Conventions of Magazines

Today, I decided to expand my knowledge and learn more about the structure and conventions in the magazine-making process. There are general conventions in any medium, and are also genre specific. All magazines don't necessarily follow a specific format or structure in writing the articles. However, they all share similar features and conventions that build up the magazine. Those include: 

• Cover page - cover pages are visually appealing and is what sells the magazine 
• Cover story - the cover story is the beacon in any magazine. It may refer to a story in a magazine whose subject matter appears on its front. 
• Subheading - describes other stories or features within the text. 
  
•  Mast Head - The mast head is the magazines title (usually in larger text) and is often the first thing readers see. This is a feature of magazines that remain constant.  
• Main Image - a large image on the cover of a magazine that will be the main factor to try and catch the readers attention. 
• Sell Line -  information on the cover of a magazine that tells the reader what to expect to read if they buy the magazine.
• Barcode - usually in the lower corners and indicates date and price.
• Magazine header bar: Includes information about more minor articles inside the magazine

 

Here is what a magazine cover looks like with the main conventions indicated:

 

 

https://imagethatimage.weebly.com/magazine-front-cover.html

 

 

Additional aspects to consider: 

• Use of Color - the color scheme chosen convey messages about the texts genre and often about the target audience. 
• Font style and size: related to the genre and can be sophisticated or cartoony, depending on the target audience. 
• Text positioning: contribute to the overall style of the publication. 
• Lighting - the way in which an image is lit helps to convey a mood 
• Layout and Design -  can be informal or formally constructed and depend on genre and intended audience.
  
• Editorial - Magazine editorials give opinions on important social, political,  economic, or legal issues and aim to persuade readers to side with a particular point of view.
  

Sources: 

https://en.calameo.com/read/005837167eeeb75724e0f

https://silo.tips/download/significant-learning-outcomes