Codes and Conventions of a Magazine Front Cover

- Usually the main feature article.

- Studio photographs,usually in mediumclose-up or mid shot

- Direct address.

One main image that takes up the whole cover :

- Has a trademark, unique font.

- Usually one or two words.

- Fills the width of the cover, or is in the top left corner.

Positioning statement – how the magazine positions itself in the marketplace against the competition

- Price and issue [ sometimes by the barcode] date by title ( 11pt size)

Title (masthead)

Puff – offers something else to the magazine such as free giveaways

Buzz words – usually with the main feature article. Used to attract attention e.g. “EXCLUSIVE, FREE, PLUS”

Barcode - This will be positioned at the bottom right, or up the right side. Along with it will sometimes be the date/month of edition, price, website and issue number

Coverlines - lines of text on the front cover designed to attract the audience’s attention and make them pick the magazine up and look inside.

Main Coverline - This is the largest text on the cover after the title and it anchors the meaning of the image. Usually a sub line in smaller text giving more information about the article.

Other cover lines are usually one or two words with sub lines explaining them. Some are used to intrigue the reader. These must represent the stories inside. There are only 5 or 6 and they are positioned down the sides, framing the image, so the main image is not covered. These are usually in the same font to create a distinctive design.

Strip – across the top or bottom containing lists of items which feature in the magazine. This conveys the magazine is full of interesting stories and the audience is getting value for money.

Colour – small amount used with a simple colour scheme adding to the distinctive design.