Wednesday 29 September 2010

CODES AND CONVENTIONS OF A MAGAZINE CONTENTS PAGE.

  • Arranged in columns, usually 3 or 4.
  • One main picture relating to a feature article.
  • Other smaller images.
  • They have page numbers on the pictures which anchors them to the written contents.
  • Name of the magazine is at the top, issue date and the word contents.
  • Subscription and contact information.
  • Sometimes an editors letter.
  • Contents divided into catergories and headings used to identify each catergory.
  • Image of the front cover of the magazine.
  • Simple colour scheme.
  • Contents are written in the same way-
    First Line- page number- one or two words which could be artist name or ambigous text to intrigue the reader in bold type, often capital letters (average 12-13pt).
    Sub Line- Gives you more specific detail about what the articles about in smaller font and roman (no bigger than 11pt).
  • Photography is credited for the front cover.
  • Interesting and varied photographs.
  • Features and regulars - main catergory headings
  • Bottom has page number followed by title and issue date, really small font, often followed by a web address.
  • Usually one or two pages, no more.

CODES AND CONVENTIONS OF A MAGAZINE FRONT COVER.

  • One main image which takes up the whole front cover.
  • The main image is usually the main feature article.
  • Studio photographs.
  • The main image is using direct address (to involve the reader)
  • 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 the title.
  • Price and issue date usually by the title - 11pt size (sometimes by the barcode).
  • Puff - offering something extra to the magazine.
  • Buzzword - most common  "EXCLUSIVE" (usually main feature)
  • 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.