The contents page uses various techniques to appeal to its target male audience and promote the magazine's urban genre and brand identity. The artist featured makes direct eye contact with the camera to create a connection with readers. Stylistic choices like the artist's tattoos and gold jewelry signify the rebellious nature associated with the genre. Presenting the magazine's logo subtly in the background both follows conventions and promotes the brand. The simple, easy-to-navigate layout allows readers to learn about articles without being overwhelmed.

1. By: Angel Gordon

2. The letter „V‟ is outlined within the The fact that the word „contents‟ is
background of the contents page which separated and split up onto three
links the contents page with the rest of different gives the magazine a more
the magazine as it‟s the magazine‟s logo urban and modernized feel as it‟s
which creates a symbiotic link also it breaking the usual conventions of a
promotes the brand identity of the typical magazine contents page which
magazine. This is effective and does not will appeal to the target audience of this
draw attention away from the rest of the particular genre.
contents page. The V initial is big and
bold to reflect a male readership, but
The contents page is split up into two
remains understated and
sections; the main features and a fashion
section, this makes it easy on the eye of
the reader as they‟re not bombarded
The artist featured as the main image on with too much information for them to
this contents page is presented in a sexy take in, this is simple and effective. The
and promiscuous way which will attract use of script font for „features‟ and
both sexes as sex sells, also her legs are „fashion‟ adds to the sophisticated feel.
making a „V‟ shape which not only Also, the use of topic areas allow the
relates to the magazine but also leads up readership to navigate their way around
to the title of the page as well, this is the content more effectively.
effective as the reader‟s attention will be
drawn to her legs which means their
attention will also be subconsciously The artist is making direct eye contact
drawn to the title as her legs lead there. with the camera which creates a direct
link between the model and the reader
which will attract the reader to the
magazine. This direct address makes
Many nude colours are featured within
her seem sexually confident which will
this contents page which ties in with the
appeal to the male audience.
sexy theme and will attract the target
audience. The colour scheme of the page
would appeal to a male audience as
males like things simple and not The artist‟s outfit links in with the colour scheme of the rest of the page which is
distracting. A gradient from softer to effective as it doesn‟t attract attention away from the rest of the page. She is
darker grey allows Ciara to be wearing a leotard with a waist belt which will highlight her curves and is
highlighted and the white title to grab common iconography of this urban genre. Also the shape of her shoes from the
attention at the top. base to the heel mimics the shape of the V creating a symbiotic link.

3. The model/artist is making direct eye contact with the camera, creating a link
between the magazine and the audience. This direct address represents confidence
and self-assurance which are qualities the male target audience will admire. The way in which the
word ‟contents‟ is
separated into three
The magazine‟s logo is different lines shows
presented in the background. It the individualistic and
is a darker shade of the creative nature of this
background colour making it magazine.
stand out however does not
take attention away from the The column of content
rest of the page. This is on the right hand side
effective as it creates a of this contents page is
symbiotic link with the rest of very simple and
the magazine and promotes the organised, it is effective
brand identity of this as it is easy on the eye.
magazine, also it is where the
reader‟s attention is first drawn The model/artist has a
showing that the magazine is rough look about him
following the usual codes of which fits in with the
conventions of a typical urban genre as you‟d
contents page. associate someone in a
suit with being clean
This contents page consists of a cut and shaven
black and white colour scheme however he is breaking
which is repeated throughout; this is that stereotype which
a very masculine colour shows the
scheme, also, there is one bit of individualistic nature of
colour which is the red heart that a
female is holding on the model‟s
this genre which will
chest. This symbolises love and appeal to the
passion which could relate to the magazine‟s target
nature of the article relating to the audience.

4. Incorporating the magazine‟s logo into the background promotes the brand identity of the
magazine and creates a symbiotic link throughout the magazine, this is a good use of codes
and conventions.
The artist is wearing a new era cap
The content is listed on the left hand side backwards showing the
this time, unlike other issues of the edgy, individualistic nature of this
magazine. This could reflect the individual urban genre being promoted. He is
star image of the artist featured and how topless and his pose shows that he is
„VIBE‟ is not afraid to do things differently showing off not only his body but his
and break boundaries. wealth as he has gold teeth also known
as “grills” and has lots of gold and
The logo within the background is the same diamonds on his wrists, hands and neck.
colour as the background however a This is an effect use of iconography and
different shade, this is effective as it makes is useful in signifying the genre of this
it stand out yet it doesn‟t draw attention magazine.
away from the rest of the page, also where
The artist featured on this contents page
the logo is placed is where the reader‟s
is wearing big chains, one of these
attention first goes, this is also an effective
chains contains a man in a balaclava
use of codes and conventions.
which shows the aggressive nature of
this genre and the “gangster” theme that
is often promoted by rappers like
The deep red background connotes passion
himself. These chains connote the urban
which could suggest that this magazine is
genre of this magazine, this is an
passionate about the music and genre it
effective use of iconography as it‟s
promotes. The white text on this contents
something that crops up repeatedly.
page creates a good contrast however it
Also, the tattoos that are present also
could be a down side as it doesn‟t stand out
promote the genre of this magazine and
enough and attention is not really drawn to
the artist‟s rebellious attitude.
it. However, the way in which the content is
presented is effective as it does not bombard The contents page style of this particular The artist‟s pose looks as if he is flexing
the reader with lots of information, it‟s easy magazine is repeated in every issue which his muscles making him look
on the eyes and contains little snippets of in itself creates a brand identity and allows strong, powerful and masculine. The
information which will draw the reader in the magazine to be easily recognisable. artist is also using direct address
making them feel inclined to read more
creating a link between the magazine
about each article.
and the readership.