Template for magazine analysis

Graphic elements,
generic codes and conventions,
target audience and house style
in magazines

Task: Graphic elements, generic codes and conventions,
target audience and house style analyses
Starter:
Explain in your own words what graphic elements, generic codes and
conventions, target audience and audience profiling are:
The graphic elements in a magazine cover are…
Generic codes and conventions are…
Target audience is…
The main audience profiles models are…
Task:
Using the examples and templates provided in this presentation, analyse the
graphic elements, generic codes and conventions, target audience and house
style of three magazines similar in genre to the one that you have to produce.

Graphic elements
in magazine design

MASTHEAD: This is
the title and/or logo
of the magazine.
Identifies the brand.
It is usually located in
the same place
MAIN IMAGE: This is
the photograph or
illustration that
occupies the biggest
area in the cover.
This image tells you
what the magazine is
about, as well as
what is the main
issue.
MAIN COVER LINE:
This is the text that
goes with the main
image. It further
explains the more
about the main issue.
COVER LINES: Aside
form the main cover
line, there will be
others that flag up
different issues
inside the magazine.
COLOUR SCHEME:
Colours such black,
white and
pearl/golden convey
elegance, glamour
and luxury. The
choice of black for
the background
matches the model’s
dress and hair
colours.

MASTHEAD: This is the
title and/or logo of the
magazine.
Identifies the brand. It
is usually located at the
top of the magazine.
COVER LINES: Aside
form the main cover
line, there will be others
that flag up different
issues inside the
magazine.
COLOUR SCHEME: She’s
holding a purple flower
which matches her
lipstick, so the
masthead has been
coloured in a matching
shade. This integrates
both image and text.
White is used for the
rest of the text, which
contrasts with the
darker shade of the
background.
MAIN COVER LINE:
goes with the main
image. It further
explains more about
what will be in the
magazine.
MAIN IMAGE: This is
the photograph or
illustration that
occupies the biggest
area in the cover. This
image tells you what
the magazine is about,
and how the target
audience can relate to
it.
BARCODE/DATELINE

magazine.
is usually located at the
top of the magazine.
COVER LINES: Aside form
the main cover line, there
will be others that flag up
different contents inside
the magazine. Some of the
texts are bigger than
others to illustrate their
importance.
FONTS: The masthead of
the magazine is bold and
black, matching the main
colour of the image. It uses
an elegant serif font type,
which connotes
sophistication.
Furthermore, some of the
fonts are pink. This is a
convention associated
with femininity and
matches the model’s
lipstick.
COLOUR SCHEME: She
is wearing a black dress
and a white blazer, with
a soft pink lipstick. The
colours of he font types
used match those of the
image, over the soft
green contrasting
background. This helps
all the different
elements to stand out.
MAIN COVER LINE:
goes with the main
image (‘Suit up!’, in
white). This colour is
matched to her blazer.
However, this bold and
big font type helps to
highlight the main
feature of the magazine
over the image.
MAIN IMAGE: This is the
photograph or illustration
that occupies the central
area in the cover. This
image illustrates the main
feature or theme of the
magazine (fashion and
beauty, in this case).

name/logo of the
magazine. Usually located
in the same place to
identify the brand. The
contrasting colours and
large font are intended to
attract the audience’s
attention.
COVER LINES: Aside from
other additional contents
of this magazine’s issue.
FONT TYPES
The font types used in this magazine cover are sans-serif fonts, which have a contemporary look, and are easy to read.
COLOUR SCHEME: Colours
such red combined with
plain black background
and white types create
effective combinations
that draw the audience’s
attention. The simple
block letters connote
sophistication and thus
target a young adult
audience.
MAIN COVER LINE:
accompanies the main
image. It provides further
information about the
main feature of the
magazine.
MAIN IMAGE: The biggest
image, which occupies the
central area of the cover.
This image illustrates and
represents the main
feature of this particular
issue, being this usually
the main article.
BARCODE/DATELINE:
In this example, the
dateline is placed below
the barcode.
SKYLINE: Usually offers information about additional content or is used as a unique
selling point

