This document describes the key design elements and conventions used in magazine layout. It discusses the masthead, cover lines, flash, date, barcode, color scheme, synergy, heading, contents list, headline, main image, drop cap, running head, pull-out quote, columns, tombstone, and page numbers. The document uses these elements in its mock magazine layout to follow conventions but also challenge conventions in some areas.

1. Masthead
A masthead is a main title section and name at the front of a
publication.
My masthead for my magazine is ‘GRH MUSIC’, the placing of my
masthead follows the conventions of a real magazine cover as my
masthead is the biggest font size on the page and it is at the top of my
front page.
Main Cover Line
A main cover line is a short statement found on the cover, usually near
the bottom of the page of the magazine that describes an article inside
the magazine.My main cover line is the second largest font size on the
page which emphasizes that it is the most important story in the
magazine and also it tells the audience that the main image relates to
the story.
Front Page

2. Flash
I have placed the flash at the top right hand corner of my front cover
because in the XXL magazine they have also placed it in the top right
have corner because it is a convention of real magazines. The flash
sells a feature in the article which could be a CD or awards.
Date
The date of the issue is just below the masthead which is small feature
but is important as it is a connotation of magazines
Barcode
I have placed the barcode at the bottom right hand corner of my front
cover which is a connotation of real magazines.
Front Page

3. Cover Lines
Cover lines are short statements found on the cover of the magazine
that describe the articles inside. I have use many different fonts and
sizes for my cover lines which makes the cover lines stand out and is a
connotation of real magazines.
Colour Scheme
A colour scheme is a connotation of magazines and is used throughout
the magazine. The colours in the magazine can effect a readers mood
while reading the magazine. The colour scheme of my magazine is
white, black and yellow. I used yellow because it is a colour of energy
and happiness, I have also used red for the main cover line and puff to
add colour to my page and make those features stand out.
Synergy
The website and social media platforms for my magazine are at the
bottom of the page, this creates synergy which links on product to
another, as my magazine is old media and websites and social media
are new media they all interlink with each other.
Front Page

4. Heading
My contents page challenges the forms and conventions of a real contents
page as magazine headings are usually put in the top left hand corner of a
contents page. However, I have chose to put mine in the bottom right hand
corner.
Colour Scheme
The colour scheme is very clear on my contents page as I have only used
the colours white, black and yellow. I decided to have wob (white text on a
black background), as it stands out.
Contents List
I have used many fonts and sizes for my contents lists as it is a connotation
of magazines. However, my contents page challenges the forms and
conventions as the contents list are usually aliened to one side whereas I
have mine aliened around my image.
Contents Page

5. Headline
A headline is the main title of the article. My headline for my double
page spread is a pull-quote from the article and reads “the grind never
stops”
Colour Scheme
My colour scheme white, black and yellow continues throughout all my
pages. Following my front cover I have continued to use a hint of red to
which is recognisable from my front cover, therefore my audience will
know this article is from the front cover.
Main image
The main image on my double page spread covers one side of my
double page spread which is a convention of real magazines.
Double Page Spread

6. Drop Cap
A drop cap is a large initial letter at the start of the text that drops into
the line or lines of text below.
Running Head
A running head is a title or heading that runs along the top of a
printed publication, usually a magazine.
The running head at the top of the pages
Pull-Out Quote
A pull-out quote is a selected quote from a story highlighted next to
the main text. Often used in interviews.
Double Page Spread

7. Columns
It is a convention in a double page spread to have three columns for
an article body. Therefore, I have used three columns to follow the
forms and conventions of a magazine.
Tombstone
A tombstone is used to indicate the end of an article. I have used
designed my tombstone as my website to indicated the end of the
article. Also, because the website is the last thing they read they are
more likely to go to the website.
Page numbers
Page numbers are a small feature of double page spread however,
they are important as it is a connotation of double page spreads.
Double Page Spread