Magazine front cover conventions- Section 3

Front cover needs to have a purpose as it entices the reader to buy the magazine. Front covers of magazines can make a big impression to customers and they will want to choose the front cover that looks the most appealing. The front cover is made up of a number of different features and conventions. Masthead, this is the name of the magazine, it will always be at the top and will stand out as that's what people see first as it's the biggest font for a word on the page and it will have a stand out colour. The masthead can also give the reader an impression of what the magazine will be like. The tagline is under the masthead this may indicate what the magazine is about and who it is aimed at. The central image, this is crucial to the front cover as this is really what will catch the customers eye before they even look at the printed text. The central image will be relevant to the magazines purpose and audience. The cover model could bring in many customers as famous people will make a magazine more popular. Anchorage this is a term that refers to how images are referred to. In magazines, images will be anchored by captions. Secondary images are any other image used that isn't the central one. Coverlines are located at various points on the front cover, telling readers about the magazines contents and articles they will find. Mode of address refers to the way that magazines communicate with their readers. Puff, this is a device which helps to draw attention and promote certain elements in the magazine. They are often set against colourful backgrounds. Pugs are the "ears"of a magazine and are in the top corner they usually are a promotion for something. Barcode, price and edition will all also be on a front cover of the magazine.