Main Task Research - codes and conventions

Codes and Conventions of a Music Magazine Front Cover

Title is always left aligned - usually the full width of the page
Title always one word/letter/or letters
Title is the largest text on the cover
Always uses unique fonts
Bar code is on the front because a company has already paid for an advert on the back
Consistent colour scheme - bright, few colours used
One main image of a band or singer - medium close up
Main image not smiling - conveys an attitude
Main image has direct address - looking at reader
The main cover line anchors the meaning of the main image - usually two lines and second biggest text on page
Cover lines - two or three lines, information about contents, frame main image, left side of cover
Typography - consistent font
Two types of font - Serif which uses a hook, and Sans Serif without the hook
Conations of font reflect target audience and subject
Positioning Statement - above or below the title
Issue, date, price and positioning statement = masthead
Puff - something extra : FREE CD!
Buzzword - Exclusive, Plus. A strip at top or bottom of page - list of names or topics

Codes and Conventions of a Contents Page

Headings divide up contents
Editorial letter -with picture
One large image - with several smaller pictures
Consistent colour scheme
Laid out in two or three columns
Page number on pictures anchor image to written context
Subscription details
White Background
"Contents" at top of page
Page number then text e.g. p3 Amy Whinehouse
Text usually bold or slightly larger than subline - one or two words
Regular content appears in every issue - gig guide, letters and reviews
Feature Content - one off articles
Page number at bottom
Website address

Codes and Conventions of a Double Page Spread

The main image takes up a whole page of more.
The main image is bleeds across to the next page.
The headlines usually stretch across the two pages.
Strap lines or boarders often bleed across the two pages.
There is sometimes drop capitals at the start of an article so you know where to start reading from.
Bold type is used on the first paragraph which has a slightly bigger type face.
More than one image is usually used.
Smaller images are used to break up the text - which makes me more inviting.
Panels and quotes can also be used to break up the text.
Quote are sometimes used on the main image.
There is a byline which is the name or the artist who wrote the article. (usually in or by the stand first or the end of the article)
There is usually a credit (the name of the photographer).
Stand first goes under the headline.
The headline doesn't have to make sense.
Creative, eye catching headlines.
The artist's names are highlighted.
Page numbers are at the bottom of the magazine with the issue date.
There is usually a website address.
There is a limited use of colour.
Usually laid out in columns (3 or 4).
The stand first has a larger font size.
There is usually a creative use of photography.
An informal style of writing is used.
The personality of the writer comes through in the article.
The articles induces opinions.