Conventions - contents and cover page.

Contents Conventions.

The contents convention consists of once main image that relates to the feature of the article. As well as this, it also contains other smaller images, but usually no more than 4. The colours of the contents page tend to use the same and simple colour scheme as the front cover of the magazine. 

The images that are selected to be used should really take up at least, but no more than 50% of the page. The images chosen should contain a page number as well as anchorage text.

The structured layout of the contents should include 1-3 columns that are usually divided into categories and headings. An example would be ‘Main Categories- features and regulars’.

However, the ‘feature’ section should be written in a different font as it is special or limited. These contents item should be written in bold / Italic titles in size 12 or 13 font. Whereas the description size should be written in size 11 / 12 font.

At the top of the page there should be the name of the magazine, an issue date as well as word contents.  As well as this, in various places, there should be subscription and contact information, and the month it is published, social media information if there is any, credits to the photographer, possibly a letter from the editor and an image of the front cover.

Cover Page Conventions.

Magazine cover page serves many purposes. It makes sure to sell the brand, must be visually appealing and different from the other cover pages on the newsstand in order to attract the new readers.

However, on the other hand each new cover must be different from the previous issue but still remotely familiar and recognizable to regular readers of the magazine.  It must make sure it references the publications character and its content. All of this make the cover page the most important page in any type of magazine.

The main image normally is the main feature of the article so the quality is professional and clear. The photographs are usually taken in medium close-up or mid shot. It also directly addresses the reader.

The masthead has the magazines trademark and a unique font to match. it usually is one or two words and fills the width of the cover or is normally in the top left hand corner. 

In my school magazine I will conform to the same colour scheme and follow the layout of the contents page, however I will subvert the size of the text and may have it written slightly larger than recommended.