This document defines and describes various elements that commonly appear on magazine covers, including: - The masthead, which contains the magazine's title in the largest font at the top of the page. - The main image, which is the focus of the cover and usually features a model making direct eye contact. - The skyline, which tells readers what topics or articles are covered in the magazine. - The main coverline, which relates to the main image and uses one of the largest fonts to briefly describe a featured article. - Cobverlines, which advertise additional feature articles without relating to the main image. - Other standard elements like the barcode, price, puffs or

1. Masthead
the title of a newspaper or magazine at the head of
the first or editorial page.
This isn’t a conventional
masthead as they are usually
a full word, not just a letter;
however it is still
conventional in the sense that
it is the largest font and very
prominent.

2. Main image
This main image has
all the codes and
conventions of a
standard main image
such as direct
address and the
model being the focus
of the front cover.
Lemmy overlaps the
masthead, which
signifies his
importance not only
as an icon but to the
genre of the
magazine.

3. Skyline
Tells you what the
magazine is about or
can be something
featured in article
usually of particular
interest to the reader.

4. Main coverline
Always relates to the
main image, other
than masthead it is
the largest font on
the cover and gives a
brief about the
featured article

5. Coverline
Unlike the main
coverline these do not
relate to the main
image and their is
more than one; used
to show the
magazines feature
articles, often include
exclusive interviews
etc.

6. Barcode
Used for the purchasing of
magazines. kept small and out
of the way as to not draw
attention from other, more
important conventions of the
cover

7. Price
On most magazines the
price is found next to the
barcode

8. Puff
Used as incentives, flashy
and attention grabbing
they offer the consumer
something special; either
exclusive information,
freebies or competitions

9. Buzzword
Used as heading as
puffs, often either
‘free’ or ‘exclusive’.
Larger than the rest
of the words found
in the puff, they
draw the reader in.

10. Issue info
Shows the date and
sometimes issue number,
often found with the barcode
and price.

11. House Style
House style is where a
magazine uses the same
codes and conventions
every issue to give it its’
iconic style. Music
Magazines use house
style to help the reader
identify the genre of
music. The font style of
Kerrangs masthead
identifies with the rock
music genre as it is
cracked and edgy.