Magazine Research analysisContents page

Music magazines in the genre of rock and metal. Analysing how each of these magazines are laid out and appealing to the audience

QThe headline of the page starts with the magazines popular logo “Q”; it’s white text on a red background, illustrating that it’s the contents page along the skyline, including the date, issue no. and website of the band featured on the page. The font colour sets the contrast for the rest of the page and also has an appealing look, as the font size descends to convey samples of the page information. This is also easy for the reader to depict which parts of the magazine the title is issued to. The top of the left third of the contents page begins with the “features”. Including articles and interviews that are possibly one off as they do not appear every issue. The page number is in bold red; tying in with Q’s infamous style and layout.…………………………………………At the bottom of the page are the “regulars” that feature every month such as Q Mail and the crossword, These are every issue and so the reader has a sense of familiarity.The layout is simple but detailed as the text is placed strategically across the page.Q, is a monthly magazine. By keeping the house style throughout every issue, helps the magazine remain consistent and an easy read for the viewer to find information.The main photograph is very predominant on the page and draws the viewers eye in, however the bright red on the left third also keeps the information interesting so we are not too distracted by the image.

There are also elements of colour extracts from the main image. In the information box featuring ‘Oasis special’, the text is a golden colour which ties in well with the image background of the hills and greenery. It can also be conceived as the text glamorises the article about the band, using words such as ‘special!’. ………………………………There is also a review section that includes a photograph of the journalist and name below. The image of the journalist makes him look very suave and professional, which can sway the viewer into believing that his review and opinions will be well researched and intelligent. Next to the image, there are lists of reviews that he has done in the issue, and short bursts of text, giving the reader a sample of the journalists style and opinion on the topic.

Cover linesPull quoteHeaderIssue no. and date informationExclusive

Kerrang

Kerrang's house style is typically busy with images and information illustrating the attitude and demeanor of the genre of music being advertised. …………………………………………The layout of the page is predominantly pictorial as the main image at the top covers half of the page. The reasoning behind this was to make the band of the image (steel panther) the main feature of the magazine. This is something that will draw in viewers who may have in interest in the band, however those who don’t will also see that there are many other select bands that are included at the bottom of the page. The main image contrasts black colours and very boldly a tiger print guitar. The colours are a vibrant yellow and orange and Kerrang has chosen to tie this in with the overall look of the contents page, using it in the text of headers and pictures. The use of such bright colours against the dark blacks makes the whole page stand out and is very eye catching for the viewer.…………………………………………The editors note gives a sense of professionalism to the magazine, as it is a clean cut normal image and the text is very plain and easy to read. Including an editors note in the magazine, gives personalisation to the reader as we can now visualise the editor, making the whole magazine seem more human.

The bottom right of the page is where all the contents pages are labelled. The headers show the magazine topics such as; News, reviews, features, posters and gig listings. ………………………………The colours and font used in this area are bright and eye-catching, mostly contrasting the above image. (yellows, reds). Also the page name/content info is bold so it is easily depicted from the viewer. Below the bold text is a smaller font, descending from the above information. This is to illustrate a sample of the contents on each page. Images of bands and artists are used to illustrate the appeal and theme of the issue.

Main image and USPHeadersIssue no. and date informationEditors note

NME

The contents page of NME is very unusually laid out like a newspaper page, with very much the same style. There is little colour, other than that of the NME logo which stands out against the white background of the page and blocks of black illustrating the location of headers. The date of the issue is stated at the top of the page with the header and is shown in white font, contrasting the bold choice of colours. ………………………………………The main image is placed at the right/centre of the page and is very much the lead article of the magazine. The viewer acknowledges this because there is a sample of the story below the image explaining why there is media interest. This is something that draws viewers in as they want to read on. The text that follows the image is in the style of a newspaper print. This adds seriousness to the issue as it is a depressing subject and the style of the layout and text shows a sense of respect for the people in the article. ………………………………………In the left third there is an advert section for the magazine subscription, including information on how to sign up showing examples of previous copies, glamorising the magazine.The text and font used is bold and bright in contrast to the above article, making this area stand out.Also the use of colour gives the page more vibrancy and detail for and is appealing for the viewer to look at.

The contents listing consists of; News, Radar (new bands), Reviews, Live (live gigs) and features. ……………………………The headers of these lists are black blocks underneath white text, this gives an embossed effect to the font. Below each header are page numbers which are illustrated in a red font which draws the viewers eye to the section. The text also descends as each piece of information is quoted below and this layout helps the reader to find particular parts of the magazine. Small details such as the black arrows pointing to the contents list, help the reader to navigate around magazine and also makes the page look more appealing.……………………………The overall style and mood from the contents page is very moody as the lack of colour from the image and text shows a seriousness to the issue.

Cover linesPull quoteHeaderIssue no. and date informationDrop Cap