Codes and conventions of front covers and double page spreads

Front covers

- Main image in centre of page- usually a person/people
- Masterhead- large font, all the same size always in the top third
- Main feature article - large font, usually in middle third - anchors meaning of main image. Content is usually topical/new/recent/exclusive.
- Snapshots of others article- photos/image and/or cover lines usually in the bottom but these tend to be shorter.
- Usually 3 or 4 main colours, sometimes uses different shades of a colour for variety.
- 3-4 fonts used, BUT bold/3D/italics added to make them look different.
- Colour blocks- blocks of full colour, usually squares that break up the page into different sections.
- Graphics- Puffs, pugs, other small features and shapes, usually used for 'extras'.
- Layout- No 'dead space'.

Double page spread
- Large main image- takes up 1/4 or more of the dps.
- Placement is key!
- Subheading- summary/introduction
- Body copy- article text- usually black/dark text on white background or colour black.
- Graphic feature that denotes what type of article it is, or what section it is within- gives it an identify and aids navigation of the magazine.
- Page numbers on most pages unless over an image usually in corners.
- Title of magazine present at the top/bottom of the page.
- Often includes website
- Date/month