Learning objective: To identify codes and conventions of music magazines and apply them to a mock up magazine of your own.within a print based text and using annotation, support your points.
Genre specific lexis: Words that an audience would associate with a specific genre. 'Banging' tunes'.
Hyperbole: Over exaggerated language that can make a text seem very good. 'I've told you a million times'.
Imperatives: Words or phrases that contain a command or an order. 'Get your free gift NOW'.
Magazines also have lots of genres and sub genres. Music magazines are a sub genre but all magazines have codes and conventions that audiences expect to see.
When you create a magazine cover you should look to include the following and consider how these conventions will appeal to your target audience.
Masthead: In publishing refers to the flag, banner or the name of a magazine or newspaper printed in large type at the top of the front page. The masthead should also give a clue to the genre of the magazine. Kerrang for instance is the name of a music magazine and it sounds like a guitar being strummed. If the magazine is well known then the masthead may be obscured by the main image.
Sell line: is information on the cover of a magazine that tells the reader what extra they can get if they buy the magazine. Free gifts or competitions for example.
Cover lines: These usually run down the side and give the reader clues to what is inside the magazine. Their aim is to persuade the reader to buy. Cover lines must link to the genre.
Main image/central image: The main image of a music magazine is usually a picture of a band or artist who is currently popular.
Date, barcode, price: All magazines should include these. The price should reflect the category (a, b, c1 or c2, d, e). of the primary target audience.
A strip along the top of the page: Includes information about more minor articles inside the magazine
Other things to consider:
Mode of address: Magazines often use genre specific lexis. They can make the reader feel exclusive, part of a group. Hyperbole is often used to attract a younger audience. If the character on the main image is staring straight out at the audience then it is called a direct mode of address.
The layout and design can be formal or informal. This will depend on the house style of the magazine. Informal layout may include snapshots or paparazzi shots. Formal layout may include photos that have been set up and taken in a studio.
Colour: Magazines tend to have a house style which is used consistently. This can be created from a limited palette.
Font style and size: This is also related to the genre and can be sophisticated or cartoony, depending on the target audience.
Social media: Links to social media sites such as Facebook or Twitter are important and can prolong a reader's interest in the text.
Here is what an annotated magazine cover looks like with just the codes and conventions indicated:
Task 2: Annotate the magazines in compass and using the handout provided Codes and Conventions. Use the media terminology that you have been using here.
Annotate with your group.
Create a new page called Magazine Front Cover on your Web Site
Submit your annotated Magazine cover.
Task 3: Using the handout provided, (in compass) create a flat plan the layout of your own magazine. This should include as many of the codes and conventions we have discussed as possible.