Because my chosen genre of music magazine is "Pop", i decided to look into the biggest pop magazine "Billboard" and have a look at what their producers have been doing to make their magazine's stand out. I have also done some research into the codes and conventions of magazines. This will enable me to make sure my magazine will look realistic and professional. This is what i found out (in my own words):
I believe most of these codes and conventions should be used to make a successful magazine cover, contents and double page spread...
Masthead: This is the title block for the magazine, usually this is the most eye catching convention on the page. The masthead always has to be distinct.
Menu: The list of contents inside the magazine.
Pugs: These catch the readers eye as they are well placed. A pug is to the top left hand and the top right hand of a magazine. The prices and logo's are placed here.
Secondary lead: A sneak preview of an inside article or story, this would usually be a picture.
Sidebar: Additional information usually in a box next to the main feature of a magazine.
Splash: This is the main story of the front page, accompanied with the headline and a photograph.
Spread: A story that covers more than one page.
Stand first: A sentence after a headline and before an article begins that sells a feature to the reader.
Strap line: Also known as a sub heading.
Tag: Categorizing the readers attention and interest in a story by using a word or phrase to engage them.
Box out: A colored box behind some text to make the text itself stand out.
By line: Name of the reporter.
Caption: The text underneath a picture which would explain what is taking place in it.
Credits: Mentions to whomever is the designer of certain things.
Cross head: A subheading shown in the body of the text and stands out.
Kicker: A story designed to stand out above the rest. Usually presented first on the front cover and then in the contents.
Lead story: Usually a splash, this is the main story.
I analysed these different covers with big pop stars on the front of them. I will use these examples as my inspiration:
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