This document outlines common codes and conventions used on magazine covers, including: 1) The masthead displays the magazine title in a unique font across the full page width, always as the largest text. 2) The main cover line is the largest text anchoring the main image and provides details in sublines. 3) Additional elements like the barcode, buzzwords, color schemes, images, cover lines, and puffs are used to promote articles and incentives to entice readers. 4) Positioning statements, subsidiary images, and incentives in the pug corner further communicate what readers will find inside.

1. MAGAZINE CODES AND
CONVENTIONS

2. Masthead
Title is full page width
with a unique font
Used as the magazines
trademark - always the
Biggest text on the page.
One letter covered by
model but this is ok as it
is an established brand.
Main cover line
Largest text on
the cover that
anchors the
image.
Sublines
underneath give
details of what
the article is
about.
The barcode is
Always on the
front cover
Buzzword
Promotes
something
exclusive or
for example
when there
Is a
competition
WIN will be
on the cover
Colour scheme features a
few simple colours and
usually one brighter and
more eyecatching colour
Main image, direct
address with no text
over the face. Usually
only one person.
Pug
Corner of
page is
covered and
usually has an
incentive to
read the
magazine

3. Positioning
statement –
the way the
magazine
positions itself
in the market
to separate
itself from
others
Cover lines are around the
models face but do not cover
it, they are all fashion/ beauty
related and use the same font.
They are also short and eye
catching making the reader
want to look at the articles they
link to.

4. Puff
An incentive
placed on the
cover to make
something stand
out. Will often be
an offer or to
show the buyer
they are saving
money in order
to make them
more likely to
buy it.

5. Subsidiary images that give an
Idea of what the article is going to
be about and to complement the
coverline with an example of the
items in the magazine.