Magazines as a Media Form

Magazines as a Media Form

What is a magazine? - the word magazine comes from the Arabic word 'makhazin' which means storehouse or a place where things are collected together and stored. 

A periodical publication containing articles and illustrations, often on a particular subject or aimed at a particular readership.

A brief history of magazines - 1663 is the year of the earliest form of magazines. 

They were made for literary, philosophical and interllectual purposes.

Monthly magazines became more convenient than newspapers because you were able to get a monthly subscription. 

However magazines and print medium and becoming less popular due to the internet and influence of social media. 

The Genres - 

• Fashion
• Hobbies
• Sport
• Educational
• Gardening 
• Home
• Entertainment
• Food 
• Current Affairs

Codes and Conventions of Magazines - Magazines are usually printed on high quality paper and usually stapled or bound. They are published less frequently than newspapers - weekly, monthly, quarterly or biannually. Magazines are usually organised by theme or topic. 

Masthead - this is usually at the top of the page and is the placement for he name of the magazine, it is instantly recognisable to the audience as a brand image.

Tag Line - a tag line is a catchy phrase that represents the brand.

Slogan - a slogan is a catchy phrase that represents the product and helps it to stand out against rival products. 

Date Line - the line for the date of the magazine.

Feature Article - the main feature or story, usually in the largest font size and possibly in a different colour to stand out. 

Central Image - the main image on the magazine, it is usually connected to the feature article and appeals to the audience.

Cover Lines - Short, catchy phrases referencing content inside the magazine and helping persuade the reader to buy.

Colour Palette - usually made of no more than three colours that contrast but complement one another, each edition may use different colours to reflect a theme for that issue. 

Barcode - the placement of the barcode used to purchase the product. 

Price Line - the placement of the price.

Composition and Layout - the way in which all the elements on the cover are organised; how text, images and shapes are all positioned on the page.

- the rule of thirds is used when composing the page, with the central image usually in the middle third of the page, this ensures that it takes up the main part of the page and is the most eye-catching feature. 

- the most important text will be across the top, the top left and the centre, as this is where our eye is drawn to first.