Codes and conventions

FRONT COVER
Point made: Either 1 or 3 students on front cover image

The image on the front of school magazines are usually of one, if not three, students looking directly at the camera to draw the viewer’s eyes into the central area of the page. This is usually done by using the rule of thirds which creates a symmetrical image which is aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Using one model means that the main headline is much more specific on the student, and can be used to show their individual success. However, using three models gives the photographer the chance to express the range of students which attend the school in a close 3-shot to reflect the friendly learning environment. In the example I have looked at, Top Terrace was the only magazine which didn’t follow this convention. On the front of my magazine I will have a photograph of one sixth form student smiling,  and looking directly at the camera to show the success of that individual, which they have earned from their time at Whitley Bay High School. I think this will reflect positively on the school and show that they are happy and comfortable in their working environment, and how anyone can achieve if they attend the school.

Point made: Happy students

 The large image is the convention which will affect the success the magazine, as it is what will attract the most attention. This picture is always of happy, diverse students in a close three shot to show unity within the school. As in Roundhay roundup, the students are doing the same pose which reinforces how comfortable they are around each other. The students’ smiles lighten the mood of the picture, particularly if it is well-lit and created using the rule of thirds. This is something which I will definitely use on my front cover because it appears to be the most successful way to catch the attention of the reader, especially with the direct eye contact.

Point made: Colour theme for fonts

Typically, a school magazine includes three colours on the front page, and continues them into the internal pages which make for a simpler and smoother viewing experience. The colours usually consist of black or white – or both – and a brighter colour such as red, and a colour which features on the school logo. For my magazine cover, I expect I will use black and white - because they can be used against a wide range of colours without causing a contrast - and red because it is a universal colour which will appeal to a larger target audience, as well as appearing in the school logo. 

Point made: Hooks

Although usually used for humorous effect, I haven’t seen many school magazines which use hooks. However, from the ones I’ve seen, they are usually serious and informative: for example, in Top Terrace the hook is “News & views from the Mill Hill Foundation”. The rhyming of news and views is effective because it transforms the sentence from flat and monotone to lively and attention-grabbing. I don’t plan on using a hook on my magazine cover because I don’t think they’re needed and I’m aware that the page can become crowded and, essentially, unappealing. However, if I thought of one which fitted my theme and I had room for it beneath my title, I would consider using it.

Point made: Cut out pictures
As in Roundhay Roundup the student’s head is overlapping the headline which adds depth and dimension to the image. Despite this, pictures can be just as effective without this kind of editing, like in School Weekly, and this option gives you more space to advertise what is included in the magazine. I think I will try to use Photoshop to achieve this cut-out effect because it makes any magazine look professional and contemporary.