Music Magazine Cover Codes and Conventions

Joe Hadfield

MastheadsThe masthead is usually situated at the top of the page of most magazines. It is usually the biggest font on the page, it is like this so that it stands out and a unique font is also used to make it eye catching. Dependant on how popular the magazine is, depends on how much the masthead is covered. For example, ‘Vibe’ masthead is covered as the name is well known, so even though it is partially covered people still know what it says. Whereas a less well known company won’t cover the masthead as people wanted know the name of it.

Main Cover ImageThe main image is usually in the middle of the page and is the only thing that is bigger than the masthead. The person who is on the front cover is usually making direct address, this is done to engage the person who is looking at the magazine and to make them read or buy the magazine. Usually with music magazines, the main image can indicate what genre of music the magazine is about. For example, with a rock magazine the main image may have an image of someone screaming, with long hair and a beard, this has connotations of the rock genre so that people know just from looking at the main image what genre of music the magazine is about. Music iconography is used, such as guitars, to further suggest to the audience that the magazine is about music.

Main Cover Line

The main cover line indicates that it is a music magazine, as it will often have a music artist included in it. It is usually the biggest font compared to the other cover lines as it is the main story, it usually relates to the main image and has an enticing quote to draw the reader in.

Positioning StatementIs usually situated near the masthead, and is like a slogan. It positions the magazine within in the market place.

Issue information, barcode and price

They are usually all situated together. However, sometimes the issue information can be placed near the masthead. Normally they are placed in the bottom corner of the magazine, out of the way.

Skyline

It is placed right at the top of the page, it usually is displaying a message to entice the audience in to buying the magazine. It can also be used as another cover line.

Puff

Looks like a sticker. Usually has an incentive written in it to engage the audience.

Incentives and buzzwords

An incentive or a buzz word, is a word which entices the audience into reading the magazine. E.g. ‘free’ will attract the reader as they will want to get something for free.

House style

This shows us what the audience are like, as the magazine will have a particular style. Like a specific font style and colour scheme.