Codes and conventions of a music magazine contents page

1. Codes and Conventions of a
music magazine contents page
Katie Lewis

2. The Main Image
On a contents page, there is a main image which is linked to the
front cover image. The image is big and stands out from the
rest of the page because it gives the impression the artist is
going to be the main feature of the magazine.

3. Page Numbers
All content pages include page number because it enables
viewers to easily jump to a certain section of the magazine
instantly without looking through the whole magazine for it.
The numbers are generally bold or blocked off to standout
and make it clear for the viewer and the colour of them will
reflect the colour scheme. All the numbers are in
chronological order per section.

4. Cover lines
The cover lines in the contents page are always different to the
ones on the front page and it allows the audience to further
know what the magazine is about.

5. Subsidiary Images
In a contents page these images are normally at the bottom of
the page and they are always small so they don’t take all the
attention of the main image. These also show what else will
be featured in the magazine.

6. Date
The date on a magazine contents page is usually at the top of the
page. It’s also shown on the front page because they want
readers to exactly know when it was published as they may be
looking for a specific one.

7. Heading
The word contents is always big and bold and is separated from
the rest of the text and is always at the top of the page. It will
always fit in with the colour scheme and it will always have a
specific font.

8. Columns
Columns are placed for the structure of the text and images.
There are generally two/three column's. The layout is always
very clear and always the reader to navigate through the
magazine easily by using line gaps between sections.
As shown in both
images, everything is laid
out perfectly as they
both look neat and it
doesn’t look messy. Even
though you can’t see the
columns it’s shown they
have been used due to
the layout looking
perfect.

9. Editors letter
Some magazine contents pages have an editors letter and these
are added to establish a connection between the editor and
reader. It is always clear and takes a bit of room up generally
in the top corner. Also the letter is generally signed at the end
which makes it more personal.

10. Mini version
Sometimes magazine contents pages have an image of the front
cover but it’s always very small and generally in the corner.

11. Subheadings
Subheadings are used to show what is in the magazine. This also
makes it easier and quicker if the reader wanted to find a
specific topic or artist as they can just find there name and go
straight to that page without flicking through the whole
magazine to find what it’s about.

12. Adverts
Adverts are known as subscription details and are usually placed
at the bottom of the page but they usually stand out due to
the colours that have been used in it. It catches the audiences
attention as its generally large and eye catching.

13. Social media pages
On a contents page, this allows the magazine to be a cross-media
product, and allows the audience to find out about the
magazine through social media.

14. Font Size
The heading generally has a font size of 12/13pt and is in capitals
or bold which makes it really stand out to the reader. Sublines
generally have a font size of 11pt so there just a bit smaller than
the heading. There is generally a gap between the title ‘contents
and the page numbers so it doesn’t look squished.