Codes and conventions of magazines.

All magazines try to be different, unique and independent in a way that attracts and persuades people to buy and read what's inside. However, codes and conventions are carried out in all magazines to make it easily understandable. There 3 different categories for codes- technical, symbolic and written. Technical codes are to do with the photography side, such as the framing, lighting, exposure and positioning. Symbolic codes look at the connotations, such as the colours, body language, facial expressions and clothing. Lastly, Written codes is about the language of the text. Common codes and conventions of magazines include:

A mast head- this is the name of the magazine. It is normally located at the top of the cover to make it easily found in stores, where there would be many other magazines. It is normally bold and bigger than any other text on the cover. Also, as the mast head is the name of the magazine, it will stay the same on all issues so again, it is easily recognised. It is unusual for a masthead to use letters that aren't in capitals- this is again due to needing to stand out. Billboard is an example of a magazine that uses a masthead without it all being in capital letters.

A main image- the main image is normally an iconic sign, relating to the main cover story. For example, if the main image was of artist Cheryl Cole, there would be a large cover line about her. Also, on many magazines, a model quote is used.
   Most magazines use photography studios to get shoots in which the model would be against a white background. As well as looking more professional, this gives a clear background to use for cover lines and over conventions. The connotations of an image have to be looked upon as it will need to relate to the cover line and how the model is supposed to feel and the expressions they should show. For example, if the cover line description said that an artist had won a good award, the facial expressions would most likely connotate happiness, also giving a positive energy.

Cover lines- cover lines tell the reader what stories are going to be in the magazine. This is an easy way for people to find out what is inside without flicking through. Normally, if a person isn't interested in the cover lines, they wont buy it so they have to be worded and made the most interesting they can be. Cover lines usually have a bigger subtitle in a different colour. Underneath this, a short sentence telling more about the story. Both of these could use language techniques such as a pun, repetition, rhythm etc. For example:
Chase and Status:
''Twisting the face of drum and base''
The sub title and description are both extremely small worded but the description uses a rhythm with the words face and base which make it more fun.

A date line- a date line usually goes at the top right hand corner or by the bar code to make it easily found. This shows when it made made for.

Advertisement- there is normally some type of advertisement within the cover which attracts attention to the magazine. It could be a 'Win big!' which makes people want to buy it and read more. Images are often used with this in a boxed text to stand out from the rest.

Bar code- on every cover there's a bar code and the price is next to it.

Magazines often find the best layout and stick to it to make it constant as it will go with the theme of the magazine and link to the genre of music they want to display.