CONVENTIONS

 

Masthead - the masthead acts as the title of the magazine. It gives us an idea about what the magazine is about and it is usually recognisable. A generic masthead is usually 4-8 syllables making it short and eye catching.

Main feature image - the main image is important because it sets the theme of the magazine and gives the audience a clue about what is inside. The main image must also be eye catching to attract the audience.

Main feature - the main feature story is usually the most important in the magazine. It is normally the biggest feature story on the cover, catching the attention of the audience, making them read it, and hopefully entice them to buy the magazine to read more.

Feature stories - secondary feature stories are important because it shows a selection of stories which can be found in the magazine. If a magazine has more feature stories on the cover, it is more likely to be bought as then there is more chance of the audience finding a story which interests them.

Plug - a plug is used to catch the attention of the audience. The plug usually will be advertising something which the target market are likely to be interested in. This could be a special offer or a prize etc.

Barcode and price - the barcode is important because without it, the product would be allowed to be sold in shops. Some college magazines are free so the barcode and price wouldn't be needed but if the product was designed for the retail then it should have both.

Colour scheme - the colour scheme is essential to make the magazine attractive. The colours must compliment each other to make the front cover appealing to the audience. For example, the colour used for education is purple and the colours which compliment purple are green and orange.

URL - the URL on a magazine is sometimes overlooked, however it could possibly be one of the most important features on the cover. In the modern day, the internet is used a lot more frequently and so it is vital for the magazine to have a webpage as well.