Research - Conventions of a Music Magazine.

Each individual magazine follows the same rules, whether their fashion, lifestyle, computer or music. All of them must have an Image and Logo/Header. The image chosen should appeal to the target audience and fit the content. Theses are both usually at the top of the magazine cover and the Logo/Header will created the 'brand image' of the magazine, this will instantly make the magazine recognizable to the audience. Sometimes a slogan is used beneath the header, usually to explain the content of the magazine.  The leading caption usually dominates the front cover, this should anchor the cover story. Usually appearing on the left/right hand sides of a magazine cover is the subheadings of main stories that are wished to be addressed to appeal to the audience and also strap lines are normally placed at the top of bottom of the page highlighting small information in which could be found in the magazine. Color is yet another important aspect also, it should be appealing to the target audience and creating a 'house style'. Mode of address is also a big issue to look at, the most common used MOD in magazine is Direct Address, this is when the person on the front cover is looking straight out the magazine, as thought it's inviting the reader in. However other MOD's would be indirect address, this would be when the person is looking away, this isn't commonly used however it has been used on magazine covers. MOD is also refereed to the writing in the magazine and how it is addressed to the reader. This is usually wrote in a friendly, informal way. Each individual magazine generally include a Star or Celebrities on their front cover, to increase sales and profit. Stars are admired and are aspirational for the audience. The cover of each individual magazine is the main advertisement, because of this the whole has to the representative of the magazine. It should be very appealing, eye-catching, bright and interesting to entice the audience to buy the magazine. The colour scheme should also not just reflect upon the target audience but also in a music magazine  the genre of the music. For example: Red and Black for rock magazine's. Every magazine also includes a date and barcode, and usually now with a web address provided to entice audiences to the magazines' website. Depending on the magazine, depends on the prices. They tend to usually be expensive monthly 'Glossies' (Q, Marie Claire Fhm) or cheaper weekly magazines (NME, Zoo, Nuts)