Conventions of a magazine front cover

The front covers of magazines contain many conventions and techniques that are all used to sell the magazine.


The first convention of a magazine cover is the mast head. This is the name of the magazine which is always at the top. For example:

Secondly, there is a tagline that goes near the master head and is often attached to it. It shows what the magazine is about or who it might be aimed at. An example is the 'new music first' under the master head 'Rocksound'

Thirdly, another technique is an anchorage. This focuses on how the image is referred to. this can be through captions, cover lines, articles or headlines. In this magazine, the image is of a band called Black Veil Brides, this name is written boldly on the front to attract the audience who would be fans.



 One of the most important conventions of a magazine is the central image. This is because it will catch the reader's eye before they see anything else. It should be relevant to the magazine's purpose and audience. For example: a celebrity. In this magazine, the central image is a famous band.

Some magazines feature a model. This may be a celebrity or a well- known individual connected with the magazine's genre.
Secondary images may be used on the front cover to help promote what else features inside. This magazine has smaller images along the bottom to show which bands are written about inside. this will attract a wider audience of their fans who will want to read about them.

Cover lines are located in various places on the front cover to tell the readers about the content, specifically the articles they will find.
The mode of address refers to the way the magazine communicates with their readers. Some will use a direct mode of address to individual readers through 2nd person pronouns such as "you" or "you are".
A puff is a device which helps to draw attention to certain elements in the magazine. they are often on top of colourful backgrounds or shaped to make them stand out. These are used to promote things such as competitions, free or exclusive things.
Pugs are placed on the top left or right corners of the front cover. They usually show a promotion for that particular edition of the magazine. furthermore, they can be used to show the price if the cost of the magazine is a promotion.
Barcodes, the price and the edition number are plain features that need to be statically placed. The barcode should not cover any important features and the price is usually next to it.

The use of colour is extremely important, creating a great effect. Some magazines have colour schemes, but these can altar from issue to issue.
Front covers will often use a variety of font styles which will often include a meaning to what they say.