Magazines - codes and conventions

I have investigated two different types of magazines (school/college and music) and have also investigated their codes and conventions.

School/college

In most of the images found, there was always a teenager/young adult on the front cover in front of a blurred or plain background. This suggests that the magazine is trying to signify the importance of the figure because they are the only thing that's in focus. Also, the colours and headings are always bright and colourful - usually colours like green or pink. This catches the attention of the targeted audience, who are all young readers so these bright colours will appeal to them. What also catches their attention is the fact that the front cover features articles about teenage problems which will make the reader want to read on.

Music

A common theme on all of the music magazine covers, is the fact that the artist that is usually featured is enlarged to take up most of the space which emphasises the importance of the artist and it also attracts the attention of the readers. This can help to make more sales as it suggests the artist plays a big part in the issue of that magazine. All the featured articles are put away to the side of the magazine cover, highlighting the status the artist holds.