Magazine Covers Codes and Conventions

By Sam Anthony Rees 12JOS1

Masthead- on this particular magazine front cover the producer has opted for a big, bold title. This is effective because it clearly portrays to the reader the overall context of the magazine and what they can expect to be reading about.

Secondary Lead- here is a sneak preview of an inside article. This is a neatly placed addition because it entices the reader to purchase this particular issue, as they may be interested in this particular topic.

barcode

Exclusive – here we can see that his particular magazine has direct tips form Cameron Gibbs. This is a special one of interview which will hopefully entice the reader.

Sell lines- here is an alternate version of a kicker. The yellow font shows how this particular piece of writing is designed to stand out from the rest of the page.

Lead cover line

alliteration

Colloquial language

Three genre specific relevant images

Equivalent size, equivalent shape

Catches the readers attention .

Enhances that personal relationship with the reader.

In terms of design it is very professional

Genre specific

First hand pictures, taken in the school

Non verbal communication

Mid shot

Caption is the same shape

The list of things contained within the magazine are clearly listed and are very concise.

Central image relates to main topic of the magazine.

Direct message from the head teacher- gives the reader importance.

Again another criticism of this particular magazine cover is that it is unclear as to what the main article is.

Masthead- Once again large font is used on this front cover. Its quite a unisex type of font, It is also bold and clear.

Pugs-catches the reader’s eye as they are well placed. The prices, logo and position are placed here.

Sell lines- an additional box next to the main feature of the magazine

Tag- engaging the reader

By-line- name of the reporter and provenance

Exclusive- no one else can cover the story. It is a special one off

interview. Feature- usually with a human interest angle

Kicker- story designed to stand out from the rest of the page. Not quite a headline but still in large font

Lure- could be used as a marketing device

lead cover line

Personal pronouns creating that personal relationship

Teaser- to engage and entice the reader

Colloquial, informal language

alliteration

Matches the clear house-style set in the front cover.

Relevant images in cohesion with their specific article.

Very clear structure and layout makes it easy for the reader to find what they need.

Font and titles all the same size.

Colours used are minimal and simplistic as to not confuse the reader.

Maintains that personal relationship set in the front cover.

Different sub headings for all the separate articles.

Masthead- is clear and catches the attention of the reader.

have kept a more simplistic view to allow easy reading for young readers from as low as year 7.

allows the magazine to be more accessible for all ages so that everybody can read the magazine

The articles chose for the front cover are ones that would appeal to people the most.

Clear price making it clear to the reader Pug is included

in correct position showing the reader the particular number of this issue.

Hybrid of colours used in the sell lines to attract the

audience.

Purple font used to show the importance of the text.

Relevant different size images.

Detailed overviews of each separate article.

Personal relationship with the reader

enhanced.

Showing all aspects of the school

Rhetorical question- direct conversation to the reader.

Welcoming, pleasant tone used to “welcome back”

students.

Masthead- again on this magazine front cover the headline dominates the front of the cover. Large, bold, black font is once again used to emphasise the contents of the magazine. Splash- this

time accompanied

by an image.

Sell line - this is a direct question to the reader located just under the headline. It is personal and is there in order to sell this particular feature to the reader.

caption

this question is categorising the reader’s interest in a story by asking this question.

Feature- human-interest angle presented but not necessarily an individual news item

Kicker- story is designed to stand out from the rest of the page by the use of different font and colour.

It is unclear as to which one of the articles is the splash.

Rhetorical question – talking directly to the reader creating a friendly relationship

Again they are enhancing this friendly relationship with the reader.

Cover line- to match lead image- mid shot

Imperative verb

Particular image of student allows readers to relate.

Title is in clear black font allowing it to stand out and be easily recognised.

Specific page numbers allowing the reader to find what they need quickly.

Sell line- top story is made clear .

Relevant images of teachers and students.

brief overviews of each thing in the magaz

ine.

Image clearly

labelled.

Particular significance on page 17- the use of different colours and font size.