Magazine covers include codes and conventions that convey meaning. Codes refer to symbolic systems used to communicate ideas, while conventions involve repetitive reinforcement of norms. Specifically, this document analyzes the covers of Cosmopolitan and Women's Health magazines. Both covers feature a prominent masthead in bold font to catch the reader's eye. They also include young, attractive models that represent the target demographic and encourage readership through lifestyle stories. Color schemes and other design elements are tailored to appeal to the magazines' intended female audiences.

1. Code and convections

2. Magazine covers include a series of conventional elements which convey certain meanings.
These are their generic codes and conventions
Code = system of symbols used to communicate a message or idea
Convections = repetition and reinforcement of normative values

3. Convention:
The models face and head are
slightly covering the masthead, yet
it is still visible.
The colour pink shows femininity
and emphasizes the
encouragement of female power.
Linking back to cosmopolitan’s
mission statements.
The baby pink coloured font
matches the pink worn by the
model.
“New year, New everything”
suggests the importance the brand
follows with keeping up to date on
newest trends. Her pregnancy is a
good public statement for the
magazine company and entices
readers to catch up on her big
news.
The size of the masthead is the biggest text
on the cover, as it is the name of the
magazine. The font used is used in bold. It
catches the eye of the reader and is placed
directly above the model. Despite the
model’s face covering part of the text, it is
still visible to read.
Emma Roberts:
Emma is an American actress and singer
aged 31. She is most recognised for her role
in Nickelodeon show making her a good
model for cosmopolitan’s front cover. Her
age helps target their targeted audience
(females 18-35)

4. Once again the model’s face and head
is covering the Masthead and Brand of
the Magazine.
The model’s name does not appear
anywhere on this cover, Publicity of
who is recruited as a model does
not seem important for them.
Small jokes to appear less formal to
readers
Possible sponsors linked closely
to improving and living a
healthier lifestyle
A dominant colour of pink and light
pastel making it more appealing to
female readers.
The size Women’s Health is the biggest
on the cover as it titles the page. The
font is thick like Cosmpolitan’s. The title
does not catch the readers view as well,
as other texts on the page clash with a
similar font and sizing.
Michelle Keegan:
Michelle is an English actress and
aged 34. She is displayed as a good
fitness enthusiast and a important
figure for Women’s Health. Alike
Emma Roberts on Cosmo’s cover she
encourages readers of a similar age
category to read.
Included fitness plans and
activities for readers to use and
easily follow

5. The masthead is centered at
the very top of the cover, with
no coverings around it.
Soft fonts to appear more
gentle
The colour red and
green illustrates the festivity
being promoted.
The size of the text varies
according to the prominence of
the feature on articles cover
line
Different fonts of green