Codes and conventions of a magazine front cover

• Similarities in content and design.
• Mast-head in different font and bigger than anything else.
• Mast-head in top left hand corner (when magazine is well known the mast-head can be overlapped with the main image.
• Most of the main images are people that are easily recognisable to the audience or someone who reflects the target audience.
• Central image relates to genre.
• Biggest cover line line linking to the main picture.
• Little pictures - sub stories/feature articles (about 6-10).
• A bar code is present.
• Buzzwords are used, e.g. plus, free.
• Price and issue.
• Tag lines.
• Colour theme - recognisable- attract all audiences, limited colour - cost issue.
• Interviews.
• 2-3 different fonts over the whole page - mast-head in a separate font.
• Banners -with summary.
• Website address.