School Magazine Research: Conventions of the Front Cover

In preparation for my As Media Studies coursework I have been researching the codes and conventions of school magazines. These conventions mainly apply to the front covers and contents pages of said magazines.

Most Front covers revolve around a large, high quality medium shot with the subject smiling and making direct eye contact with the reader. There may also be multiple subjects on screen, but usually there will be one placed somewhere in the middle which is the main focus of the front cover. For example: The front cover of 'Roundhay Roundup' features three figures on the front cover, all of which make eye contact with the reader. But it’s the middle figure that is the most striking. Not just because of his appearance but also because he is seemingly pushed to the front. He is placed in front of the title and is the tallest of the three figures.

The colour scheme is also consistent throughout, with the white in front of the pink, which contrasts nicely with the white, making it easier to read. Different fonts also help make the cover pleasing to the reader.