Magazine Conventions

Creating a magazine cover should follow a few conventions that that are universal to most publications. Also, there is some terminology that highlights the most important features that should be included on the front page such as:

Masthead: The title, often the name of the publication. The masthead is quickly recognisable to the reader as the font size is usually large, and the font is unique to the publication in question, much like a logo. The purpose is to make sure the reader is familiar with the magazine their reading (or at least the publication).

Main Image: An (often large) image on the front cover with the purpose of quickly suggesting the magazine's main topic of the particular issue. Other text such as the headline and tags may be based around this image.

Strapline: Essentially a subheading just below the masthead that includes a selling line to help boost the magazine's profile on a glance. E.G: London's best-selling technology magazine.

Pugs: The top left-hand and right hand of a magazine, these (can) feature the price and the logo of the magazine.

Buzz words: Just about every magazine will have (at least) one. Buzz words are adjectives or exclamations that make the magazine seem urgently needed. Helps attract attention. An example would be: "Exclusive! Free! Shock!". Using any of these words in an exaggerated fashion (larger font, exclamation mark, etc) could be considered a buzz word.

Main Coverline: Besides the masthead, this can be considered the largest text on the front cover. Placed usually on the bottom half of the page, this text gives the main image meaning. An example would be a film's protagonist on a front cover of Total Film, followed by the film's title being the coverline.

All of the above features can be expected in a production of my own magazine front cover.