Analysis of magazine contents

1. Magazine Contents Analysis…

2. This contents page is took from V magazine, who are very different when it comes to layouts
throughout their magazine, however this is one of the main reasons as to why I like this page.
To start, “contents”, is laid out stylistically, with a bold effect. This style used by V, shows style
through the breaking down of the word. Following on from this title, the information is laid
out directly below in the same consistent style. This allows the reader to follow up on the
information clearly and also establish the main style used throughout. The format of this
contents page is laid out very professionally and doesn’t contain too much detail, I think that
this is a key feature, as to what makes a successful magazine
Overall this page, uses a
greyscale tone, where the
only colour shown, is the
heart which appears on
Kanye West. This instantly
draws the readers attention
towards this part of the
contents, which then will
lead to them looking at the
chosen person on the cover.
This heart could signify
many different things, from
love, to one of his albums.
V magazine have took into
consideration as to what
styling they will have used,
and have heavily based this
page upon fashion. The
clothes Kanye wears are
considered as fashionable in
todays modern society. This
signifies that this magazine
is not only music based, but
also have others areas in
which it will cover, such as
fashion.

3. Though Vogue is a style magazine, I think that the style in
which they use can be adapted to fit in with music magazines. I
would compare Vogue and V magazine together, as their
layouts are similar, yet still have the individual qualities to
make them their ‘own’. The first thing I notice on this contents
is the large masthead used for the page. Vogue have decided
to use their own name, rather than titling the page as
‘contents’ which is different from other magazines. This shows
that the masthead is not the main focus of the magazine, yet
still shows what is involved on this page. Though ‘contents’ is
still included on the page, it is not bold enough to draw readers
in, however, this method shows the difference between front
covers which are used to draw potential readers in and the
contents which informs readers of what they are to read when
it comes to the content of the magazine.
A lot of detail is given when it comes to this contents page, however it is essential that all the
information provided is popular with the audience, to gain recognition and build up a fan
base, which is something Vogue has successfully done.
The magazine colour scheme has been done, to emphasize the styling of the magazine. The
main three colours which have been used are white, grey and red. Normally these colours are
associated with sophistication, which ensures that Vogue has that different edge on their
magazine.

4. Out of all of the layouts, I feel that NME is my least favourite due to their styling of their
magazine throughout. Most of the magazine pages in which they produce, never have one key
feature to their pages, so you are often confused as to where to look first. However one of the
things I like about this contents is the colour scheme, as the colours are bold, so stand out and
all compliment each other relatively well. Often colours are used by NME to highlight and
section off different parts of this page, for example “NME” in the masthead, and the page
numbers are red to highlight, so that it highlights what's available to read on the different
pages. Though the colour scheme is plain, NME continues to make it work, as well as ensuring
that the picture they use contrasts with the existing colours.
The layout used is a
typical convention of
NME’s style, who
constantly use this layout
for their contents pages.
Readers will become
familiar with this
magazine, as they will
instantly know that it is
an NME magazine. They
are much different to
many magazines which is
another way they
increase their fan base.
The writing style used
is very informal, and
would attract a
younger base who
understand the lingo
used within the
magazine. Though it
appeals to people
such as young adults,
I would categorize the
style of this magazine
with the Indie Rock
social group, because
of those featured.