Front cover features

Mastheads• The masthead is always in the same place, it is the

largest text on the page and is in a unique font. This is to make it easily recognizable to the audience member and make it stand out. The text of the font and colour of the masthead is associated with the magazine brand and again makes it more recognizable.

• If the masthead doesn’t fill the full width of the page then it is aligned left, this if because in the west we read left to right and top to bottom, so the masthead is aligned left to make it easier to read. Additionally, aligning it left means there is less dead space on the front cover, this means you can fit more onto the front cover which means the front cover looks neat and professional.

Main Image • The main image is normally in mid close up/medium shot. This is

most common if its an individual artist on the front. If a group/band is featured then a wide shot is more common. This is to make the main subject recognizable to the reader as then they are more likely to read the magazine if someone they know and like is on the front. In a group, the majority of the time the most popular/recognizable member of the group will be at the front.

• The main subject is usually looking into the camera to attract the readers eye and give a more personal feel as then they are more willing to buy. The main image is always bright and attractive to clearly show off the main subject. (as dark and dull photos don’t interest the reader) The main subject is in a pose that conveys attitude because then they look interesting to the reader.

• The main image is often taken in a studio setting as then lighting and background can be controlled easily to create an effect.

Cover Lines

• Cover Lines are around the main image and the masthead so that they don’t detract from the main image. Cover lines never cover the face of an artist because that is the most recognizable feature of the image. The main cover line is always anchored to the main image to Cover lines never cover the face of the artist on the front as the face needs to be recognizable or people wont want to buy it. Main cover line is the second biggest font – linked to main image.

Additions • The strapline/selling line of the magazine is located in a relatively

small font either above or below the masthead, this gives the reader an insight into what the magazine offers and why its unique to other magazines.

• The barcode and price are usually together and are commonly located in an area that would be dead space or in the bottom right so as not to detract from the magazine cover. The price is usually in a small font so that it is not obvious as it could put the reader off from buying it but if the reader sees something they like then they are more likely to buy it.

• The date line (when the magazine is published/issue number) shows when the magazine was published which gives the reader clarity.

• The Splash is an incentive to buy the magazine and usually contains a competition. It is often circular and attracts the readers attention