AMP Magazine: Codes and Conventions of a Double Page Spread

Main image: So that the reader knows at a glance who the article is about before they begin reading as to ascertain whether they want to read it or not.

Name of magazine at base of page: To constantly remind the reader as to what magazine they are reading and to keep the name at the forefront of their mind.

Bold headline: Catches the reader’s eye and make them want to read the article.

Starburst: Usually contains quotes from the article to give people a teaser about what the article is about. Witty or ambiguous quotes are generally taken.

First letter of article is enlarged: Draws attention o the start of the article and aids the reader in finding it.

By-line: Found at the end of the article; there is a sentence that lets the reader know who wrote the article so that they can look up more articles by that writer in the future.

AMP Magazine: Codes and Conventions of a Contents Page

Magazine title: So as to ensure that the reader is constantly reminded as to what magazine they’re reading and it stays at the forefront of their mind.

Editorial: Creates a personal link between the editor of the magazine and the reader, usually containing the correct mode of address as the readership, and helps retain readers.

Focus on the cover story: Continuity from front page on the magazine’s focus.

One main image: Focuses on a specific article, always goes with the main story, and makes the reader want to read the article more.

Images that relate to articles: Generally numbered and relate to articles within the magazines. Hooks the audience and makes them want to read them to discover what the image is about.

Sub-headings: Makes the page look more organized, professional and makes it easier for the reader to find their desired articles.

Page number: Makes it easier for the reader to navigate through the magazine.

Date/month of release/issue number: This makes sure that the reader knows easily what issue they are reading and whether it is the most recent.

Web address: Allows the reader to access the magazine’s website and lets them access the information whenever they like and more frequently.

Alphabetically/numerically ordered: Makes it easier for the reader to scan through the contents and find out where articles are.

Symbiotic link to front cover: This visual link is achieved through images, font colour, colour scheme and information. This makes sure that the magazine retains continuity.

Varied fonts: Livens up the page and aids the articles by drawing attention to them.

Columns: Shows the extent of the magazine content straightforwardly and makes the magazine look more organized and tidy.

50:50 ratio of images to text: Splits the page so to not let it be too filled with one amount of media and look cluttered; keeps things at an adequate level of information and image.

AMP Magazine: Codes and Conventions of a Front Cover

Masthead: The title of a magazine; it is generally bright and eye catching, or it relates to the theme or genre of the magazine.


Taglines: A slogan or phrase that is synonymous with the magazine and is near the blog title. It makes the title of the magazine more memorable.


Strap-line: A line of text above the mast-head that either offers a deal on the magazine or gives a teaser of a competition. It is above the masthead because that is where the eye is first drawn to, and if it is filled with buzz words and a competition, it makes the magazine very appealing.


Date-line: A line of text below the mast-head detailing the date and number of issue, making it easier for the customer to find the correct or most recent issue when they wish to purchase it.


Main image: Almost always of an artist, and is normally an image of whom the main article is about. Contains conventions of the genre, i.e. guitars, or surly expressions.


Images of sub-articles: Gives the consumer a taste of what is inside the magazine and makes them want to pick it up and read it.


Main sell-line: A snippet of the main article to give the reader a teaser of what the main article is about to make them want to read more.


Sell-lines: Teasers of the sub-articles to grab the attention of the reader and make them want to read the entire article.


Puff: A box or bubble filled with text that either specifies an article or advertises competitions etc.


Buzz words: Exciting words or phrases that appeal to the consumer, such as free, exclusive or plus. Generally accompanied with exclamation points.


List of bands included in the issue: If a consumer doesn’t want to waste their time flicking through a magazine to not find their favourite artist, they can check a small list of artists featured and decide whether they want to buy it or not.


Banners: A strip across the page, near the base, that contains a main sell-line either connected to the main story, or an article to entice people to buy the magazine.


Cover mount: A free gift for the reader to enjoy after purchase used to entice customers to buy it.


Barcode: The code for purchase is generally located in the bottom right hand corner as it is the last place the eye looks on a piece of text , and it is relatively unimportant so it’s normally fairly small or thin.


Layout: Brand identity is key in magazine sales, having the cover look almost the same every issue makes it reliable and easy for the consumer to find and purchase. If a magazine were to redesign its front cover every issue it would cause confusion and a loss of readership.


3-4 fonts and roughly 3 separate colours: A variety of design and colours in regards to font makes the cover visually appealing and catches the consumers eye as they pass a news stand.