1. Analysis of Magazine Contents Pages NME- September 2009 VIBE- December 2008 INCLUDING: Elements that connect the 3 different parts of a magazine
2. CONTENTS PAGE ANALYSIS 1 MAIN IMAGE: This main image is of an artist who portrays the typical gangster extreme hip-hop image (BIG chunky chains, gold teeth, big rings and watches, cap turned around the wrong way around and tattoos all over his body) The image is a mid-shot which takes up a good half of the contents page which is a nice clear formatting technique which Vibe magazine adopt a lot throughout their magazine covers and contents pages. VIBE LOGO/TAG: VIBE magazines name is situated in the top right hand corner of the contents page which is one of the ways of linking each individual page of the issue to the front page making it a whole vibe document/publication. (Alongside issue date) CONTENTS TITLE: VIBE magazine usually adopt this same style of ‘jumbled/broken’ text throughout all their contents pages ensuring that they are being consistent in the choice of their fonts and default styles. The bottom of the title is covered slightly by the image which is a nice effect added. ISSUE DATE, VIBE NAME AND PAGE NUMBER Like every single VIBE contents page, these 3 pieces of information are crucial to include on the contents page- therefore it will always be seen. The narrowing of his eyes and the tilt of his head really adds to his attitude as a gangster rapper as he looks down at us (camera low angle shot) VIBE MASTHEAD: This use of the vibe ‘V’ is another regular factor that vibe use throughout their numerous issues to ensure that they are always upholding their professionalism and classy look. This time the V is a dark red colour which merges in nicely with the browny red backdrop and the artists brown/maroon coloured cap ARTICLE TITLES & PAGE NUMBERS: This gives readers a quick insight into what the many pages of the magazine entails. (Summaries everything) SUB HEADING: Sub Headings allow clear view of sub topics which are important, but not as important as main titles. ‘Fashion’ Thin strip at the bottom credits photographers and makeup artists involved in the making of the contents page etc.
3. ANALYSIS OF LAYOUT/DESIGN FEATURES OF CONTENTS PAGE 1 Bold and Jumbled Contents title text Features and categories included inside the magazine (such as ‘fashion’) Dominating image of a hip-hop artist takes over the majority of the page. Although it seems to be a simple layout, it has a very clear and professional style which proves to be very effective
4. CONTENTS PAGE ANALYSIS 2 MASTHEAD: The NME masthead remains the same as usual, and in this instance, it is situated in the top banner alongside the ‘contents title’ and it is the same size suggesting that NME usually make their masthead very clear and blatant on their contents pages. (Date of the issue also included) BAND INDEX: This long list on the left hand side column is where NME display a glossary of all the bands they include in their issue and then place a page number next to each band name- helping readers gain easy access to finding their preferred band in order to read about them. DROP CAPS: NME tend to use this regularly throughout their articles and in particular, their contents pages, this helps to enlarge the first letter at the start of an important paragraph. This results in readers drawing their attention to this enlarged letter and reading the paragraph in question before they focus on any other part of the contents page. MAIN IMAGE: The main image is situated in the centre of the contents page and on top of a short paragraph which it links to. It shows one of the band members showing off her bands tour bus and her hand gesture suggests a welcoming smile as she faces towards the NME camera team. EDITORS NOTE: Underneath the image is the title of ‘touring special’ which helps to welcome the start of the editors paragraph which is a welcoming humorous note for the readers to read when they first open the magazine. It also includes page numbers which is clever, as if inviting them to visit these pages. BLACK SUB SECTIONS: The sub headings which are split in important categories are emphasised on the right hand side by being placed in black strips/sub sections in order for them to be clearly distinguished. Also, the red page numbers contrast against the black and white and therefore all information is bold and in the readers face. This box in the bottom right hand side is the ‘advertisement’ section where NME have displayed special offers for readers to pay attention to with key info like contact details (phone&email) Hence the bright yellow colour used. ADVERTISMENTS:
5. ANALYSIS OF LAYOUT/DESIGN FEATURES OF CONTENTS PAGE 2 Masthead and word contents- bold at top with date/issue Image- Made to look like a photo which has been stuck onto a clipboard of some sort TITLES for each section/category ‘Features’ ‘News’ etc. Writing which goes alongside the main central image used in the contents page. Main article is introduced with a small paragraph in the centre of the contents page Advertisements for offers on cheaper subscriptions. Also promotes website Band Index