
magazine from cover as it adds detail to the cover
line which can make the cover line more
understandable to readers however this is not
always the case.

10. Colour Scheme
The colour scheme of a
magazine front cover should
contain a maximum of 3 or 4
colours and colours in which are
used tend to be primary colours
so that they do not contrast with
the magazine.
Colour Scheme red, black, white.

11. Background Colour
The background colour
in which is used on the
magazine front cover is
usually a plain colour so
that it enables the
image stands out.
Background colour; light blue.

12. Font
There should be only a
few fonts used, the two
types of fonts include;
Serif Font (with hooks)
and Sans Serif (plain font,
usually Times New
Roman or Arial).

13. Buzz Words
Buzz words are apart of the code and conventions as they
are used in order to suggest special features to the
particular magazine for example 'new' and 'exclusive'. This
enhances sales of the magazine as it have unique features
that may appeal more to the reader.