Identifying key features of a music magazine cover

As part of my extensive preliminary research task I was given the brief to conduct some through and detailed background research into identifying the key features of a mainstream magazine product. Since I am relatively knew to media as a subject I believed this would allow me to gain a valuable understanding of what was required of me to produce in my finished products as it would be expected I complied with the traditional conventions seen within music magazine productions in the industry itself. It was essential therefore for me to locate and use as a template images of a authentic cover to revolve my project on as I would be able to consistently refer back to it to provide me with the references to the conventions that were critical to be present in the coursework pack. Below is an example of one of the Q magazine covers, I selected this company in particular as I am heavily basing my products around this specific brand of magazine as I believe the layout and use of conventions fit my music genre (alternative/indie) perfectly. I have identified and annotated many of the major features of this cover which can be seen directly beneath.

Although I am generally focusing upon 'Q' magazine for my intended inspiration whilst researching I could identify the same common conventions within the 'NME' main cover as well which suggests firmly to me that these elements are standatory for all mainstream written music productions.

With me being undoubtly unfamiliar with many of the key terms of typical magazine conventions I thought it would be a thorough aid to me if I researched more in depth regarding the meanings of the terminology used, this way I would know how to use each aspect most efficiently when composing the initial draft of my flatplans for the products as it would be coherent to me where would be the most appropriate place to situate these elements in regards to what reaction or purpose they intended to provoke from the audience. The subsequent categories of magazine conventions are:

Masthead- This is normally the main title of the magazine, it is generally the largest word or sentence displayed on the cover,  for example in this instance it is the name of the music magazine 'Q' and is the primary method of gaining audience attention and gratification through the use of the enlarged font and normally bright colour scheme to raise attention.

Main Sell Lines- The main sell line can be identified as the major most popular article featured in the magazine for that issue, it is generally linked to the cover photo, in this instance it revolves around the pop music artist Lady Gaga and is one of the main focal points to generate audience arousal from.

Sub Headings- These can be orientated around the main article featured in the magazine (Lady Gaga) or can be used to identify other important articles of interest that are also included in the issue, this provides the reader with additional knowledge that the product will provide subsequent areas which they can indulge in, creating the impression there is more then one article to relate to

Essential information-  Includes relevant info such as the issue number, publication date and most often the price of the magazine. The main image is normally presented in the background to draw attention specifically away from the price. This is a clever marketing strategy as if the audience is initially most intrigued by the content of the magazine they are less likely to focus upon the price as there attention is diverted to the stories present.

Barcode- Communicates information to the reader about retail price, issue number etc