Guidelines for Making a Magazine

I have done some research into magazine covers to help me create my own. I have found out what the different pieces of text on a magazine are called and where they should be. This information I have found will allow me to produce the best magazine I can.



I have also researched into what each of these labels mean and what purpose they serve:

Masthead (logo): This is the name of the magazine, it is always displayed in the same font or style e.g Cosmopolitan magazine always has the same font and the title is nearly always in red unless it is a special edition copy. Mastheads are always consistent so that they can be recognizable to the target audience and it makes a magazine unique from others. The masthead is usually used on the contents page inside as well as the front cover, and as a logo for advertising and branding.

Dateline: Month and year of publication, often with the price.

Main image: On this front cover there is a single image of the model Shania, but the main image can be more than one individual; providing they are in the same photo. This image is used in a classic way, the face is big enough to stand out on the news-stand, with the model making full eye-contact; this will attract the attention of new and existing customers.

Model credit: This is simply identifying whoever is on the front cover of a magazine. Most magazines usually display the photographer and model credit on the contents page but it is more common in fashion/women's magazines such as this one.

Coverlines: These are prominent features within the magazine, and usually appear larger than non- cover lines on the contents page as the magazine wants the customer to read these first. Coverlines are placed around the main image so the customer is not distracted too much and still pays attention to the main image. The colour of the font for the coverlines is very important too; a mistake that has been made here is the yellow writing on Shania's skin; it is unclear what the coverline actually says.

Main cover line: This is very large - taking up almost a quarter of the magazine cover. The main cover line is positioned against the model's shoulder and is in red so it shows up clearly.

Left third: The left third of the magazine cover is essential for sales in shops where the magazine cannot be seen fully; when magazines are stacked next to one another the left side is always sticking out from behind the other magazine. The title must be easily recognisable as it will be next to/behind many other magazines.

Bar code: Standard bar code used by retailers

Selling line: Short description of the title's main marketing point (for Cosmopolitan: 'The world's No 1 magazine for young women'). Most prominent magazines have them e.g. Empire: 'The world's biggest movie magazine'.

I will use this information to plan and create my magazine. It is essential that a lot of thought goes into compiling a magazine front cover so that it can promote what is on it and so it attracts customers and hence, increases sales.