Contents Page analsysis

1. Contents pages also follow many conventions such as
having a main title in bold writing at the top of the
page. However the title “Contents” has been placed in
a unconventional position compared to other music
magazines. This makes the magazine unique from
other magazines this is effective as it stands out.
Another effective method used to capture the readers
attention is the use of white text which contrasts with
the dark red background making it clear to see.
A Pug is used on the contents page of the magazine; the
large “V” is to create a symbiotic link with the brand of the
magazine and the contents page. It reminds the reader that
the magazine is from the brand Vibe, this creates brand
identity also.
Another symbiotic link between the contents page and front
cover is used, the magazines logo is located on the right
top hand corner. This is symbiotic as the same font is used
on the front cover and contents page. Underneath the logo
the date the magazine was issued is written, this is to make
sure the reader knows when the magazine was issued.
The main image is of a topless rapper, who is blanketed in tattoos. This
follows the stereotypical image we have of hip hop artists. Iconography is
used to show the genre of music, the artist is shown to be wearing
chains and a snapback, both these items are usually linked with hip hop
artists as many rappers tend to wear the following items in their music
videos. Another key aspect of the magazine is the way in which the artist
is posed and the facial expression which he is supporting. The artist
creates almost a fist shape with his hands as he holds up his chains this
is symbolic as it links with the theme of violence in hip hop music.
Furthermore the facial expression the artist has on is not welcoming and
friendly but the opposite. The artist is shown to be making a angry facial
expression this once again links with the themes of violence and
aggression.
The background colour of the contents page does not follow conventional colours of many music
magazines. Many music magazines tend to have a light colour for their contents page to make the text
stand out, however Vibe magazine have done the opposite. The contents page supports a red gradient
colour starting from dark red gradually fading to a lighter shade of red. This contrasts heavily with the font
colour used making the text stand out against the background. The connotations of the colour red are blood
and anger this is a symbiotic link to the artists pose and facial expression as both relate to the theme of
violence.
There are two visible headings on the page, one which
reads “Features” and the other “Fashion”. The font used for
both of the headings is the same, the font is decretive and
different from the one used for the title, this makes it stand
out on the page.
Subheadings are written in capitals this is to ensure easier
reading for the audience. The use of subheadings is helpful
as it allows the reader to find articles quickly without having
to read all the featured articles. One the subheadings read
“Guns and Roses” the use of the word “guns” grabs the
attention of the target audience as many of the readers are
from the “hood” meaning they may own guns of their own,
this can allow the audience to relate to the article. The
description reads “The future of rap: Piles” this shows the
article features the artist used for the main image.
Under the second heading “Fashion” the subheading reads
“Dress to Impress” this shows that the article is going to
include fashion tips and advice. The description tells the
reader that there are images available on the page of the
article. This may be eye catching for readers as they need
new ideas for clothes. Those who listen to hip hop music
tend to have different taste in style from those who listen to
pop music therefore seeing a hip hop artist styled in
clothing which appeals to the target audience may provide
the audience inspiration on how to dress.

2. General layout : The layout of XXL is different from vibe
magazine but is still highly effective as it contains all the
information on the left hand side of the page, it is more
effective than Vibe magazine as it displays more
information and details . The featured articles are
displayed on the left hand side making it easier to read with
the main image on the right hand side.
Mast Head: Instead of naming the page “contents” it is
names “The A-Side” this is to create originality and make
the magazine feel exclusive. The magazine only has this
title this enables the reader to identify which magazine they
are reading. The use of the red colour in between the black
contrasts with the rest of the writing drawing the readers
attention towards it.
The logo : which was visible on the front page is also made
visible on the contents page. The XXL logo is situated at
the top right hand corner in a smaller font than the mast
head. The use of the logo on the contents page is symbiotic
as it links to the front page creating brand identity,
Heading : The word “Features” is used as a heading, the
font is decretive and different from the one used for the
masthead, this makes it stand out on the page. The
heading uses bold red brackets to make it stand out against
the dark black colours on the page.
Symbol : The use of the red fast forward button at the bottom left
hand corner symbolises that there is more information on the next
page. This is an effective method as many of the readers will
recognise the button as it is well known.
Contents: The main content or information has been placed
on the left side of the page, this leaves room for the main
image on the right. This is effective as all the content is
designated on one side making it easier to read and find.
The use of capital letters and bold font makes the
subheading stand out implying that these are key features
or stories that the magazine will include.
Furthermore the page numbers are also made in bold to
make them stand out against the writing allowing readers to
identify certain pages at ease.
In between the content on the left the use of a black
rectangle is placed as a divider. This is an effective method
as It makes it easier for the reader to digest information, as
it creates the impression of less text on the page.
Contents: The main cover story heading is larger in font
compared to the other stories. This is to ensure quick
access to the main story as many readers will have
purchased the magazine in order to read the main story.
Main Image: The main image is of two well known
rappers(50 Cent & Soulja Boy) the use of well known artists
is key as it attracts readers attention and also appeals to
the target audience of XXL. In addition the positioning of
the two rappers is shown to be back to back this links with
the sell quote “ If there wasn’t no 50 Cent there would be no
Soulja Boy.” This shows the close bond with one another.
Furthermore the use of a sell quote from one of the rappers
is enticing as it leads to readers wanting to find out more.
The costume both rappers are wearing is conventional for
there genre as the are expected to dress “Hood”. The use
of items such as a gold chain, rings and also a snapback is
a use of iconography as it is a representation of the genre
Colour Scheme: The general colour scheme is red, white
and black with the exception of the grey background. The
use of colour is simple yet highly effective, the colours used
for the page are also the key colours of the logo. The red is
bright and bold colour contrasting with the background and
black and white font. This attracts the audience.