Music Magazine Codes and Conventions

Shakeira Darbyshire

MastheadThe masthead is always at the top of the page as it is the first thing somebody will see when they buy a magazine. Also, when the magazines are stacked up in stores the masthead will always be showing

The masthead is the largest text on the front cover of the magazine. This is to catch the buyers attention so they know what kind of magazine they’re buying.

Additionally, the masthead has a unique font and will not appear anywhere else on the front cover or through the magazine articles. Fonts could be similar but never the same.

Main Cover Image- Including Mise En Scene

The main cover image always has direct address. This is to draw in the audience and make them want to buy the magazine.

Another purpose for the main cover image is to get the audiences’ attention. Having a famous person on the front cover will make the audience want to purchase the magazine.

It is also the main focus of the magazine so it has to be a visually striking image to catch people’s eye.

Main Cover LineThe main cover line always relates to the main image of the magazine front cover. This is to intrigue the audience.

The main cover line is bigger than all of the other cover lines as it is the most interesting article featured inside the magazine.

The main cover line is sometimes a different font to other cover lines and sometimes a different colour to catch the readers attention.

Cover linesCover lines are always relevant to the articles inside the magazine. This is to give the audience an insight into what’s in the magazine.

They are always positioned around the main image. This is so the faces of the front page are not covered.

The names of famous artists/bands are always in a larger font.

Positioning StatementThe positioning statement is always near the masthead so it can be seen by the audience.

It is also like a slogan for the magazine as it is either catchy or makes the audience be persuaded to buy it.

It positions the magazine within it’s market place.

Issue information, barcode and price.

The issue information is usually near the barcode or masthead.

The barcode is usually on the bottom right side of the front cover, out of the way.

The price is located in or near the barcode

Skyline

The skyline is always above the masthead

It is also another cover line or a positioning statement.

A skyline is to be seen when the magazines are stacked up in a store.

Banner

The banner is usually located at the bottom of the front page.

The colour of the banner fits in with the colour scheme of the whole front page.

The banner usually contains information that the audience would find intriguing.

Puffs

A puff looks like a sticker on a page. This is to attract the audience to the cover.

Inside the puff usually contains incentives which make the audience want to buy the magazine.

The purpose of a puff is to persuade and engage the audience

Incentives and buzzwords

Incentives usually appear inside a puff to make the audience want to read it.

Incentives are pieces of information which will persuade the audience to buy the magazine.

Buzzwords appear inside puffs. These words stand out to the audience such as free or exclusive.

House Style

Style of font is part of house style. This can make the front cover’s effect vary.

Colour scheme is also a part of house style which gives a sense of organisation within the front cover.

Style of layout and language appears on magazines and tells us the audience and the genre of music.