Contents Analysis

1. Rule Of Thirds
Layout/Rule of Thirds - The contents page has a
clear layout. The Band Index is presented in the left
third, so that the reader is easily able to identify the
featured bands. Whilst in the right third, the articles
are arranged in categories, such as ‘News’. The
Editor’s note is centred to highlight the theme of
the magazine, which in this case is ‘Touring Special’.
Main Image/Borders- The main image has been highlighted by
using a border. This adds depth to the image so that it appears
separate to the rest of the magazine and can be clearly identified
by the reader.
Masthead – The codes and conventions of
magazine design ensure that the contents page
includes the masthead. This is usually presented in
bold towards the top of the page. Thus, the
magazine can be clearly identified by the target
audience, as often they can recognise the house
style that has been developed by the magazine.
Caption – The main image is directly linked to a
caption, so that the Editor’s note is easily
recognised in association with the main image. The
caption ‘special’ suggests a sense of exclusivity and
encourages the reader to purchase the magazine, in
order to be part of this ‘special offer’.
Page Numbers – Page numbers provide the reader
with a clear indication of where certain articles will
be featured in the magazine. Often it will only be
the main articles that are highlighted, such as from
the front cover, rather than every single page.
Main Heading – Main-headings allow various
articles to be categorised. This makes it even
simpler for the reader to identify where certain
articles are featured. For example, they may only
be interested in ‘Reviews’.
Sub-headings – Often the sub-headings are
highlighted in bold, as they usually refer to the main
articles, which are most likely featured on the front
cover. Therefore, the reader can clearly identify
them, whilst getting an insight into the article.
House style – A magazine’s house style is usually
identified by its use of colours and fonts. Different
magazines will tend to use the same design/layout,
so that the target audience are able to recognise a
consistency. Once a house style becomes instantly
recognisable, the magazine can become branded.
Target audience – Because this is a music magazine,
the target audience would clearly be interested in
music. However, this is a rock music magazine;
therefore the Band Index would be relevant to the
music/reader, so that it would maintain interest
and they would be recognisable to the reader.
Shot Type – The main image is a medium-close up.
This allows the image to show enough emotion
through direct address; thus allowing the reader to
engage in the image. Also, it enables more
background to be incorporated, so that mise-en-scene
can be introduced, demonstrating the
effect/relevance of the tour bus.
Date – due to the codes and conventions of
magazine design, the date is necessary to include
on the contents page. It allows the reader to
identify if it is ‘up-to-date’ with the relevant
news/music.
Editorial Letter- This gives a personal insight into the magazine
and allows the reader to engage with the Editor of the magazine,
so that it does not have such a serious or tense persona. Often it
will incorporate activities/trips relevant to the magazine’s content.