Conventions of a Magazine

Masthead

The title of a newspaper or periodical as it appears across the first page, front cover, or title page of each issue. Also called nameplate or flag.

Skyline

A type of banner across the top of the page, just above the masthead. Used to make the information within the skyline appealing to the magazines audience. Usually found to contain USP's or any other selling techniques.

Headline

Usually the largest text on the front cover minus the Masthead and the Main Image. Used to tell the audience what the main feature of the magazine is. Helps to appeal to the target audience.

Main Image

The background image of the magazine. Usually includes a male or female model around the same age as the target audience or someone well known in the genre in order to appeal to them. For example, on a rock magazine aimed at teenagers you would most likely find a figure such as Green Day or AC/DC.

Barcode/Date

The bar code and date is a convention used for the institution the magazine will be bought from. It tells the store that this specific edition of the magazine is now not in stock. The date is used to tell the audience when it was published so that they know when they are buying the most recent publication.

Thumbnails

The thumbnails on a magazine front cover are small images next to the sell lines which show previews of the stories inside.

Sell Lines

The sell lines are a convention of a magazine cover used to tell the audience the feature articles in the magazine. This is so that when they are looking for a type of magazine to buy, it will appeal to them more when they know what they will be reading. If there is something interesting inside then they are most likely to buy it over any others.