Codes and conventions of a magazine layout

I have finished the 15 textual analysis required for my coursework and I think it had helped me find out what should be on the front of a magazine, and also inside it. The codes and conventions that are commonly used I will include in my work as I create a music magazine.

Masthead- This is the name of the magazine and is usually positioned at the top of the front cover. Its usually in the largest font which differentiates from any other magazine so its easily recognisable.
Main image-The main image tends to be the largest image on the front cover and the main selling point of that issue. It usually is a photo of a famous singer or band who will have a long interview inside. sometimes it will have a model quote, something the singer has said which anchors the image.
Dateline/issue number-
This is the section on the front cover that shows that date that the magazine comes out, except in a majority of magazines the date shown is a month after when its actually on the shelves because its been bought out in advance. The issue number tells you how many issues have already come out, and which number that one is.
Main cover lines/ cover lines-
This is in large font and will cover a larger part of the front cover. Usually its providing you with a small bit of information about an article inside that you would be most interested in. Its sometimes in a different colour to the rest of the cover lines to make it stand out more. Just general cover lines provide information about some of the articles inside, to keep your attention and highlight what they think will attract the reader the most. 
Left third-
The left third of a magazine is really important for selling it, because the way magazines are stacked on shelves means you can usually only see that section. Most of the time it will show the first part of the masthead so you can recognise it and a few cover lines to get your attention.
Contents page-
The lay out for contents pages is normally in columns, and contains a few pictures to show some of the bands and singers inside. These images are anchored with a page number so you can find them easily. It might also included whereabouts in the magazine you can find a competition to enter.
Double page spread-
There is normally a large photo of who the spread is about on one page and typically its set out in interview format. The image will have a quote from the singer/band with it which has usually been pulled from the text. To break up the information there is also some smaller images and quotes in larger font of something seen as interesting.