3. What I have learnt about the codes and conventions of print adverts and how I intend to demonstrate this knowledge and understanding in my production in order to communicate meaning successfully

Through my extensive research into various print adverts from several campaigns, I have recognised some recurring codes and conventions that are often used. From the analysis of three conventional print adverts, I have come up with a list of common conventions. As mentioned in the brief, my adverts must fit the brand identity and the conventions of magazine adverts. I will use my list of conventions in order to achieve this. 

List of conventions:

• The pack shot is usually placed in the bottom right hand corner and is relatively small in comparison to the focal image, but big enough for the audience to see clearly.

• They usually feature one focal image (but this is not always the case) of a model who has similar characteristics to the target audience in relation to age, gender etc. in order to make the advert more relatable.

• Most print adverts also display a variety of colour, in order to catch the eye of the audience and to make the product look more appealing. It is also conventional to have a specific colour scheme for a product's print advert which is carried through the campaign, to allow people to associate the specific combination of colours with that product. 

• There is also often a tagline which is associated with the product which can be situated anywhere on the advert, however is commonly found beside the pack shot. It is usually in the same style, colour and font as all other text on the print advert. 

• It is usually the case that the content of the adverts (text, packshot, etc.) is in colour and contrasts with the background, allowing it to stand out.

• The information given about the product is usually very minimal as more focus is put on to the print advert being aesthetically pleasing and eye catching. 

• In addition to the tagline there is often other text, usually a short sentence/phrase to try to further encourage the audience to buy the product. 

Below I have analysed the use of conventions in three individual print adverts, in order to learn more about how and why they are used so I may incorporate them into my own print adverts.

Through this research into the conventions of print adverts, I began to think about how I could incorporate them into my own research. I plan to use a pack shot along the bottom right or left in my adverts to show the target audience what it will look like, as well as to solidify the brand identity. Additionally, my models will reflect on the target audience, i.e. they will be 16-25 year old males and females. This is to create a sense of relatability for the target audience. I have decided that the product name will not feature as large as it was in my flat plans, but instead will be in the top right or left corner and much smaller, as this is more conventional for print adverts. Finally, the text in my advert will be of the same font and colour and the tagline will be along the bottom beside the pack shot. Following these conventions will make my adverts look more natural which would allow me to create an advert that my audience would expect.