MASTHEAD: This is the title
and/or logo of the
magazine. It is usually
located in the same place to
identify the brand. The bold
colours and large font grab
the audience attention.
COVER LINES: Aside from
other additional contents
of this magazine’s issue.
The FONT TYPES used in this magazine cover are sans-serif fonts, which have a contemporary look, and are easy to read.
COLOUR SCHEME: Colours
such black, white and blue
reflecting the style and the
simple block letters imply
superiority and thus target
an older audience. The use
of white and red for the text
creates a colour scheme
that draws the attention of
the audience.
MAIN COVER LINE: This is
the text that goes with the
main image. It further
explains the more about
the main issue.
MAIN IMAGE: The biggest
image, which occupies the
central area of the cover.
This image illustrates and
represents the main
feature of this particular
issue, being this usually
the main article.
BARCODE/DATELINE/PRICE:
Informs us of the price of
the magazine and the
publication date.
SKYLINE: Usually offers information about additional content or is used as a unique selling point

name and logo of the
magazine. It is usually
located at the same place to
identify the brand. The bold
font and large size makes it
easily recognisable.
COLOUR SCHEME: The
combination of orange with
white and black is effective
in integrating the text and
the image. The use of white
and orange for the text
creates a colour scheme that
draws the of the audience’s
attention and matches the
main colours of the image. MAIN COVER LINE:
This is the text that goes
with the main image. It
further explains more
about the main image
and feature in this
particular issue
MAIN IMAGE: The image
shows the photograph of
the person that occupies
the biggest area in the
cover. This image tells and
shows the reaction of the
person in the magazine
and describes his
expression towards the
issue on the magazine
which is addressed to the
audience.
COVER LINES: Aside
from the main cover
line, there will be others
that flag up different
issues inside the
magazine for example
the colouring of the
OSCARS is an additional
cover line.
BARCODE/DATELINE/PRICE:
Informs us of the price of the
magazine and the
publication date.
SKYLINE: Usually offers information about additional content or is used as a unique selling
point

Template for your analyses
• Use the format in the previous examples and
the following slide as a template for your
analyses.

magazine.
is usually located in the
same place
COVER LINES: Aside form
the main cover line,
there will be others that
flag up different issues
inside the magazine.
FONT TYPES
The font types used in
this magazine cover are
sans-serif fonts, which….
COLOUR SCHEME:
Colours such black,
white and red conveys...
The choice of white for
the background
matches the model’s t-
shirt as well as the use
of black and red for the
text creates a colour
scheme that…
MAIN COVER LINE:
goes with the main
image. It further
explains the more
about the main issue.
MAIN IMAGE: This is the
photograph or
illustration that occupies
the biggest area in the
cover. This image tells
you what the magazine is
about, as well as what is
the main issue.
BARCODE/ DATELINE/
PRICE
COVERMOUNT: Usually a
gift or a free item which
helps to sell the
magazine.
SKYLINE: This is the
strap above the
masthead, at the top of
the mag cover. Selling
point.

MASTHEAD:
COVER LINES:
FONT TYPES
COLOUR SCHEME:
MAIN COVER LINE:
MAIN IMAGE:
BARCODE/DATELINE:

Codes and conventions
in a magazine cover

CODE:
Colour pink.
Conventionally is a
colour associated
with femininity. Here
is used to represent
femininity and
appeal to a female
target audience. It
also matches the soft
lip tone of the model
in the image.
CONVENTION:
The model in the cover
is a well known actress.
She appeals to a
female target audience
and portraits the main
contents of this
magazine genre:
fashion, beauty and
celebrity.
CONVENTION:
The size of the
masthead is the biggest
text in the cover. This is
because the masthead
is the name/title of the
magazine.
CONVENTION:
The model’s face is in
front of the
masthead, while this
is still easily legible
CONVENTION:
The size of the text
varies according to
the prominence of
the feature or
article’s cover line.
CODE:
Colour white.
Traditionally associated
with attributes of
purity and innocence.

CODE:
Colour purple.
Conventionally is a
colour associated
with femininity’s
calmness, which
appeals to female
target audience. It
also blends the main
image with the
background.
CONVENTION:
She appeals to a
contents of this
magazine genre:
fashion and beauty.
CONVENTION:
The size of the
is the main title of the
magazine.
CONVENTION:
The model’s face is
in front of the
masthead, still it is
easy to read the title
as it is popular.
CONVENTION:
varies according to
the importance of
the information.

CODE:
Colour turquoise.
Conventionally is a
colour associated
with femininity’s
calmness, which
appeals to female
target audience. It
also blends the main
image with the
background.
CONVENTION:
She appeals to a
contents of this
magazine genre:
fashion and beauty.
CONVENTION:
The size of the
is the main title of the
magazine.
CONVENTION:
in front of the
masthead, still it is
easy to read the title
as it is popular.
CONVENTION:
varies according to
the importance of
the information.

