Front cover conventions

• MAIN IMAGE -  usually in mediumclose-up or mid shot - Direct address.
• TRADEMARK FONT  - Usually one or two words. - Fills the width of the cover, or is in the top left corner.
• PRICE AND ISSUED BARCODE ( 11pt size)
• PUFF  – offers something else to the magazine such as free giveaways Buzz word e.g. “EXCLUSIVE, FREE, PLUS” Barcode - This will be positioned at the bottom right, or up the right side. 
• COVERLINES- lines of text on the front cover designed to attract the audience’s attention and make them pick the magazine up and look inside.
• MAIN COVERLINE - This is the largest text on the cover after the title and it anchors the meaning of the image. These must represent the stories inside. There are only 5 or 6 and they are positioned down the sides, framing the image, so the main image is not covered. These are usually in the same font to create a distinctive design.
• COLOURS – small amount used with a simple colour scheme adding to the distinctive design.