Codes and Conventions of a magazine cover

When creating a magazine, the codes and conventions must always be fully researched as these are the aspects of a magazine which make it successful. Codes and conventions are seperated into 3 categories
- Technical (camera techniques & shots),
- Symbolic (ie clothing, colours)
- Written and audio (taglines, puffs etc).
There are a varitey of different features on the front of the magazine which either make it interesting or appealing.
Feature article - the main article which has the most coverage within the magazine.
Main image - usually a studio photograph which has been edited and made high definition. If the subject is a person, (most likely) then they will probably be giving a direct mode of address.
Masthead - this is a trademark word which will have aunique font so that it is recognisable.Around the sides of the magazine, the issue, date and price are shown (in size 11pt).
Puffs - shapes with text inside of them. These will usually be used to show exclusive offers and limited deals.
Colours are very important for puffs.
Buzz words - (inside and outside of puffs). Examples of these are EXCLUSIVE, FREE, LIMITED and NEW. These are used to grab the readers attention and make them pick up the magazine to see what it consists of.
Barcode - almost always shown in the bottom right hand corner of the front cover.
Coverlines - used to give a preview of the articles inside and can sometimes determine if the person buys the magazine.
A strip - shown at the top which includes the lists of items within the magazine.
The colour - must be effective as a simple colour scheme is usually the best for success.