codes and convetions of front covers and double page spreads

Codes and conventions of front covers and double page spreads

Front covers:

-          Main image in centre of the Page – usually a person or people

-          Masthead – large font, all the same size, always in the top third.

-          Main feature article – large font, usually in middle third – anchors meaning of main image. Content is usually topical/ new/ recent/ exclusive

-          Snapshots of other articles – photos/ images/ end / cover lines usually in left + right thirds occasionally along the bottom but these tend to be shorter

-   Usually 3 or 4 main colours, sometimes uses different shades of a colour for variety

-   Usually 3 – 4 fonts used, but bold/ 3D / italics added to make them look different.

-   Colour blocks – blocks of full colour, usually samaras that break up the page into different sections

-   Graphics – puffs, pugs, other small features and shapes, usually used for extras

-   Layout – No ‘dead space’ unless using a minimalist approach. 

 

Double page spread: 

-          Large main image – takes up ¼ or more of the dps (double page spread) placement is key.

-          Clear, large title on top left

-          Subheading – summary / introductions

-          Body copy – article text – usually black/ dark text on white background or colour block

-          Graphic feature that denotes what type of article it is, or what section it is within – gives it an identity and aids navigation of the magazine.

-          Page numbers on most pages unless over an image usually in corners

-          Title of magazine present at top / bottom of page

-          Often includes website

-          Date/ month