Codes and conventions into music magazine front covers

Barcodes

• The barcode can be placed vertically or horizontally, and it’s generally placed at the bottom right of the page.

• Normally includes the date-issue-number-price-website.

Masthead

• Bold masthead which is normally located at top left of each magazine. Contrast of red and white engages the reader with the established logo.

• The box also emphasises the logo more and makes it stand out.

Puff • A puff is the shape used to highlight something and is a

device which helps to promote certain elements in magazines. It can offer something else to the magazine such as free giveaways. A circle puff is normally the most popular type of puff and is used quite a lot, it’s different from everything else on the magazine. They are often set against the colour of the background to help advertise features.

A puff

Artist image• The name of the artist is usually below the image of the artist

in big bold writing. It will stand out from the rest of the text on the page and is always very clear to see.

• Only one main image varying from variety of shots ranging from close ups, mid shots and medium close ups etc.

• It draws peoples attention and the image sells the magazine

Headlines • The main heading anchors the image and usually is the

second largest piece of text on the magazine cover• The coverlines give the reader some information about the

other articles in the magazine (enigma code)• The sublines give the reader more information on the other

articles of the magazine and is in smaller font under the coverlines

Main headingcoverlines

Sublines

Subsidiary images • These link the stories inside and are generally at the sides of the

page. • They are only small so they don’t take focused of the main image.• They may be used to help promote other features in the magazine

as people are more likely to look at an image rather than text so it’s a good way to make readers want to look inside if they like the look

of the images on the outside.

Subsidiary images