Analyses of Contents Pages

In order to get more of an idea of the way different genres of music magazines set their contents pages out, I decided to

analyse some from very different genres of music.

Logo Heading

Page number on image

Dateline

Page number

Section heading Issue number

Images

Numbers

Synopsis

The logo is unique to the magazine brand and so incorporating it into the contents page reminds the reader of the magazine as the logo is recognisable.

Article name

The section heading gives an insight as to what the following information will be about. In this case, it is telling us that the features of the magazine are displayed below.

The images are either in the columns or in lines themselves. This gives the page structure.

The page numbers are in a neat line down the side of the page.

Gives the reader an idea of what the text will be about, it is usually an artist’s name.

The synopsis is a chunk of text which is essentially the article condensed into a few sentences. This allows the reader to skim over the topic and decide if they are interested in reading it.

The heading usually contains the name of the magazine (in this case it includes the logo) and is at the top of the page.

The issue number sets the magazine aside from all of the other magazines produced by the company. It gives the magazine an identity and ensures that readers don’t feel as though they’re buying the same thing each time. It also proves that the magazine are trustworthy once they reach a certain number of issues because it shows that people have continued to buy them.

The page number on the image ensures that the reader understands what there is to offer inside the magazine. The image attracts the eye and the page number directs the reader to the article linked to the image.

The page number informs the reader of what page of the magazine they are currently on.

The dateline is similar to the issue number, it sets the magazine at a point in time.

Heading

Images

StructureThe contents page is structured using columns which makes it easier to read. This also is more aesthetically pleasing and so the contents page looks good.

The heading is the name of the magazine. It links the contents page to the front cover and is in large font. This catches the readers attention and is in the same font as the headline on the front cover which allows the reader to recognise the brand.

Most of the images are in perfect squares and have been presented in two perfect columns.

Sub-sectionsThe sub sections are headlined in bold and they are all set in a text box which keeps them together making It easier for the reader to navigate around the page. The page numbers are in a perfect line which keeps the page looking neat.

Special articleThe special article is in a separate text box with a dotted border. This forces it to stand out against the other articles. The image has been photo shopped to stand alone and the synopsis is shaped around her head. The section heading is the artist’s name and is in bold letters, with her surname being larger than her forename which suggests that this is the most recognisable name to the audience.

This advert is blue and black with a little red. This makes it stand out against the contents page itself and therefore the reader will be attracted to the column broadcasting the shows/.

Advert

Colour schemeThe colour scheme is predominantly maroon red and white writing. This is a classic pairing of colours which will attract an older, cultured, classic adult with an appreciation for the classical music this magazine is displaying.

Main imageThe model in this image is very polished and seems to be of high class due to her perfectly placed, curled hair and her classic makeup with a simple black shawl.

HeadingThe heading is in the same font as is used on every Kerrang magazine. This gives a sense of familiarity for the regular readers and makes the magazine recognisable.

Date lineThe date line is directly beneath the heading and contains the date of the issue and the issue number. This gives the magazine individuality and sets it in time.

Note from editorWhilst this is not a feature of every magazine, it is featured in more relaxed, conversational magazines to allow the reader to connect with those producing the magazine. This helps the magazine to have regular readers. It is displayed in a separate column to the other contents. This allows it to stand out and makes the page easier to read.

Sub sectionThe use of a separate section holding the actual contents makes the page easier to read and more aesthetically pleasing.

FeaturesFeatures of the magazine are displayed as images to give the reader an insight as to what the magazine contains.

Main imageThe main image is of Marilyn Manson whom is pictured in a dirty setting with a simple red sofa. The artist is shown to be holding some sort of cards, possibly tarot cards which gives the contents page a spooky feel to it. The dark eye makeup and dark nail varnish will appeal to the readers that enjoy such things, as with the slicked back hair. It is a very gothic look.

Section headingsThe section headings are in a vibrant yellow colour which is the same as that of the heading and the sub heading. It has been placed on a black background which together force the writing to stand out and catch the reader’s attention.

Article name and synopsisThe article names are in a bold black font to catch the reader’s eye. The synopsis is in a smaller font to provide the reader with some information on the more interesting articles.

LayoutThe magazine has been presented in columns to make it easier to read and to ensure that the magazine follows the traditional layout of a magazine.

This is another of Kerrang’s contents pages which shows that the layout of the magazine is the same in each issue.