Codes and Conventions of a Magazine Front Cover

• One main centre image that takes up the whole page
• Bars at the bottom of the magazine containing article topics
• Main pictures is usually the main feature article
• Studio photos that convey attitude
• Direct address
• Must have tag lines
• Must have buzz words e.g. 'exclusive'  and coupled with main article
• Name in a banner line at the top left
• Some images overlap the title
• The masthead must have a type face that is unique (trademark)
• The masthead is usually one word
• Main image must be medium close up
• The masthead must have a positioning statement, above or below the line (how it places itself in the market)
• The price and date of the issue goes with the title or by the bar code (usually 11pt size)
• Can include puffs to offer something extra
• The largest cover line is the main cover line:
• It is the largest typeface after the masthead
• It anchors the meaning of the image
• It usually excludes a subtitle, in smaller font, which has more info about the article
• Other cover lines are usually 1 or 2 words with consistent subtitles
• The first two lines of the cover lines must have highlights in colour, trigger and different font to the subtitle, which are used to intrigue the reader
• Bar code at the front because advertisements are normally on the back
• Cover lines frame the image down one side of the magazine
• Limited colour scheme used