I have analysed 3 different magazine contents pages

1. Contents page NME (SEPT 2009) ANALYSIS The banner at the top introduces what this page is. It stands out because the white text contrasts on the black background. The date on the contents page helps the audience keep up to date with the magazines. The subheadings are blocked out in capitals and in white text on a black background to make it stand it. The audience only have to look at the subheadings and it will help them understand what's included in this issue in the magazine. It will catch the readers attention, and it makes it easy for them to understand what sections on what page. The brief heading and summary of content with page number in red is keeping the colour scheme the same throughout the magazine. The brief summary may make the reader want to go the page with this on, because they want to read on as it seems interesting. The NME mast head is the same on the contents page and the front cover. It uses the same colour scheme and fonts. This will occur the same throughout the magazine Main image is at a canted angle. The women is stood in front of a tour bus and she is wearing indie/ rock style clothing. Bands are listed in red with page number in black this makes it stand out on the page as it is contrasted, and makes it easy to read. The band index tells the audience the genre of the magazine, from the type of artists that are listed. Image is edited so it looks like a photograph. This is appropriate because it makes the magazine look realistic. It looks as if the photo wasn’t taken professionally, which will make the audience interested because they’ll feel as if they can do this. By reading the editors introduction to contents of magazine you can tell that it’s informal by the way the editors is speaking. The editor is speaking directly to the reader by using words such as ‘you’ and uses friendly words such as ‘thank god’. The introduction talks about things in the magazine and has the page number in brackets next to it, to help the reader find the pages easily. The magazine shows previous or future issues to make the audience want to carry on reading issues. They have made it look as if you’ll be saving money if you ‘subscribe today’. They have put all contacts details underneath, to make it easy for the audience to subscribe. In small print at the bottom it says when the offer ends. They have put this part in a smaller font because not all readers will read it, so it could trick some of the audience. The page is well organized because each section on the page has its own blocks. Making it easy to understand the magazine.

2. Contents page KERRANG (01/11/08) ANALYSIS The subheadings are blocked out in capitals and in yellow text on a black background to make it stand it. The audience only have to look at the subheadings and it will help them understand what's included in this issue in the magazine. It will catch the readers attention, and it makes it easy for them to understand what sections on what page. The magazine shows future issues to make the audience want to carry on reading issues. They have made it look as if you’ll be saving money if you ‘subscribe today’. They have put the contacts details underneath, to make it easy for the audience to subscribe. In small print at the bottom it says when the offer ends. They have put this part in a smaller font because not all readers will read it, so it could trick some of the audience. From looking at the main image you can tell who the band is and what genre it is. There is a caption to tell the audience what page ‘you me at six’ is on. The background of the main image looks foggy and outdoors. The man at the front of the main image is holding a bat and has a serious face, and the men behind him are covered in blood and look scared. You can tell this genre of music is rocker or gothic. The date and issue number on the contents page helps the audience keep up to date with the magazines. The font is white and it is placed on a black background to make it easy to read for the readers. The quote ‘I’ve done many things with my pubic hair’ will make the read intrigued into finding out the gossip and stories. Quotes are used to attract the readers attention and make them want to read on. The brief heading with page number in black is keeping the colour scheme the same throughout the magazine. The brief summary may make the reader want to go the page with this on, because they want to read on as it seems interesting. The font is block capitals throughout the section of ‘this week’.

3. Contents page DRUMMER (01/07) ANALYSIS The date the contents page helps the audience keep up to date with the magazines. The dark red text on the lighter red background is keeping the colour scheme throughout. ‘ DRUMMER’ is the masthead. It’s the name of the magazine. Its in thick bold capital font which makes it stand out. The black text contrasts the white background. Drums are associated with rock bands, so the title of the magazine fits the genre. From looking at the main image you can tell what genre it is. The photograph has been edited to black and white, to fit the genre and the colour scheme in the magazine. You can tell this genre of music is rocker, because the man in the photograph is playing the drums and looks as if he’s in a rock band. The man is playing the drums and the magazine is called ‘drummer’, so this is a good choice of photograph to use. There are 4 photographs in total on the contents page with a set of drums in it. This fits in with the ‘rocker’ genre type. The magazine is called drummer, so the photos help represent the title. The word ‘contents’ is white text contrasts the red background, and makes it easier to read. The colours are used to keep it to the colour scheme of the magazine. The subheadings are in a black font to contrast the white background. The audience only have to look at the subheadings and it will help them understand what's included in this issue in the magazine. It will catch the readers attention, and it makes it easy for them to understand what sections on what page. The numbers next to the subheadings are in a red font, which is sticking to the colour scheme. Each section in the magazine has a block around it. This shows that its well organised. Suggesting that the target audience may be organised and orderly. The editor has put the word ‘exclusive’ next to one of the ‘features’ this will catch the readers attention, and make them think it will be really interesting.