CODES AND CONVENTIONS OF A MAGAZINE FRONT COVER.

• One main image which takes up the whole cover (singer or band).
• Main image is usually main feature article.
• Studio photographs.
• Direct address- the image on front cover looks directly at you (conveys attitude).
• Title:  Unique font (trademark).
           Usually one word.
           Fills the width of the cover or is in the top left corner.
• Positioning statement- usually above or below title.
• Price and issue date by the title (11pt size), sometimes by the barcode.
• Puff- offering something extra to the magazine.
• Buzz words- most common "exclusive," usually used on main feature article.
• Coverlines (sell lines), main coverline is largest on the cover after the title, it anchors the meaning of the image, usually a subline in smaller text giving more information about the article.
  - Other coverlines are usually one or two words with smaller sublines explaining them, this is consistent across the design.
• First two lines/ words in colour/ larger font size/ different font to sublines.
• Barcode always on front cover as they cannot put it on the back page due to advertisement.
• Strip across top or bottom containing artists featured in magazine.
• Coverlines frame the image, or are down one side of the magazine
• Small number of colours used.