Terminology breakdown

Magazines – Key Concepts & Terminology

Masthead

The magazine title/logo found at the top of the cover.  Conventionally we read from top to bottom, and from left to right

Essential Information

Can include date of magazine, volume/issue number, price.  Usually small font.

Main Image

The biggest picture on the cover, and the one used to build an image/identity for the magazine, easier for the eye to quickly process as we scan the shelves.

Main sell-line

Largest advertiser of magazine content – often teases/interests the audience via enigma code (e.g. the audience will want to know what/how/when)

Sub-head

            Expands on and explains the enigma/teaser of the main sell-line

Cover-lines

Advertises the other topics featured inside of magazine, usually justified on the left and right sides of the cover.  Also known as ‘sell-lines’

Colour

The palette is generally restricted to a few contrasting colours for maximum impact.  Again, choice of characteristic colours can help build distinct image/style

Bar code

            The UPC code scanned by cashiers when they sell the magazine