CODES: The colour red
exudes a strong and
powerful energy. It is a
color that can also
connote danger, passion,
aggressiveness, all
stereotypical masculine
attributes.
CONVENTIONS:
The model in the
cover is a famous
artist. He appeals
to a male target
audience and
portraits the main
contents of this
magazine’s music
genre.
CONVENTIONS:
in front of the
masthead while I is
still noticeable. He
is looking directly
at the audience
(direct mode of
address)
CONVENTION: The size
of the masthead is the
biggest text in the
cover. This is because
the masthead is the
name/title of the
magazine.
of the text varies
according to the
prominence of the
feature or article’s
cover line.

CODE:
Colour pink/peach is
associated with femininity. It
is used to represent
femininity and appeal to a
female target audience. It
also matches the soft lip tone
of the model in the image
and harmonises with the
background, creating a gentle
colour scheme that contrast
with the blue used in the
cover lines.
of the text varies according
to the importance of the
feature or article’s cover line
as different text have
different importance.
CONVENTION:
The masthead is the biggest
text in the magazine cover. This
is because the masthead is
main element in the branding
image of the magazine.
CONVENTION:
The model in the cover is a well
known singer. She appeals to a
female target audience and
portraits the main contents of
this magazine genre: black
music.
CODE:
The colour white models top
conveys peace, simplicity,
purity, innocence and
perfection. represents the
simplicity of the products in
both their form and function. It
also clean and modern quality.
CONVENTION:
The model’s face is in front of
the masthead, while this is
still easily clear and its stands
out.

CONVENTION:
The model’s face is in front of the
masthead, while this is still easily
clear and its stands out.
CODE:
Colour yellow is associated with
femininity. It is used to represent
femininity and appeal to a female
target audience also targeted to
male audience as well because it’s
a colour of both gender. As it is
cool and represents different
genders. . It also matches the soft
lip tone of the model in the image.
Can also be more sentimental and
a little romantic, fun and
excitement http://www.empower-
yourself-with-color-
psychology.com/color-yellow.html
of the text varies according
to the importance of the
feature or article’s cover line
as different text have
different importance.
CODE:
The colour white models
top conveys peace,
simplicity, purity, innocence
and perfection. represents
the simplicity of the
products in both their form
and function. It also clean
and modern quality.
CONVENTION:
The model in the cover is a
well known actress. She
appeals to a female target
audience and portraits the
main contents of this
magazine genre: music,
gossips and history of
famous artists.
CONVENTION:
The masthead is the biggest
text in the magazine cover.
This is like that because the
masthead is the title of the
magazine and which
represents the celebrity’s
style and actions

Target audience analysis
in a magazine cover

Target audience
• Gender: female
• Age: 17-40
• Race: white
• Geo-demographic: UK/USA/English speaking
countries
• Income/class: all
• Interests: fashion/beauty
• Socio-economic: A, B and C1 – because they
would be interested in this type of magazine,
as E group people cannot afford it because
it’s very expensive.

TARGET AUDIENCE ANALYSIS
Gender female
Race white
Age 20-32
Geo-demographics USA, UK, Spain, English
speaking countries
Socio-economics A, B - because they would be
interested in this type of magazine

Gender: males and females
Race: black
Age:
Geo-demographics: UK, USA and English
speaking countries.
Socio-economics :
Psychographic profile
Conclusions/Justification
Explain in your own words how have you
arrived to these conclusions.
Replace the image and fill the text
boxes with your own magazine cover
choice analysis, following the example
provided in the next slide.

Gender : female
Race: Any
Age: 19-35
Geo-demographics: USA, UK and English
speaking countries.
Socio-economics: C2, D and E
Psychographic profile: Aspirers
Conclusions/Justification:
I have arrived to these conclusions as I have
read

Gender: Male
Race: Any
Age: 18-36
Geo-demographics: USA, UK, and English
speaking countries.
Socio-economics: B, C1 and C2
Psychographic profile: Succeeders
Conclusions/Justification:

Target audience
Gender
Race
Age
Geo-demographics
Socio-economics
Psychographic profile
Conclusions/Justification

Graphic elements
in a magazine’s contents page

Masthead: Is included in the
contents page as well as the
dateline.
Title: The word contents
indicates that this is the contents
page, but is also accompanied by
the V from the masthead which,
in addition to the masthead,
identifies the page as being part
of Vibe magazine. The numbers
1/3 indicate that this is the first
page out of three.
Contents sections: Divided in
two different sections and
composed in one column:
Features and Fashion.
Each one of these two sections is
subdivided in different contents.
Footer: Includes information
such as dateline, masthead and
page number.
Each different content in the
magazine is presented by the
page number where we can find
it.
Cover feature: The contents
page usually highlights the cover
main feature.
Font types: There are two
different font types used for
the different texts in this page.
The page title as well as the
masthead is written in sans-
serif, however the headings in
the contents sections and the
dateline underneath the
masthead are written in serif.
The word CONTENTS is in bold
writing so it stands out when
you read it.
Main image: The guy is
showing off because he has
grills and lots of chains and
acting as if he is a bad guy.
Credits: provides information about the
photographer who took the image as well as the
date when the image was taken.
CONTENTS PAGE ANALYISIS

