THE IMPORTANCE OF THE FRONT COVER/MAIN CONVECTIONS

THE MASTHEADThe masthead is seen as the main feature of the front cover, it allows the audience to see who the magazine is by and to give them a rough idea on the genre. Magazine designers will ensure the masthead is visible and stands out beside every other magazine. Also the masthead usually stays the same font and colour so people can identify the magazine easily and the style will remain in their minds. The masthead is also usually the largest piece of text on the page and is placed at the top of the magazine, usually in the middle but can be put further to the left or right.

Here are some examples of music magazine mastheads.

THE STRAPLINEThe strapline is based at the top of the magazine and is placed jus above the masthead. It usually highlights he importance of a story within the magazine and starts with ‘EXCLUSIVE:’ in a different colour to the rest of the strapline, some straplines may say something about the magazine its self or promote the freebee some magazines come with. Not all magazines include these, and if they do they are not always on issue. However they do attract the audiences attention and makes them want to read more.

THE MAIN COVERLINESThe main coveline is smaller than the masthead, but larger than all the other coverline. It is the same colour as the other coverlines, but it is usually based on the main image. After the masthead, the main coverline is where the audiences eyes are drawn to.

COVER LINESCover lines are pieces of text on the cover which give a short explanation on the stories within the magazine. They can also be known as puffs. They are the same colour as the main cover line just smaller and do not stand out as much. This does help the main cover line stand out. Cover lines are usually spread out across the magazine and there is quite a few of them sometimes they include a small photo. They are there to make the audience want to read the magazine and find out more about the stories.

IMAGEThe main image is one of the most important parts of the magazine cover. It is of a model or object in which the magazines main story is based on. The image is of someone or something which the target audience is attracted to and would want to know the latest news about. The model is usually looking straight at the audience which draws them in and makes them feel as though it is directed and aimed to the personally. The main image on this magazine is of

Usher a famous R&B singer, he is looking straight at the audience and has a straight expression, the magazine is called Vibe so this image fits the magazine title rather than being of the model smiling, they look as though they are playing it cool