Front Cover (Main Conventions)

Front Page Conventions

 

v The masthead is usually towards the top of the page and its main job is to draw in the audience’s attention as it should give an idea of the genre and target audience.

 

v Buzz words are used in order to attract attention for example "plus" and "free"; these words both get the reader to want to buy that magazine.

 

v There is always a main image used which is of the main artist, when it is a band it's usually a long shot however when it is a solo artist it is usually a mid shot unless it is a solo artist who is looking at the camera in order to connect to the audience where their body language reflects this audience and the genre of music.

 

v Subsidiary images are used which may also get you to look at the magazine, especially when well known images are used. These images may be used as a backup if some of the others do not appeal to the audience.

 

v There is an organised layout which suggests a more mature audience as it is formal, this is then appropriate to the genre and the target audience.

 

v A tag line is used which also is there to attract attention and give the magazine an edge for its audience.

 

v There is also normally a plain background used as this makes the other features of the front cover stand out more and make it look more formal.

 

v Basic information is also featured on the front cover; which is needed for most magazines in general like a bar code, price and issue date.