Header gives information
about the issue and the date
of the magazine.
Title letting know where the audience are in
the magazine. Normally found on the top of
there magazine for it to stand out.
Main image this is normally the
largest picture of the magazine. on
the context page It would normally
mean that this is the main story.There
are a lot of images on the context
page which is unusually on a context
page because it suppose to show of
the main story.
Credit this is normally found small
and would only have the name at
the bottom of the page but in this
case its got the picture of the editor
giving reader a message.
Contents section divided categories
in the magazine making it easier to
find the topics you like.
Each content is included in a
particular section and has a page
number where we can locate the
story, headline and brief introduction
to the article.
Additional image these
are to give idea of who is
in the magazine.
Editorial this is the editor’s
introduction to this magazine’s
issue.
CONTENTS PAGE ANALYISIS

Graphic elements
in a magazine’s double page

Standfirst: This is the first
paragraph of the article
which has a function of
engaging the interest of
the audience. The writing
is in bold because it is the
main information the
magazine wants the
audience to read. It is
written in sans-serif writing
so its easy to read.
Footer: Includes
information such as
dateline, masthead
and page number.
Pull quote: These are words taken from
the interview in quotation marks. This is
done to engage the audience.Credits: provides information about the photographer
who took the image as well as the date when the image
was taken.
Cross head: A subheading which appears in the body
of a text in the article, usually centered.
Header: Any text that
appears at the top of the
page that is not body text.
This header informs you
what section of the
magazine your in.
Caption: the caption is a shorts
text that gives you additional
information on the main
image, for example, what
Solange is wearing.
Body copy: The articles is
writing in three columns
and is serif writing,
whereas, the pull quote,
standfirst and cross head is
sans-serif writing.
Main image/additional
images: The main image
is the biggest image on
the page. This is because
it needs to be eye
catching and tells the
the potential reader
what the double page
spread is about.
Additional images are in
black and white because
the main image is in
colour and that is more
important. There are
different images that
have different poses but
all of them are the same
because they come from
the same photo-shoot.
Gutter: The distance between the different
columns.
DOUBLE PAGE ANALYISIS

Title for the article
normally found on the top
of the page.
Main image takes up a
large amount of area.
The image would have
something to do with
the article whether it
the person they are
writing about.
Pulled quote from the article,
normally because there is
something important and also
because it gives a more dramatic
look to the article.in this case it
makes the audience read the
article to see what it is abut
because of the quote used.
Standfirst this is used to give
a little of information on
what the article is going to
be. Normally located above
the first paragraph.
Body text normally in 2 to 3
column but on this one it is
up to 5 columns making it
look busy. Structure the
column of the article are
separated into three main
ones and on the other page
two other. The pulled quote
is in the middle of the gutter
giving it a more dramatic
effect on the magazine
Additional image the
additional image is
normally found in the
article to give you a
picture of what's going on
in the article.
Colour scheme is red and
black which are very dark
colours and work well
together in contrast the
reason why they put red is
because on the celebrity
fist there is blood and the
picture is a direct mode of
address which make it
look like as if he going to
punch this works well
because it grabs the
audience attention.
Footer this is normally telling the
audience what page number they
are on and the publisher of the
article.
Drop caps a large capital
letter at the begging of a
paragraph.
DOUBLE PAGE ANALYISIS

House style
• A company’s preferred manner of
presentation and layout of their graphic
material.
• A set of rules concerning graphic elements
(colours, images and typography) which help
to stablish the brand identity of a particular
publication, .

House style
• List all the common elements that you can
find in the magazine covers, contents page
and double page of your magazines (graphic
elements, colour scheme, font types, etc.)
• Check next slides for examples:

Image cut over plain
colour background.
Footer including dateline,
masthead and page number.
Same font types are
used.
Font type composition.
Main image is on
the front of the
magazine.
Credits which
provide information.

MASTHEAD: Same masthead included in both cover and contents page
COLOUR SCHEME: Same colour scheme (black/white/gold)
included in both cover and contents page
Different FONT TYPES:
Serif / Sans-serif

Colour scheme: the colour scheme is consistent through the magazine cover
and the double page.the main colours used are purple, yellow/orange and black
on white paper.
Font types: the magazine consistently uses sans serif font types for all the text
elements such as masthead, head lines, stand first, body text and pulled quotes.

Template for magazine analysis

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