Magazine Terminology

Question 1

Caption

Answer 1

Words that accompany an image and explain its meaning.

Question 2

Typography

Answer 2

The visual appearance of written text, including the font style, size, spacing etc.

Question 3

Main Image

Answer 3

A key visual element of the front cover that usually dominates the page. It could be a model/ celebrity or other picture that is relevant to the magazine content.

Question 4

Brand Identity

Answer 4

This communicates a clear message about the magazine to the target audience, it includes the image of the magazine (masthead, style, design etc.) as well as its ethos and values.

Question 5

Sidebar

Answer 5

A brief article related to the main story on a page – may be placed in a box or written in a different font to separate it from the main article.

Question 6

Anchorage

Answer 6

Where written text is used to ‘pin down’ the meaning of an image.

Question 7

Copy

Answer 7

The written text in an article or feature.

Question 8

Headline

Answer 8

Written text that indicates the content of an article, usually in a large font, and positioned at the top of the page.

Question 9

Strapline

Answer 9

Short phrase encapsulating the essence of the magazine, usually positioned below the masthead.

Question 10

Masthead

Answer 10

The title of the magazine, usually positioned at the top of the front cover and on the contents page, it establishes a sense of the magazine’s brand identity.