Lifestyle Magazines:Generic Conventions

The function and role ofthe Front Cover concept

Front Cover Photography Conventions

• A single, medium to medium-long shot of a model or celebrity is most common

• High key lighting dominates – we see everything clearly and crisply – surface is all!

• Body language & NVC are vital – ‘be me or have me’. The ego-ideal concept

• Mode or address is direct – acknowledges our interest and meets our gaze.

Front Cover Conventions

• Masthead: Identifies the type and style of magazine but must also carry symbolic and ideological connotations of what the ‘emotional promise’ is for readers. Its tone: serious, jokey, stylish, retro, aspirational, comforting, etc

• Issues: Position, font/typeface, colour, sizing, kerning, upper or lower case, acronyms, word play & potential meanings.

• Tagline: A supporting statement which encapsulates /reinforces the meaning of the masthead – cements its identity to readers.

Ideological Function

• The magazine must be a friend, mentor or wiser older figure. Why?

• The magazine, especially front cover creates a ‘permission to dream’. This allows us to enter a world of aspiration, material success and comfort. It is a mirror – ‘have me or be me’. Constructs identity!

• Mode of address is inclusive, warm, knowing and intimate – we’re part of a ‘scene or group’

• The model or celebrity’s smile exudes warmth and confidence which we can share - if we buy into the magazine & its lifestyle

• The cover constructs an idealised lifestyle we don’t have but think we want. False needs

MastheadTagline

Cover lines

Single Model:•Medium Long Shot•High Key•Natural light

Mode of address

Banner

Use of numeric:odds & evens?

Alliteration

Exclamatives

Superlatives

Colour palette:•Black•Red•White

Parodying the glossies?The Role of Ideology

How does this fake magazine coverparody the language & conventions of lifestylemagazines and their fixed ideas about:•Success•Youth•Looks•Status•Money•Exoticism•Consumerism

What do you notice about the•Body language/NVC•Lighting•Framing•Layout and design•Use of language