Codes and conventions of Magazine covers

Learning objective: 
To identify codes and conventions of music magazines and apply them to a mock up magazine of your own.within a print based text and using annotation, support your points.

Key words:
House style, Masthead, Shots, Angles, Low key lighting, connotations, Graphics, Manipulation.

Genre specific lexis: Words that an audience would associate with a specific genre. 'Banging' tunes'.
Hyperbole: Over exaggerated language that can make a text seem very good. 
'I've told you a million times'.
Imperatives: Words or phrases that contain a command or an order. 'Get your free gift NOW'.

Magazines also have lots of genres and sub genres. Music magazines are a sub genre but all magazines have codes and conventions that audiences expect to see.

When you create a magazine cover you should look to include the following and consider how these conventions will appeal to your target audience.

Masthead: In publishing refers to the flag, banner or the name of a magazine or newspaper printed in large type at the top of the front page. The masthead should also give a clue to the genre of the magazine. Kerrang for instance is the name of a music magazine and it sounds like a guitar being strummed. If the magazine is well known then the masthead may be obscured by the main image.

Sell line: is information on the cover of a magazine that tells the reader what extra they can get if they buy the magazine. Free gifts or competitions for example.

Cover lines: These usually run down the side and give the reader clues to what is inside the magazine. Their aim is to persuade the reader to buy. Cover lines must link to the genre.

Main image/central image: The main image of a music magazine is usually a picture of a band or artist who is currently popular.

Date, barcode, price: All magazines should include these. The price should reflect the category (a, b, c1 or c2, d, e). of the primary target audience.

A strip along the top of the page: Includes information about more minor articles inside the magazine

Other things to consider:

Mode of address: Magazines often use genre specific lexis. They can make the reader feel exclusive, part of a group. Hyperbole is often used to attract a younger audience.

If the character on the main image is staring straight out at the audience then it is called a direct mode of address.

The layout and design can be formal or informal. This will depend on the house style of the magazine.

Informal layout may include snapshots or paparazzi shots.

Formal layout may include photos that have been set up and taken in a studio.

Colour: Magazines tend to have a house style which is used consistently. This can be created from a limited palette.

Font style and size: This is also related to the genre and can be sophisticated or cartoony, depending on the target audience.

Social media: Links to social media sites such as Facebook or Twitter are important and can prolong a reader's interest in the text.

Here is what an annotated magazine cover looks like with just the codes and conventions indicated:

Task 1: 

Annotate the magazine below using the handout provided. Use the media terminology that you have been using here.

Task 2: 

Using the handout provided, plan the layout of your own music magazine.

This should include as many of the codes and conventions we have discussed as possible.

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Magazines and other print texts

Print texts like magazines, CDs and film posters use the technical codes of framing, editing and lighting to transmit meaning.
These texts are constructed using a range of techniques designed to appeal to an audience.

Layout and design
The way in which a print text is constructed is partly through the technical codes of the text.
The use of colour, font style and text positioning all contribute to the overall style of the publication.
Magazines have a house style that is always used and readers will recognise this and expect it to be consistent.
Readers will recognise for example, the font style used for the masthead and the colour codes.

Camera Shots
The choice of shot on a print text helps to communicate meaning.
A screen shot from a film used on a poster suggests the narrative and genre of the film.
A close up of a performer on a music industry website contributes to their star persona and will attract their fan base.

Lighting
The way in which an image is lit helps to convey a mood.
Moody lighting with high contrast adds drama. Bright, naturalistic light is more friendly.

Low key lighting

High key lighting

Use of Colour
The colours chosen to be incorporated into print texts convey messages about the texts genre and often about the audience who will consume it.
Pastel colours on a CD suggest a particular type of music.
Print based adverts for fragrances convey messages quickly to their audience by using digitally applied colour washes.

Graphics
Logos and graphical representations appear in many forms on print based texts.
Some CD covers and websites, for example do not contain images of the band or artist but use more artistic illustrations or photos which represent the genre of the music.
(See the Cage for Elephant website).

Post production techniques
It is the case in media today that still images are manipulated and enhanced digitally for an effect. In advertising for example, eyelashes are extended and skin is made to loo flawless through the use of digital airbrushing. Models on the front covers of magazines are body brushed to give an unrealistic appearance of perfection.

Task 1: Answer the question:
How do technical codes construct meanings in print text?

Use specific annotated examples to support your points.
You may use magazine or CD covers to annotate.